Arguably the biggest need for the Indianapolis Colts entering the 2020 NFL draft comes at the wide receiver position where the team should be expected to address the group early on in the draft.
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Starters: T.Y. Hilton, Zach Pascal
Backups: Parris Campbell, Daurice Fountain, Ashton Dulin
Level of need: High
Cap investment: $21.1 million (21st in NFL)
Quick review
The Colts have a wide receiver room led by Hilton. It’s a group that has some solid talent and upside with Pascal and Campbell, but the majority of the room remains unproven. The Colts weren’t active in free agency at the position, which likely means they will invest early in a wide receiver.
With Hilton in a contract year, the Colts need to begin adding to top tier talent to the room.
Draft preview
Draft Wire Wide Receiver Rankings
Best fit: Michael Pittman Jr., USC
There are so many wide receiver prospects who would fit well with the Colts, and they should have their pick of the litter in the second round with the many talented options. But Pittman seems like a perfect prospect for Indy. He has the size and ball skills to work on the boundary while providing the Colts with a physical X-receiver, something they haven’t had in a while. He has strong, reliable hands and would be a perfect addition to the wide receiver room.
Prospect to avoid: Anthony Gandy-Golden, Liberty
There is some upside to Gandy-Golden’s game, especially if a team can find a way to develop him on the outside. However, he has a raw game—one that needs refinement as a route runner before he can make a consistent impact. His long speed is a concern and while he’s shown the ability to win in tight spaces, he has a lot of development to go through before making an impact.
Sleeper prospect: Donovan Peoples-Jones, Michigan
There are a lot of polarizing thoughts on Peoples-Jones. He’s an insane athlete but didn’t have much production in college, mostly due to the offense and quarterback play at Michigan. However, his athleticism makes him extremely intriguing for the Colts as a player that could be a potential steal on Day 2.
Picks most likely to be used on a wide receiver: Nos. 34, 44, 75
Trade up probability: Low — I wouldn’t expect the Colts to trade up for a wide receiver, especially on Day 2 since there are so many options.