3 Non-First-Round Receivers Who Could Help Colts in NFL Draft

The Indianapolis Colts need help at wide receiver and could get it with these three prospects in the NFL Draft.

The Indianapolis Colts finished their 2023 season short of the playoffs with a 9-8 record. 

Head coach Shane Steichen did what he could with a young roster that lacked explosiveness on offense, especially without quarterback Anthony Richardson, who was absent for most of the campaign due to an AC joint injury.

With the NFL Draft around the corner in a matter of months, general manager Chris Ballard will look to supply Steichen and Richardson with pass-catcher(s) at receiver to complement Michael Pittman Jr., Josh Downs, and Alec Pierce. 

Here are a few names who could be the solution.  

Jamari Thrash | Louisville

The Colts likely aren't getting big names like Marvin Harrison Jr. or Rome Odunze in the NFL Draft, but that doesn't mean there aren't great fits for Indy's offense at 15th overall or in Rounds 2 and beyond. 

Enter Jamari Thrash from Louisville. 

Measuring roughly 6'0" and 180 pounds, Thrash started his career with the Georgia State Panthers and played for four years there (2019-22). It was the 2022 season where he caught 61 passes for a fantastic 1,122 yards (18.4 avg.) and 7 scores. 

Following his four years in the Sun Belt Conference, Thrash transferred to Louisville to face tougher opponents in the ACC in 2023. The change didn't slow him down much, outside of the yards per catch (13.6 avg.). 

Thrash posted a career-high 63 catches for 858 yards and another 7 touchdowns (1 rushing). 

While he may need to bulk up, Thrash has the game-breaking abilities the Colts were missing in 2023. 

Louisville WR Jamari Thrash ⚡️
pic.twitter.com/PIHtgUSzj7

— SleeperCFB (@SleeperCFB) February 9, 2024

If it makes sense during the draft, and the timing is right for Indianapolis, they may look in Thrash's direction to get themselves a tough competitor who can add fire to their offense. 

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Ricky Pearsall | Florida

Similar to Thrash, Ricky Pearsall had to navigate two colleges to locate his footing in the NCAA. He started his career at Arizona State (2019-21) but found his way to Florida in 2022. 

That year, Pearsall shared the field with Colts quarterback Richardson and developed a solid connection (33 catches for 661 yards, 5 receiving, and 1 rushing touchdown). However, he took off in 2023 with 65 catches for 965 yards (14.8 avg.) and 6 total scores (4 receiving, 2 rushing). 

Similar in play style to Las Vegas Raiders pass-catcher, Hunter Renfrow, Pearsall has hands of glue and can make nearly any catch on the field if given a chance. 

Florida WR Ricky Pearsall has HANDS 😱
https://t.co/ScQFkUGOWG

— SleeperCFB (@SleeperCFB) February 14, 2024

Pearsall has the opportunity to be a bigger slot receiver and knows Richardson well. 

With all the factors put into play, he could be a great fit in Indianapolis. He's as reliable as they come when catching the ball in space or traffic.

Malachi Corley | Western Kentucky

Western Kentucky's Malachi Corley may be the most intriguing of the three receivers in this piece. 

He was the definition of consistency in college through four years, notching 70-plus receptions from 2021 through 2023 and posting 101 catches for 1,295 yards (12.8 avg.) and 11 touchdowns in 2022 through 14 games.

The 2023 season wasn't bad either, as Corley grabbed another 79 catches for 984 yards and repeated with 11 scores. 

Corley is a complete receiver and may be to Indy in the draft this year what Downs was last year: a steal if they can land him.  

A bit of tactical nuance to go along with the physicality of Malachi Corley

Sound🆙 pic.twitter.com/cvI8byaN7w

— AngeloFF (@angelo_fantasy) February 10, 2024

Corley lit up the stat sheet at Western Kentucky and can likely fit Steichen's scheme the best of these entries.

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