4 Colts Pass Catchers Could Form Underrated Core for Anthony Richardson

The Indianapolis Colts may have a young offense and QB, but the weapons at receiver and tight end could be getting overlooked.

Rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson will get his first career start this Sunday. For the Indianapolis Colts, it also marks Shane Steichen’s first game as an NFL head coach. These are just two of many other cases that show the Colts are moving into a young era where the hope is that a bright and successful future is ahead.

With Richardson’s transition to NFL QB being most important in determining said future, his pass-catchers will play a massive part in his development. While there are plenty of guys to list, four names stand out: wide receivers Michael Pittman Jr., Alec Pierce, and Josh Downs, and tight end Kylen Granson.

With these four skill players listed, let’s discuss how each could help Richardson and, as a whole, be one of the most overlooked pass-catching cores in the NFL.

Michael Pittman Jr. - Wide Receiver (Balanced Receiver)

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Pittman has been on the Colts since he was drafted in the second round in 2020. While his rookie campaign wasn’t on fire, he ended the year strong with veteran Philip Rivers and didn’t look back.

Pittman has been tied closely to the “he’s not a true number-one receiver” argument. Well, whether that’s true or not, he’s the “number-one receiver” for the Colts and Richardson.

He also is coming off of career bests in catches (99) and targets (141) with a trio of below-average passers in 2022 (Matt Ryan, Nick Foles, Sam Ehlinger). This proves, along with playing 2021 with Carson Wentz, that Pittman can likely make it work with anyone.

Throw in Richardson’s arm and mobility, and Pittman may be able to do even better with heightened skills at quarterback. Pittman has solid abilities as a downfield threat and route runner, as well as the size and physicality to grab 50-50 passes.

Look for Pittman to push himself this season as he’ll pursue another great year of receiving production with the Colts, and help Richardson as he works to be more accurate throwing the ball.

Alec Pierce - Wide Receiver (Deep Threat Receiver)

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Pierce is an intriguing weapon when factoring in what Richardson does best as a QB. Last season, even amidst constant QB switches, Pierce still grabbed 41 passes for 593 yards and two scores.

Now, in year two, he’ll have a quarterback that will extend plays and have the arm strength to maximize the connection. Pierce may be 6’3” tall and 213 pounds, but he runs a red-hot 4.41-second 40-yard dash.

Given the size and speed, as well as deep-threat ability, Pierce has a chance to complement Pittman on the outside and do serious damage to defensive secondaries. While Pierce still needs to improve route-running, where he’s at right now already makes him a dangerous weapon for Richardson’s passing and Steichen’s vertical scheme.

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Kylen Granson - Tight End (Move/Slot TE)

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A true move tight end, Granson is heading into his third season with the NFL and Colts. Despite his career numbers adding up to a mere 42 catches for 408 receiving yards and no touchdowns, Granson is now with a QB and offense that fits his abilities.

Despite needing to improve his blocking, Granson already has high-level separation ability as a receiver and causes mismatches in a scheme like Steichen’s. For a tight end, Granson is the smaller variety, standing 6’2” and 242 pounds. However, this is an issue for defenses to address as a slot receiver.

Granson is fast and can get open against smaller defensive backs/safeties or slower linebackers who have to cover him. Tally on the fact that Richardson has been throwing consistently to Granson through training camp and the preseason, and it might have the makings of a breakout season for the SMU alum.

The Colts’ tight end position could change dramatically once Jelani Woods returns from his hamstring injury. But if Granson shows that he’s meshing with Richardson in the early stages of the season, he’ll probably be seeing more playing time as a bigger receiver who causes defenses to adjust coverage.

Josh Downs - Wide Receiver (The Quick-Catch Receiver)

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Rookie wide receiver Downs was drafted in the third round of this year’s NFL Draft with high hopes from receiving coach Reggie Wayne. While initially it was teammate Isaiah McKenzie’s starting job as the slot receiver, it’s now official that Downs will take the reigns.

While Downs only stands 5’9”, he also possesses some of the most sure-fire hands of anyone on the team, and he hasn’t taken a professional snap. This is crucial for helping smooth out Richardson’s accuracy issues that he’s had with shorter passes.

Downs’ 4.48-second speed and crisp route-running will give Richardson easy completions to build confidence early, as well.

This Richardson-Downs connection is one to be on the lookout for, as it could be consistent and efficient with the right play calls and execution. There’s also the chance that Downs could even be a vertical threat now and again. Even though he’s the quicker, short-pass receiver, he can also be far larger than his body shows for deep throws. He’s proven that he can make the impact catches downfield, in traffic, and with coverage on him.

Lastly, there’s the friendship that is important between Downs and Richardson. When asked about what he and his quarterback do when not playing football, Downs replied: “He was my roommate at camp, so we were just chilling for real. His mom was asking when I was going to come see the crib at fall camp practice, so I will probably go over there sometime. Once we get into the season more, we will go out to eat more and keep building.”

This early type of rookie-to-rookie rapport building is crucial for a quarterback and receiver combo. Especially when the pair are joining their first NFL squad together, it’s not farfetched to think that Downs could be more productive than originally thought with the connection he’s building with his quarterback and the high-end receiving skills he possesses.

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