The Indianapolis Colts are likely keeping a keen eye on the wide receiver class for the 2020 NFL draft as this is expected to be one of the best groups we’ve seen in a while.
Some have even gone as far as to say this year’s class could rival the talent of the 2014 group, which has several players producing at a high level. While there will be an endless debate in where these prospects belong in which round, Daniel Jeremiah of NFL.com is extremely bullish on the group.
In fact, eight of his top-50 prospects in the draft are wide receivers. Here’s how his most recent rankings broke down for the position:
- No. 9: CeeDee Lamb, Oklahoma
- No. 10: Jerry Jeudy, Alabama
- No. 11: Henry Ruggs III, Alabama
- No. 14: Justin Jefferson, LSU
- No. 27: Brandon Aiyuk, Arizona State
- No. 28: Tee Higgins, Clemson
- No. 36: Laviska Shenault, Colorado
- No. 44: Denzel Mims, Baylor
The Colts have three picks within the top-45 so if they really want to, they can find some high-end talent to add to the room. The top three in Lamb, Jeudy and Ruggs would all have to be considered with the No. 13 overall pick. They aren’t expected to last into the second round.
But it still remains a mystery if general manager Chris Ballard is willing to use that high of a pick on a wide receiver. During his time with the Colts, he has shown an affinity of waiting until after Day 1—and in most cases after Day 2—when drafting a wide receiver.
With some elite talent coming out of this class, it could change his tune, but there are still prospects at more impactful positions he might value more.
There is still over a month until the Colts enter the draft, but they shouldn’t have any problem finding a wide receiver.