3 biggest X-factors for the Colts in 2022

2. Parris Campbell

It’s now or never for Campbell, who’s entering the fourth and final year of his rookie contract as a former second-round pick in 2019.

Stop us if you’ve heard this before over the last three years, but Campbell showed out during OTAs and mandatory minicamp. As Colts fans are all too aware of, this is generally where things have gone downhill for Campbell, as a litany of injuries have limited him to 15 games over his first three seasons.

Talent has never been the question with Campbell, who has the speed to take the top off opposing defenses and can have a Deebo Samuel-like effect as a ball-carrier due to his vision. Injuries have unfortunately been the story of his NFL career thus far, but he has a clean bill of health entering training camp.

If the football gods allow Campbell to stay on the field, he could emerge as a security blanket in the slot for Matt Ryan with Michael Pittmand (6-foot-4) and second-round rookie Alec Pierce (6-foot-3) slated to start on the boundary.

It’s not a stretch to say that Campbell’s availability, or lack thereof, could make or break the Colts’ potential on offense. While the offense will run through Jonathan Taylor, Indy doesn’t have another receiver of Campbell’s profile on the roster. Still just 24 years old, there’s still time for Campbell to salvage his career.