Horseshoe Huddle

3 Wide Receivers the Colts Should Target

With the departure of Parris Campbell to the New York Giants, the Indianapolis Colts must add to the position group through free agency and the draft.
Drake Wally|
3 Wide Receivers the Colts Should Target
3 Wide Receivers the Colts Should Target

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Indianapolis ColtsNew York Giants

The Indianapolis Colts are currently thin at their wide receiver position. Thursday, it was announced that the New York Giants were signing long-time Colts receiver Parris Campbell to a one-year deal worth up to $6.7 million.

This leaves Michael Pittman Jr., Alec Pierce, and Ashton Dulin as the notable names remaining in the pass-catching department (excluding tight ends). With new veteran quarterback Gardner Minshew in town and a rookie signal-caller likely getting drafted, the Colts should feel the pressure to fill this position for their roster.

With this subject in mind, let’s run down three players who make sense in free agency and the NFL draft to suit up in a horseshoe come fall.

Mecole Hardman-WR Kansas City Cheifs (Free Agent) (Colts sign to a two-year, $16 million contract)

This one sticks out as a great fit for Indianapolis, given its current situation. With a player like Hardman paired with a style of explosive that new head coach Shane Steichen wants, it makes perfect sense to ink him up for two or three years.

Through four seasons in the NFL, Hardman has returned punts/kicks, been involved in the running game, and caught passes in the air attack for the Kansas City Chiefs.

During his rookie season in 2019, he was nominated to the Pro Bowl for his performances on special teams returning punts and kicks. That season, it was the kick returns that popped. He would take 27 for 704 yards (26.1 per return) and a touchdown.

While he has had the injury bug recently, he is recovering nicely from his recent surgery for a core muscle incident that sidelined him for a portion of 2022. He may not be returning kicks if the Colts take him, but he could add nicely to the vertical passing attack that Steichen wants.

Through four seasons as a receiver, Hardman has 57 games, 151 catches for 2,088 yards, 16 touchdowns, and a long of 83 yards, showing his speed. Could Chris Ballard do what needs to be done to sign a playmaker like Hardman? It’s possible, especially if he doesn’t come too expensive.

What’s more likely are the following two players who the Colts should snag up in the NFL draft.

Jonathan Mingo-WR University of Mississippi (Colts select in Round 3, pick No. 79)

The term “Ballard Mold” has been applied to the 2023 draft class of receivers when Indianapolis is in the discussion. One player who fits that is Jonathan Mingo from Ole Miss.

Standing at 6’2” and a bruising 220 pounds, this is precisely who Ballard would want. Mingo would likely be placed into the slot and immediately put to work. He’s also only 21 years old, so he could be groomed and developed into something special.

With such a diverse skill set of blocking, speed, and hands, it will be hard for the Colts not to select Mingo. They should do so early enough to ensure he doesn’t drift to another team.

There is one more big, physical type of receiver that Ballard could have his mind on.

Michael Wilson-WR Stanford University (Colts select in Round 5, pick No. 138)

Wilson played five seasons at Stanford and was one of the team captains for the squad. While he has dealt with injuries off and on for the past three seasons, he looks poised to make an impact now that he’s focused on the NFL. He’s also similar to Mingo in build, standing 6’2” and 213 pounds.

Showing his potential in 2019 (12 games, 56 catches for 672 yards, and five TDs), he is a guy that can make big plays and create separation.

Not to mention he is more than happy to get involved in blocking for the run, something Indianapolis sorely missed in 2023. If this pick happens, along with the aforementioned Mingo, the Colts could have two young, physical wide receivers to build the talents of.

Wilson’s biggest issue has been injuries, but he’s only 23 years old. If he can put that behind him, there’s a shot of him becoming a force to be reckoned with.

The Colts have multiple areas that still need addressing. The recent signing of Campbell to the Giants puts more importance on depth for the pass-catchers than before. Look for Ballard to start getting busy with a signing to kick things off.

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Drake Wally
DRAKE WALLY

Drake Wally is a co-deputy editor of Indianapolis Colts on SI. His works have also appeared on Bleacher Report, MSN, Yahoo, and SBNation. He also co-hosts the Horseshoe Huddle Podcast.

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