After the receiver production last season, the Indianapolis Colts should only be thinking about drafting a receiver with their first pick.
The NFL Draft is only a couple of weeks away and in theory, there are a couple of directions the Indianapolis Colts could go with their first pick.
The team has needs at receiver, corner, tight end, left tackle, and they also need to find a quarterback of the future. But let’s be real, there’s only one position that should be selected when the Colts are on the clock at No. 42: wide receiver.
The wide receiver position was one of the worst units for Indianapolis and one of the worst in the league. Unfortunately, that group has gotten worse since the season ended.
Looking at last season’s stats for the receivers currently on the roster and it’s clear that Indianapolis needs to immediately select one of the talented receivers in the Draft.
targets for current Colts WRs last yr
— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) April 12, 2022
129 - Michael Pittman
22 - Ashton Dulin
20 - Parris Campbell
4 - Dezmon Patmon
3 - Mike Strachan
1 - Keke Coutee
0 - De'Michael Harris
beyond WR @LordReebs & @DanPizzuta examine their draft needshttps://t.co/rbx3jOSpIk
Colts must address receiver first in the Draft
Michael Pittman Jr., who led Indianapolis in every receiving category, is returning, but after him, the drop-off is embarrassingly significant.
Zach Pascal, who was second for Indy last year with 69 targets, is now with the Philadelphia Eagles. TY Hilton had the third-most targets for a receiver with 37 and his future is still unknown.
Also unknown is what the remaining receivers can offer to the Colts. They are all young and inexperienced and haven’t been able to prove themselves as serious receiving threats.
That is exactly why Indianapolis needs to draft a receiver with its first selection. At No. 42, there will be several talented wideouts that should come in and immediately produce.
The Colts are in dire need of more production in the passing game. Although Jonathan Taylor is special and the identity of this offense is running the ball, Indy has to be able to pass if they want to make it far.
It would be a disservice to the newly acquired quarterback, Matt Ryan, if Indianapolis doesn’t immediately get him another wide receiver in the draft. Although there will be intriguing receivers available throughout the seven rounds, the Colts need to get the best one that’s on the board in the second round.
Ranking the top 6 receivers Colts could draft in second round
The Indianapolis Colts hold the 42nd overall pick in the 2022 NFL draft. Here's a look at the wide receiver options that can best complete the offense.