The Indianapolis Colts possess a talented wide receiver corps. But is the unit one of the best in the NFL?
Leading up to the 2024 NFL Draft, the Colts were rumored to trade up for Marvin Harrison Jr. The former Ohio State star, who’s considered the best receiver in the draft, could’ve been a fantastic pickup for the team.
However, Indianapolis never made the trade. Harrison wound up going to the Arizona Cardinals fourth overall. Instead, the wide receiver-needy Colts used the 15th pick on UCLA defensive end Laiatu Latu.
Although the Colts didn’t add Harrison, they still have a group of receivers with whom they can win games. Guys like Michael Pittman Jr. and Josh Downs lead the way for the unit.
Do the 2024 Colts Have one of the NFL’s Top Wide Receiver Corps?
The League’s Best Receiving Groups On Paper
The Houston Texans, Indianapolis’ AFC South rival, possess arguably the NFL’s top WR group. Nico Collins (1,297 yards and eight touchdowns) and Tank Dell (709 and seven touchdowns) were solid last season.
Then the team went out and acquired Stefon Diggs this offseason. The four-time Pro Bowler has reached the 1000-yard mark in the past six seasons. Diggs, along with Collins and Dell could surely help quarterback CJ Stroud win MVP next season.
The new-look Chicago Bears also look good at the wide receiver position. DJ Moore had over 1,300 yards last season. Keenan Allen, who was traded to the team this offseason, is coming off a 1,200-yard campaign with the Los Angeles Chargers. In addition, Chicago drafted intriguing WR Rome Odunze ninth overall this year.
The Miami Dolphins are another perfect example. They have the trio of Tyreek Hill, who led the league in receiving yards last season, Jaylen Waddle, and newcomer Odell Beckham Jr.
Colts’ Underrated WR Room
Michael Pittman Jr. is currently the best receiver on the Colts roster. Last season, he caught 109 passes for 1,152 yards and four touchdowns. He was one of Indy’s most important players in 2023, nearly helping the Anthony Richardson-less squad reach the playoffs.
Josh Downs put together a terrific rookie year. The third-round pick had 68 receptions, 771 yards, and a pair of TDs.
Alec Pierce is considered a bust by a lot of fans. Yet, he could muster up a breakout year with Richardson returning from injury. Richardson has a cannon for an arm, which can certainly help Pierce, who’s known as a deep-threat receiver.
While the Colts didn’t draft a receiver in the first round, they took one in the second round (Adonai Mitchell). The former Texas Longhorn may turn out to be a steal for Indianapolis. The 6-foot-2, 205-pounder provides the offense with both size and speed, which is ideal for an NFL receiver.
Rounding out the Colts WR room is Ashton Dulin and rookie Anthony Gould. Dulin will try to bounce back after missing last season with a torn ACL. Gould, drafted in the fifth round this year, is expected to be a kick returner.
The Colts’ receiving corps is underrated. There isn’t a Tyreek Hill or Stefon Diggs on the roster, but they have the potential to be one of the best in the league.
Main Photo: [Trevor Ruszkowski] – USA Today Sports
