The Indianapolis Colts don’t have an elite wide receiver corps. But it certainly isn’t the worst either. The unit ranked 22nd overall last season.
Jon Spradley of Stampede Blue believes it will be a long and painful season if the Colts’ receivers don’t improve:
“Anthony Richardson needs help. Yes, he too, needs to improve, but he needs skilled and competent players to get the ball to. If the receivers don’t win their matchups consistently, can’t create enough separation, and can’t make the tough catches, it will be a long and painful season. There is a lot of room for improvement. They just have to raise the overall level.”
Led by Michael Pittman Jr., the Colts will go with the same receiving corps from last year. We’ll see if the group can step it up in 2025.
If Colts Receivers Don’t Improve, It’ll Be a “Long and Painful Season” in 2025
Who Are the Colts Receivers?
Michael Pittman Jr. is perhaps the Colts‘ best receiver. Indianapolis picked him in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft. And it was one of general manager Chris Ballard‘s greatest moves. During Pittman’a career in Indy, he has caught 405 passes for 4,470 yards and 18 touchdowns. 2023 was his best season. That year, he had 109 receptions and 1,152 yards, which were both career-highs.
Dealing with a fractured back, Pittman had a disappointing 2024 campaign. His numbers slipped to 69 catches and 808 yards. The Colts will need him to bounce back this upcoming season.
Pittman teams up with Alec Pierce and Josh Downs to form a solid wide receiver trio. Pierce was considered a bust after his first two seasons in the league. Yet, he had a breakout year in 2024. The Chicago area native had 824 yards and seven touchdowns (both career highs). He also led the league with 22.3 yards per catch. If Pierce continues to improve, he could make his first Pro Bowl in 2025.
Downs had a promising rookie year in 2023. Playing in all 17 games, he caught 68 passes for 771 yards and two touchdowns. Then, appearing in only 14 games last season, his numbers improved (72 receptions, 803 yards, and five touchdowns).
Adonai Mitchell is coming off a disappointing rookie season but could step it up in 2025. Rounding out the wide receiver room is Ashton Dulin and second-year player Anthony Gould.
Will They Improve?
Overall, the Colts receivers must improve. But they also need to have a good quarterback passing them the ball. Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones will battle for the starting QB job. It’s unclear, though, who will win.
Richardson had a shoulder injury scare during minicamp, but he’s expected to be ready for training camp. The former Florida star isn’t the most accurate quarterback in the world. He completed just 47.7 percent of his passes last season. But you never know, maybe he’ll step it up as a passer in 2025. Stranger things have happened.
No matter who the quarterback is, expect the Colts receivers to step up. If Pittman can avoid the injury bug, a 1,000-yard season is realistic for him. Pierce and Downs should continue to improve as well. The trio will likely team with rookie tight end Tyler Warren to give Indy a dangerous pass-catching crew this upcoming season.
Main Photo: Christine Tannous – Imagn Images
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