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INDIANAPOLIS – For what seems like the umpteenth season, the Colts did not get enough help from the bulk of their wideout group in 2019.
But unlike recent years, injuries contributed to T.Y. Hilton having the least amount of production of his career.
Injuries were a storyline for virtually the entire wideout position group last season.
Chris Ballard doesn’t want to hear that excuse though.
“The injuries at wideout…I’ve got do a better job of making sure we have enough depth for when those guys have to play,” the GM says.
Certainly, for a second straight year, the Colts face pressing questions at the wideout position. Those questions are here in the present, but also down the road.
Hilton, 30, isn’t getting any younger as he reaches the end to his current contract in 2021.
Devin Funchess is a very curious free agent dilemma to weigh after he suffered a season-ending injury in Week 1 last year.
Rookie Parris Campbell is someone the Colts remain very high on, but 4 different injuries limited him to just 7 games in Year One.
While Zach Pascal remains a staff favorite (as he should), he would look a lot better further down the depth chart.
Other options at receiver include Marcus Johnson, Reece Fountain and Chester Rogers (free agent).
As the Colts look at the 2020 offseason at wideout, similar resources to what the team invested at that position last spring should be use again this year.
That means an upper level free agent coming in March, while also using a premium draft pick at receiver in April’s Draft.
“Do we need to add more explosive elements to our offense? Yeah, we do,” Ballard says.
“Just guys that have the ball. I don’t know if you ever get one out of the college ranks who is completely polished. They have traits to be ready. It’s one of the harder positions coming in this league. Can it be done? Yes. It can absolutely be done. You see it in the league right now. With all the press coverage, with all the different looks they get. Then with the physicality and all the things they have to deal with in our league. It’s not an easy transition. Just want somebody who can catch the ball and go score.”
No matter who is under center for the Colts in 2020, they need more playmaking from the wideout position.
