INDIANAPOLIS – It is the Colts position group that has underwhelmed the most over the past decade.
Despite notable resources invested into the wideout group, time and time again the position has underperformed.
Most often, it’s been not enough support for T.Y. Hilton.
Now, Hilton falls into the question category as he reaches his 10th NFL season.
Chris Ballard went through this offseason and made zero notable additions to the wideout group.
Hilton was re-signed, but the Colts chose to bypass any March free agent signings at wide receiver.
In the draft, the Colts waited until Round 7 to select a wideout.
But Ballard is optimistic about the outlook of the receiver position this coming season.
Ballard calls Hilton “pound for pound as tough as any guy on this team” and the Colts think that a change in quarterback playing styles will help The Ghost’s production.
When debating whether or not Hilton is this team’s No. 1 WR moving forward, the Colts are extremely high on the second season for Michael Pittman
“We think Pittman is going to be really good,” Ballard says.
As long as the health is a non-issue, which is a massive question, the Colts view Parris Campbell as a huge piece in this offensive puzzle.
Zach Pascal returns as that ‘jack of all trades’ wideout, with the coaching staff having the utmost trust in him.
Behind those guys you have Ashton Dulin, DeMichael Harris, Dezmon Patmon and Mike Strachan all competing for roster spots.
The big fellas—Patmon and Strachan—are particularly intriguing to Ballard.
“Patmon has really big upside as an outside the numbers guy,” the GM says.
“You notice his talent pretty quick,” Ballard said of Strachan after his rookie minicamp debut.
Is there enough support for Carson Wentz with this bunch?
The Colts think so, as they hope to change how this position has been viewed in the past.
