The Indianapolis Colts have high hopes for their wide receiver corps in 2020 and much of that falls on the development of the speedy Parris Campbell, who enters his second year in the league.
Campbell has been shining throughout training camp since the pads have come on, and his rapport with new quarterback Philip Rivers is getting off to a hot start.
Head coach Frank Reich said he sees a difference in the way Campbell has been carrying himself, appearing to be more confident than in his rookie campaign.
“You see the confidence breaking the huddle. You can see the rookie receivers breaking the huddle thinking, ‘OK, what do I got? Where is my alignment?'” Reich told reporters Tuesday. “To Parris, that is all automatic and that just allows his physical gifts to come forward, which obviously we all know he has many of those. I just think you’re seeing that in his play. He just looks very confident.”
There are stories like this every year both with the Colts and with teams around the league. “X player is confident this year.” But in Campbell’s case, it actually could turn into a breakout campaign.
The Colts drafted Campbell in the second round of the 2019 draft because of his game-breaking speed, reliable hands and the fact that he is a fantastic fit in the offense. But his rookie season never got going because of the slew of injuries keeping him off the field.
But now, Campbell knows exactly where he needs to be. He’s breaking the huddle knowing what his role is and everyone else’s around him. When working with a veteran quarterback like Rivers, that’s imperative.
“Yeah, he looks strong, fast, smart, explosive, good hands, understands the offense, consistent,” said Reich. “I mean, it’s early but that’s what we are looking for from him. Now we just need that to continue to build.”
The Colts also drafted Michael Pittman Jr. in the second round to be the X receiver in the formation but given he’s a rookie, there is a learning curve to be had. This is especially true when considering the limited offseason.
Campbell gets the advantage there having already been in the offense for a season.
“Yeah, I think as much in Parris’ (Campbell) particular situation, I think mentally Parris is a really smart guy. But as I said before even with Pitt (Michael Pittman), there is always an adjustment for receivers just because there is a lot going on in the offense and a lot that you are responsible to know,” said Reich. “We have high expectations there. That is why we always try to draft smart guys, of which Parris is one of those, but I just think that he just has complete command.”
There is no denying that the Colts passing offense should see an increase in both volume and efficiency with Rivers under center. Campbell will be a big part of that phase of the game.
And if he continues to grow and prove himself as a reliable target, there’s a chance he’s second on the team in targets behind T.Y. Hilton.