5. Michael Pittman, Indianapolis Colts

Yep, I’m starting with a rookie.

Pittman had a big senior season at USC, with 101 receptions for 1,275 yards and 11 touchdowns, and for a chunk of draft analysts he was among the top few wide receiver prospects this year.

There is a question about how much pass volume the Colts will have this year. But in 2018, with Andrew Luck under center, they were top-5 in the league in offensive pace and top-10 in pass play percentage. In 2019, with Jacoby Brissett playing quarterback, they were bottom-10 in pace and top-5 in run play percentage. With Philip Rivers coming in this year, a shift back to a fast pace and more passing is natural.

Colts general manager Chris Ballard has compared Pittman to former Chargers wide receiver Vincent Jackson.

Pittman’s physical profile, at 6-foot-4, 223 pounds, fits the mold of a group of wide receivers who have had success with Rivers (h/t to Pro Football Focus).

Keenan Allen (6-foot-2, 211 pounds)
Tyrell Williams (6-foot-4, 205 pounds)
Malcom Floyd (6-foot-5, 225 pounds)
Vincent Jackson (6-foot-5, 230 pounds)
Michael Pittman Jr.* (6-foot-4, 223 pounds)

Mike Williams should have also been on that list.

Pittman may very well lead the Colts in touchdown catches as a rookie, with plenty of overall opportunity in front of him. Don’t be shocked if he is the highest-scoring rookie wide receiver in fantasy football this year.