The Indianapolis Colts receiver room is entering the 2025 NFL season with renewed energy, young talent, and fierce competition for starting roles.
As the team is now entering its third season with quarterback Anthony Richardson and the offense still having head coach Shane Steichen at the helm, the team is hoping that wide receivers can be instrumental in the uptick of its offense.
The loss of an old-school pass-catcher, T.Y. Hilton, created a leadership gap in recent years, and the Colts managed to develop a balanced composition of young rising stars, experienced names in their positions, and undrafted underdogs with a lot to prove.
Michael Pittman Jr. Remains the Anchor
At the heart of the Indianapolis Colts receiver corps is Michael Pittman Jr., who signed a three-year extension this offseason.
Having an established track record of reliable hands, physicality, and routes, Pittman goes into 2025 as the best target Richardson could ever wish.
Last season, he was the team leader in receptions with 96 as well as yards with 1,109, and it is also expected that he will lead the team in the same aspect, with both the red zone situations and third-down passes.
Steichen said in OTAs, Pitt is consistently good and is a leader, which is what we want the WR1 to be.
Josh Downs Poised for Breakout
One of the most exciting developments is the emergence of Josh Downs. After flashing brilliance during his rookie year, Downs spent the offseason improving his footwork and deep-ball tracking.
The slot receiver’s speed and separation ability make him a natural fit in Steichen’s RPO-heavy offense.
During some minicamp practice times, Downs was the most targeted player by Richardson in the red-zone drills, which means a positive indication of the two players having good chemistry and a larger role next season.
New Faces & Camp Standouts
The Colts added rookie Ja’Lynn Polk from Washington in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
Polk will come with elite route discipline and powerful hands, which he already earned him high praise among coaches and teammates.
In three-receiver sets, his role is expected to increase in the coming weeks of the season.
Undrafted free agent Malik Benson, known for his blazing speed, has also been making waves in camp and could find a spot as a return specialist and situational deep threat.
Veteran Leadership Still Matters
Alec Pierce (35 years old) provides size and the capability to contest catch on contested routes, and McKenzie (28) is the versatile jack of all trades and special teams.
They are not expected to start, but their experience would prove important in injury-prone periods of the season.
“We’ve got a young group, but they’re hungry and coachable,” Pittman noted in a recent interview.
Final Thoughts: Indianapolis Colts Receiver
The Indianapolis Colts receiver unit is shaping up to be one of the most dynamic position groups on the team entering the 2025 season.
With Pittman anchoring the room, Downs ready to explode, and new talent pushing for reps, the Colts are building an aerial attack that could surprise many.
Should the young wide receiving corps continue to grow as they should and should Richardson keep on improving, Indianapolis may find itself ready to crawl back into playoff contention courtesy of a more versatile and capable offense.
👉 What are your thoughts on the Colts’ wide receiver depth? Drop your comments below.
https://t.co/pA2Yc9XDmB #nfl #ForTheShoe Anthony Gould, the Indianapolis Colts' wide receiver, has seen limited action during his rookie season. Standing at 5'8" and weighing 174 pounds, Gould's speed and agility, honed at Oregon State as a former All-American punt returner,…
— QWIKET NFL (@qwiket_nfl) July 6, 2025
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