When it comes to offseason objectives, getting more explosive on the offensive side of the ball is near the top of the list for the Indianapolis Colts.
One way they can do that is through the 2024 NFL draft. This class is known to be an extremely strong group at the wide receiver position, which means the Colts are likely in play for one of them at the No. 15 overall pick.
In his pre-combine conference call with the media, NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah had a trio of wideouts he believes fits what the Colts need.
“If you want to get more explosive and you are looking potentially at wide receivers that could be there at that point in time, you know, Brian Thomas who we just mentioned would probably be at the top of my list from LSU. He would give them that and somebody who can really, really get vertical,” Jeremiah said Thursday. “I wouldn’t sleep on — I have him a little lower, but I think there’s a chance you see Adonai Mitchell and Troy Franklin kind of climb up into potentially into that realm. Those are some wide receivers.”
Thomas has been a popular candidate for the Colts at No. 15 while Franklin and Mitchell are viewed more as late-Round 1, early-Round 2 picks.
Thomas’ elite acceleration and burst off the line of scrimmage give him the ability to eat space quickly against off-coverage while helping him beat press coverage as well.
Franklin out of Oregon is a true burner. Though he’s a bit lean at around 183 pounds, he has the height, length and route nuance to be a serious vertical threat in Shane Steichen’s offense. He may not be a ball-winner on contested catches, but he understands the details of route running and how to manipulate the leverage of defenders.
Mitchell is an intriguing prospect, but he fits more into the X-receiver role while Thomas and Franklin profile better as Z-receivers. Still, Mitchell is a fun prospect because of his abilities as a route technician. He maintains balance and speed throughout his breaks and is especially impressive on digs and comebacks, which are tougher routes for players of his size.
The only question with Mitchell is whether he would see enough playing time with Michael Pittman Jr. expected to stay. If Pittman surprisingly leaves, Mitchell would be an intriguing replacement.
The Colts have a lot of ways they can go with the No. 15 overall pick, and it will be interesting to see how the wide receiver market shakes out during the first half of the draft.
