Ranking the top 6 receivers Colts could draft in second round
By Brad Marr
Evaluating the options at wide receiver for the Colts’ first pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.
The Indianapolis Colts moved up five spots in the Draft after swapping their initial 47th pick for the 42nd overall pick with the Washington Commanders as part of the Carson Wentz trade. Soon later, Indy sent a third-round pick to the Atlanta Falcons in exchange for 2016 MVP quarterback Matt Ryan.
With so much movement this offseason around the player that will be under center for 2022, it’s improbable the Colts seek to add yet another signal-caller with their first selection in this year’s NFL draft.
Add on that Indianapolis has made a cluster of defensive signings that include cornerback Brandon Facyson and safety Armani Watts while also bringing back special teams captain Zaire Franklin and defensive end Tyquan Lewis. Indy also traded for defensive end Yannick Ngakoue. The likelihood the Colts go defense early on is slim.
So where would Indy go on offense? Some experts think left tackle is a possibility but wide receiver also seems like a pretty good spot.
Colts should draft a receiver first
Michael Pittman Jr. had an incredible sophomore season and is on pace to take the torch from free agent and former primary target, T.Y. Hilton. The depth behind MPJ, however, is open for competition.
Injuries have plagued Parris Campbell’s career thus far, Ashton Dulin is a rising star but for special teams more so than offense, Dezmon Patmon has seen limited action in the offense, and Michael Strachan, a seventh-round selection last season, still has some questions to answer before guaranteeing his roster spot.
Given the veteran wide receiver market is practically at a standstill since division rival Jacksonville Jaguars overcompensated with their cap money for mid-name WRs, the Colts should indeed look elsewhere to add talent to their offense.
Considering the amount of talent at the wide receiver position in this class, and Indy’s GM Chris Ballard already catching on to the probability of landing an explosive playmaker, there is only one question in regards to what the Colts need to do with their first pick this year, Who?