Parris Campbell has the opportunity to change the narrative surrounding him with a strong and healthy 2022 season for the Indianapolis Colts.
Ohio State has produced a ton of NFL talent at practically every position on the football field. Most notably, at wide receiver, hence earning the title “WRU” amongst College and NFL fans alike. Populating the league as Buckeye alum are Terry Mclaurin, Michael Thomas, Curtis Samuel, newly first-round draft picks Chris Olave, and Garrett Wilson, then most importantly, Parris Campbell.
While the others are already known league-wide for their on-the-field dominance, Parris Campbell has unfortunately experienced a vastly different path in his limited career. A chain of monostrophic injuries has riddled his time with the Indianapolis Colts and some have even labeled the second-round pick an NFL bust.
Bleacher Report listed a number of players that can shed their “bust” label in 2022, and on the list is none other than Parris Campbell.
Parris Campbell can shed bust label in 2022
Overcoming injuries is no walk in the park, and you have to assume players do what they can in hopes of avoiding them. Sometimes, it’s bad luck regardless of superstition. With Campbell that may be the case.
After missing more than half the season his rookie year with three different injuries (abdominal injury, broken hand, fractured foot), a Week 2 knee injury ended his sophomore campaign. That same foot injury put a damper on his 2021 season that almost showcased his ability as a true deep threat in the NFL.
His limited playing time could be beneficial to the Colts though.
Nobody really knows the true ceiling Campbell has as a player, and that’s what makes him a dangerous piece to the Colts’ offense. Teams across the league have only seen a glimpse of what #1 is capable of on the field.
Chris Ballard has continued the support for having Campbell, being quoted at the scouting combine that he’s “not quitting on” the speedy playmaker. Ballard followed that up by saying the Colts will add competition to the position group, and they’ve done just that after drafting Alec Pierce out of Cincinnati.
As the Colts roster lays now, Campbell is potentially in running as the No. 2 or 3 receiver on the depth chart behind another young star in Michael Pittman Jr.
Behind that trio are Dezmon Patmon, Ashton Dulin, and fan-favorite Michael Strachan. T.Y. Hilton could be looking at another homecoming, but it’s no question Parris Campbell at his peak has a better chance at recreating the dominant deep threat presence T.Y. once held in the Colts offense.
Parris Campbell is poised for having a breakout year in 2022 and has remained optimistic so far this offseason. “I feel great” is such a promising phrase to hear from a player with such potential. His confidence and mental state will carry him into year four with high hopes of finally showcasing what’s in store to the doubters across the league.
Availability is the best ability, so they say. Campbell is on his last leg entering the final year of his rookie contract with the Colts.
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