Grade: Colts Pick Explosive Receiver Anthony Gould Round 5, Pick 142

The Indianapolis Colts have selected an explosive pass-catcher with their first pick of round five.

Oregon State Beavers wide receiver Anthony Gould (2). | Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports

The Indianapolis Colts have picked their second wide receiver of the 2024 NFL Draft by selecting Oregon State’s Anthony Gould with the 142nd overall slot. 

Another burner for the WR room. 🏎️

Welcome to the Shoe, @antgould_! pic.twitter.com/qlIXePdaTo

— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) April 27, 2024

After picking Adonai Mitchell in round two, the Colts give Anthony Richardson more young weapons to work with by grabbing Gould. With plenty of experience in college, Gould played 38 games and caught 84 passes for 1,360 receiving yards (16.2 per catch), and seven total touchdowns (six receiving, one rushing). 

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While Gould is a smaller receiver (5’8”, 174 pounds), he is a playmaker that has fantastic speed and returning ability. With the new return rules starting this year, the importance of having return talent is bigger than ever. In four years, Gould returned 26 punts for 423 yards (16.3 per return), and two touchdowns. There is a good chance that Gould will begin his NFL career on special teams with the opportunity to work his way up the roster ranks. 

Anthony Gould was drafted in round 5 pick 142 in the 2024 draft class. He scored a 8.87 #RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 387 out of 3402 WR from 1987 to 2024. https://t.co/ZRbYkaMt7A pic.twitter.com/iQZX6aOCul

— Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) April 27, 2024

Coach Shane Steichen and general manager Chris Ballard used the word “explosive” time after time leading up to the NFL Draft. Now, they’ve equipped the team with Mitchell and Gould, both of whom can erupt for the team on offense and special teams. How will Indy continue to address high-shelf roster needs?

They still have multiple picks to finish the day, and this is generally when Ballard shines the most as a general manager. 

Final Grade: B-

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