The Indianapolis Colts entered the 2019 NFL Draft needing to address the wide receiver position. They did precisely that by selecting Parris Campbell, the ultra-quick big-play threat out of Ohio State using a second-round pick.
Due to a midseason sports hernia injury, Campbell was limited to appearing in just seven games during his rookie campaign. He was received 24 targets resulting in 18 catches, 127 yards, and one touchdowns.
Looking ahead to the 2020 season, Campbell is now healthy and is showing the Colts no shortage of positive signs in training camp. Someone who has taken notice is head coach Frank Reich–highlighting Campbell’s athleticism.
“He looks strong, fast, explosive, good hands, understands the offense, consistent,” Reich said, via George Bremer of CNHI Sports Indiana. “I mean, it’s early, but that’s what we are looking for from him. Now we just need that to continue to build.”
Going through training camp and just about half of a season has helped Campbell to be more prepared for this year’s camp. Reich believes this has helped Campbell–resulting in the second-year receiver looking ‘very confident’ on the field.
“You see the confidence breaking the huddle,” Reich said. “You can see the rookie receivers breaking the huddle thinking, ‘OK, what do I got? Where is my alignment?’ To Parris, that is all automatic, and that just allows his physical gifts to come forward – which, obviously, we all know he has many of those.
“I just think you’re seeing that in his play. He just looks very confident.”
For the Colts, they will look to return atop the AFC South standings as they grew accustomed to doing during their reign with Peyton Manning and Andrew Luck at quarterback. With Philip Rivers, the offense will have a much-needed dynamic element to it.
For it all to work for the Indianapolis Colts, T.Y. Hilton will surely need impactful complementary talents around him at the receiver position. There is reason to believe Michael Pittman Jr. can step in from day one and contribute, but if Parris Campbell can thrive in his second-season…then watch out.
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