The Indianapolis Colts had to give up wide receiver Michael Pittman this offseason. He had a $29 million cap hit, which was far too high for someone of his production. But after trading Pittman to the Pittsburgh Steelers, Indy needs to find someone to replace some of what Pittman did.
According to ESPN Colts reporter Stephen Holder, Indianapolis is visiting with a somewhat surprising name ahead of the 2026 draft. Not because the player isn't capable of goodness, but because he played at such a small school. That player is Kyle Dixon.
To be sure, Dixon is a respected player in the draft and has reportedly met with half the NFL. His size (he is 6'2" and 220 pounds), speed (he's been timed at 4.45 in the 40-yard dash), and athleticism (a 40.5-inch vertical jump) are highly intriguing. The question is whether a jump in competition will be too much for him.
Indianapolis Colts taking a look at NAIA wide receiver Kyle Dixon
The wide receiver played at NAIA Culver-Stockton, and while he had 12 touchdowns and a bit more than 1,200 receiving yards this past season, he wasn't playing against high-level competition. Could he have been as productive in the FBS, for instance? One can only guess.
According to ESPN's Matt Miller's top 482 players for this year's draft, Dixon came in at 458. That means a longtime draft guru doesn't have huge faith that the wide receiver could turn low-level success into the same kind in the NFL. He might need a year or two to even acclimate to the size and speed of the league.
The Indianapolis Colts might not be looking at drafting Kyle Dixon early, of course. Indy might be one of the many teams taking a peek at the wideout, thinking that he might fall into round six or seven, or be available as an undrafted free agent.
If that is the case, which seems likely, he would definitely be worth taking. The hope being that a smart coaching staff, especially one like the Colts, which employs Reggie Wayne as the wide receivers coach, can take Dixon's raw skills and eventually turn them into an explosive receiver who can beat defenses deep.
In no way would Kyle Dixon be expected to be a true replacement for Michael Pittman next season or in 2027, but maybe by 2028, he could come close. If that is the case, he would be a Day 3 or UDFA steal and not cost Indianapolis much to see how he turns out.
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