Though the Indianapolis Colts used their first pick in the 2020 NFL Draft to bring in a new wide receiver, the coaching staff is still bullish on the prospects of Parris Campbell in the offensive system.
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Dealt a tough break due to four separate injuries and three surgeries during his rookie season, Campbell wasn’t able to make a strong impact in 2019. But he’s fully healthy now, and the coaching staff has been talking him up lately.
The latest has been that of new wide receivers coach Mike Groh, who liked Campbell before joining the Colts’ staff this offseason.
“(I) really liked him coming out of Ohio State; thought he was dynamic with the ball in his hand. I thought he had elite speed, so he’s able to stretch the defense, and stretch the defense vertically, really, on all levels, get the ball to him quickly,” Groh said Thursday. “I saw the potential to be a very good route runner; wasn’t asked to do a whole lot of that at Ohio State, but I really think his best football, in terms of becoming a complete receiver, is out in front of him.”
Campbell enters a tough situation in 2020 but not one that he can’t overcome. With T.Y. Hilton returning as the lead dog and Michael Pittman Jr. taking over as the X receiver in the offense, Campbell will see more time in the slot while competing for the WR3 role on the depth chart.
Having to deal with the types of injuries and the frequency in which they hit him was tough both physically and mentally on the former second-round pick. However, the Colts are excited to see what they can get in a full season from Campbell.
“He’s extremely bright, he’s tough, he’s willing to do anything that is required of him in whatever role we need him to play, and he’s somebody that the defense has to be aware of, ’cause he can get behind you and score in one play,” said Groh.
Campbell faces a big year in 2020 after missing most of his rookie campaign. He will have to compete and earn his role in the room but as long as he’s healthy, he has a shot at carving out a role in the passing offense.
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