Who will be the Colt's WR2 in 2022?

[Bolt Colt]

Who Will Be the Colts' WR2 in 2022?

Michael Pittman Jr is firmly solidified as the Colts' top wide receiver. Which player steps up as the number two option behind him?

ZACH HICKS

 

The Indianapolis Colts are heading into yet another season in the Chris Ballard/Frank Reich era with some questions at the wide receiver position. While Michael Pittman Jr is firmly in place as the teams' top target, there are plenty of questions about the spots behind him.

In today's piece, I dive into the games of Alec Pierce and Parris Campbell to discuss which player has the best chance of taking control of that second receiver spot. I also talk about the other players that could surprise in camp to take this role.

The Case for Alec Pierce

First up is the rookie that every Colts' fan is excited about. The Colts selected Pierce with the 53rd overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, making him the second-highest pick that Ballard has spent on a receiver in his time with the team.

Pierce had a strong college career with the Cincinnati Bearcats in college, hauling in 106 catches for 1,851 yards and 13 touchdowns in 36 games played. He was primarily used as a deep threat in college, which is evident by his staggering 17.5 yards per reception with the Bearcats.

While it typically takes rookie pass catchers some time to make an impact with the Colts, Pierce may have a better opportunity to grab a significant role early than other players in past seasons. He has very little competition in camp for the outside 'Z' receiver spot.

His ability down the field should be an excellent compliment to Michael Pittman Jr's ability to work the intermediate/short areas of the defense. With Pierce, the Colts have a player that can win jump balls in one on one situations, but also can fly past unsuspecting defenders with his blistering 4.41 speed.

He may not be the most refined route runner in the world out of the gate, but his speed, size, and knowledge of how to use leverage would make him a perfect play-side deep threat in year one. He doesn't have to run the full route tree, he just has to excel on a certain set of routes (slants, digs, vertical shots, hitches, and comebacks).

Based off of his college film, these routes shouldn't be too difficult for him out of the gate.

Another aspect to consider is that the Colts targeted receiver Zach Pascal around 30 times a season over the middle of the field the past three years. With Pascal now in Philadelphia, those vacated targets could be up for grabs. Pierce is the perfect big-bodied target to take this type of role over the middle.

While there could be a learning curve out of the gate for the young receiver, Pierce should be in line for a heavy workload in year one if he puts together a strong camp with the Colts.

The Case for Parris Campbell

We can't go one offseason without being irrationally too excited about Parris Campbell. Campbell was selected with the 59th pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, and he has yet to live up to his draft status in the league.

His talent has never been in question.. he just can't stay healthy. As a rookie in 2019, Campbell missed nine games with a myriad of injuries. After a strong camp and week one performance in 2020, he ended up missing the final 14 games of the year with a leg injury. The 2021 season was also much of the same, as he missed 11 games due to injury this past year.

It is risky to put any faith in the young receiver at this point, and the 2022 season is certainly a make-or-break year for Campbell. With all of that being said, there is a path for success for him this upcoming season.

Campbell is arguably the second best receiver, talent-wise, on the Colts at the moment and he has the most experience under his belt on the roster (behind Pittman Jr). His film from a year ago was pretty strong, despite him only appearing in six games overall.

He has grown quite a bit as a route runner, and his speed is still on another level from most players. If he can just stay healthy, obviously this is a major if, he should see a healthy amount of targets in this offense with Matt Ryan.

One other aspect to factor into Campbell's projection is that the Colts have always tried to get him involved when he has been healthy. He averages over three targets a game in his career, and he has done some good things when he has seen the ball thrown his way.

Overall, it all comes down to health with Campbell. If this can finally be the year where he plays in all 17 games (or at least 10 maybe?), he could easily finish the season as the second-most productive receiver in the offense.

Other Players of Note

Ashton Dulin: Dulin is entering his fourth year with the Colts in 2022. The special teams ace has grown considerably as a receiver in his time in the league. He should settle in nicely as the team's WR4 early on and be a capable fill-in if there is an injury at the top of the roster.

Dezmon Patmon: Patmon is a former sixth round pick entering his third year with the Colts. While he has spent some time on the active roster with the team, he has yet to properly find a role with the Colts. This offseason will be a big one for him to see if he survives another year with the team.

Michael Strachan: Strachan is entering his second year with the Colts after a very quiet rookie season in 2021. As a late round pick out of a small school, the Colts clearly didn't think he was ready for action last year. He is another player that will need a big offseason to prove his value for 2022.

Keke Coutee: The wildcard in the group. Coutee spent a majority of last season on the Colts' practice squad after a fairly successful start to his career with the Houston Texans. Shockingly, he is currently the second most productive receiver on the Colts' roster. If he can make some plays in camp, he could find himself on the opening day roster for 2022. 

[Four2itus]

It serves nothing to doubt that PC will finally make his all season debut. 

[NewColtsFan]

Given health….   I think the duo of Campbell and Pierce to be in line for roughly 85 catches total.   About 50 for Campbell (3 per game) and about 35 for Pierce (2 per game).   
 

I see Pittman getting about 85 catches. 
 

And I hope the trio of Dulin, Patmon and Strachan together catch about 40.  Roughly just under 1 catch each per game.  But perhaps less if WR6 doesn’t make the game day 47. 
 

I think the balance would make our offense more dangerous and efficient. 

[LiveAndLetAddai]

 

If healthy, Campbell...if not, Pierce, or possibly Dulin...

[EastStreet]

 

IF Campbell stays healthy, he's easily #2. Might even be #1. But the health question is a huge IF... 

 

If Campbell isn't healthy, coin toss between Dulin and Pierce. Probably more Dulin early, and more Pierce late. 

[Nickster]

TBD

[LJpalmbeacher2]

I say Pittman will be our #2.

One of the kids or Campbell emerge and take over the #1.

[throwing BBZ]

16 hours ago, Bolt Colt said:

Who Will Be the Colts' WR2 in 2022?

Michael Pittman Jr is firmly solidified as the Colts' top wide receiver. Which player steps up as the number two option behind him?

ZACH HICKS

 

The Indianapolis Colts are heading into yet another season in the Chris Ballard/Frank Reich era with some questions at the wide receiver position. While Michael Pittman Jr is firmly in place as the teams' top target, there are plenty of questions about the spots behind him.

In today's piece, I dive into the games of Alec Pierce and Parris Campbell to discuss which player has the best chance of taking control of that second receiver spot. I also talk about the other players that could surprise in camp to take this role.

The Case for Alec Pierce

First up is the rookie that every Colts' fan is excited about. The Colts selected Pierce with the 53rd overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, making him the second-highest pick that Ballard has spent on a receiver in his time with the team.

Pierce had a strong college career with the Cincinnati Bearcats in college, hauling in 106 catches for 1,851 yards and 13 touchdowns in 36 games played. He was primarily used as a deep threat in college, which is evident by his staggering 17.5 yards per reception with the Bearcats.

While it typically takes rookie pass catchers some time to make an impact with the Colts, Pierce may have a better opportunity to grab a significant role early than other players in past seasons. He has very little competition in camp for the outside 'Z' receiver spot.

His ability down the field should be an excellent compliment to Michael Pittman Jr's ability to work the intermediate/short areas of the defense. With Pierce, the Colts have a player that can win jump balls in one on one situations, but also can fly past unsuspecting defenders with his blistering 4.41 speed.

He may not be the most refined route runner in the world out of the gate, but his speed, size, and knowledge of how to use leverage would make him a perfect play-side deep threat in year one. He doesn't have to run the full route tree, he just has to excel on a certain set of routes (slants, digs, vertical shots, hitches, and comebacks).

Based off of his college film, these routes shouldn't be too difficult for him out of the gate.

Another aspect to consider is that the Colts targeted receiver Zach Pascal around 30 times a season over the middle of the field the past three years. With Pascal now in Philadelphia, those vacated targets could be up for grabs. Pierce is the perfect big-bodied target to take this type of role over the middle.

While there could be a learning curve out of the gate for the young receiver, Pierce should be in line for a heavy workload in year one if he puts together a strong camp with the Colts.

The Case for Parris Campbell

We can't go one offseason without being irrationally too excited about Parris Campbell. Campbell was selected with the 59th pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, and he has yet to live up to his draft status in the league.

His talent has never been in question.. he just can't stay healthy. As a rookie in 2019, Campbell missed nine games with a myriad of injuries. After a strong camp and week one performance in 2020, he ended up missing the final 14 games of the year with a leg injury. The 2021 season was also much of the same, as he missed 11 games due to injury this past year.

It is risky to put any faith in the young receiver at this point, and the 2022 season is certainly a make-or-break year for Campbell. With all of that being said, there is a path for success for him this upcoming season.

Campbell is arguably the second best receiver, talent-wise, on the Colts at the moment and he has the most experience under his belt on the roster (behind Pittman Jr). His film from a year ago was pretty strong, despite him only appearing in six games overall.

He has grown quite a bit as a route runner, and his speed is still on another level from most players. If he can just stay healthy, obviously this is a major if, he should see a healthy amount of targets in this offense with Matt Ryan.

One other aspect to factor into Campbell's projection is that the Colts have always tried to get him involved when he has been healthy. He averages over three targets a game in his career, and he has done some good things when he has seen the ball thrown his way.

Overall, it all comes down to health with Campbell. If this can finally be the year where he plays in all 17 games (or at least 10 maybe?), he could easily finish the season as the second-most productive receiver in the offense.

Other Players of Note

Ashton Dulin: Dulin is entering his fourth year with the Colts in 2022. The special teams ace has grown considerably as a receiver in his time in the league. He should settle in nicely as the team's WR4 early on and be a capable fill-in if there is an injury at the top of the roster.

Dezmon Patmon: Patmon is a former sixth round pick entering his third year with the Colts. While he has spent some time on the active roster with the team, he has yet to properly find a role with the Colts. This offseason will be a big one for him to see if he survives another year with the team.

Michael Strachan: Strachan is entering his second year with the Colts after a very quiet rookie season in 2021. As a late round pick out of a small school, the Colts clearly didn't think he was ready for action last year. He is another player that will need a big offseason to prove his value for 2022.

Keke Coutee: The wildcard in the group. Coutee spent a majority of last season on the Colts' practice squad after a fairly successful start to his career with the Houston Texans. Shockingly, he is currently the second most productive receiver on the Colts' roster. If he can make some plays in camp, he could find himself on the opening day roster for 2022. 

 

 So many words, pure pablum.

[throwing BBZ]

14 hours ago, NewColtsFan said:

Given health….   I think the duo of Campbell and Pierce to be in line for roughly 85 catches total.   About 50 for Campbell (3 per game) and about 35 for Pierce (2 per game).   
 

I see Pittman getting about 85 catches. 
 

And I hope the trio of Dulin, Patmon and Strachan together catch about 40.  Roughly just under 1 catch each per game.  But perhaps less if WR6 doesn’t make the game day 47. 
 

I think the balance would make our offense more dangerous and efficient. 

 

  Some might think those numbers are a little low here and there, but with 3 tight ends and two RB's having the ball spread around to them also, and such a strong running game, they look good to me. 
 Knock on wood, but Frank now has all the weapons, and Iconic Colt Reggie teaching and helping game plan, and with in game adjustments,  so that we will have a very hard to stop O.
 Frank is going to be confident so we will probably lead the league going for it on 4th down.     

  

[Matabix]

So many questions about our receiving targets. I think Pittman will get 85+ receptions. I think 2nd most will be Hines at 60+. If Pierce gets 40+ it'll be a good year to build off of. I think 110+ receptions will be separated among the TE group, I think this will be the biggest difference between this year and last. Paris or Dulin will have about 50. 

Side note I think Strachan has higher ceiling than Patmon, but I believe both will play different spots. 

[Dingus McGirt]

2 hours ago, throwing BBZ said:

 

 So many words, pure pablum.

So few words, pure insight

[sb41champs]

I think the Colts will have Matt Ryan throwing to a lot of different receivers - and - TE's in this year's offense.  Additionally - many pundits have touted the fact that RB Nyheim Hines will be receiving more WR targets.

 

Having to number your receiver group is silly.  It will all shake out during the season.

 

Another thing to consider:  The Colts "may" end up acquiring a wideout or two during roster cuts.

 

In other words:  stay tuned!!