The Indianapolis Colts stayed put at No. 34 and made their first selection of the 2020 NFL draft. With a big need at wide receiver, the Colts took Michael Pittman Jr. out of USC.
Indianapolis brought in Philip Rivers over the offseason to improve their quarterback play and while in San Deigo/Los Angeles, Rivers thrived off of playing with big body wide receiver. While Rivers isn’t the long term answer, the Colts got Rivers a target that he will very much enjoy in the 6-foot-4, 223-pound target from USC.
While there were rumors the Colts would trade out of the 34th pick to accumulate more selections, Ballard and Co. didn’t like an offer they received and rather quickly turned in the virtual card to commish Roger Goddell to get Pittman in a Colts uniform.
Big, smart, and reliable, Pittman falls into the “possession receiver” bin but has top-notch ball skills that allow him to bully and best cornerbacks down the field. Improving release quickness against press will be an early focal point in camp, but his frame and physicality should create workspace underneath even with close coverage.
Look for head coach Frank Reich to use Pittman in the red-zone area and goal-line situations. His skill set is likely best suited to play X or as a big slot. He will be a 4 phase, core special teamer in the NFL. Being an excellent special teamer probably led to Ballard taking Pittman over other wide receivers still on the board.
Pittman does lack the speed and separation quickness teams covet from WR1 candidates, but he comes from NFL bloodlines and plays with a pro demeanor. Early on he won’t be forced into that No. 1 role with the Colts still having T.Y. Hilton on the roster. Pittman should be a productive plug-and-play talent at WR2 going into this season.
He needs to continue to work on weight transfer and dropping his hips at the top of the route. Needs to do a better job at winning at the line of scrimmage against the press. Doesn’t have great speed on 8 and 9 routes so become a better, more savvy route runner could help him in this regard.
For this being the first selection of the draft for the Colts they knew it had to be an instant impact player, and Pittman will slide right in and contribute whether on special teams or as the second wide receiver opposite Hilton.
Grade: A