As a rookie, wide receiver Anthony Gould’s biggest impact may come on special teams as a return man, but early on in training camp, he’s showcasing his big play ability on offense.
“He’s made some big plays,” said offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter on Wednesday, “and he’s had some opportunities that just haven’t quite gotten there, whether it’s just a hair off with the throw or a hair off with some good coverage. Anthony has shown us that he’s going to have the ability to make big plays.”
With 4.39 speed, Gould has the ability to win downfield, although the Colts already have a few players who bring that element to the offense. However, where Gould can bring something different to the table is on short-area throws, or designed touches in space where his YAC abilities can take over.
During his final two seasons at Oregon State, Gould averaged 16.2 and 16.9 yards per catch.
“Right now he’s pushing the ball down the field,” added Cooter. “We’ve just sort of gotten the pads on, and obviously, we’re not playing tackle football right now, but I think some of the catch-and-run stuff is something that Anthony can do well. He’s got a really exciting skill set.”
With Michael Pittman, Josh Downs, Alec Pierce, and Adonai Mitchell ahead of him on the depth chart, the opportunities on offense this season for Gould may be small, especially with how little the Colts used four and five receiver sets in 2023.
But depending on the game-plan or who the opponent is, his skill set provides Shane Steichen with a change of pace option at the receiver position.
“He comes to work every day and works,” Cooter said. “He’s working really hard in Coach Reggie’s (Wayne) drills. He’s putting his time in with special teams. He’s making the most of this training camp to improve himself, but also show us what he’s got.
“We’re excited about the offense that we’re putting together this year and the different tools we have and guys and ways we can attack the defense. I think Anthony’s trying to break into that and sorta show us what he can do when gets those opportunities and he’s done that.”
It wasn’t only at receiver where the Colts wanted to add more playmaking this offseason, but to their return unit as well.
Gould enters the NFL an accomplished return man at the college level, being named an All-American in 2022, averaging 18.3 yards per punt return with two touchdowns. Gould would average a still impressive 15.7 yards per return in 2023.
Gould won’t only bring a dynamic presence to the Colts’ punt return unit, but the kick return unit as well with the new rules being implemented this season.
“I think Anthony being one of the top punt returners in college football is really exciting to get him to join our group. That skill set is something that we can use in the new kickoff model,” special teams coordinator Brian Mason said.