The Indianapolis Colts are a week away from the 2024 NFL Draft, and there's little doubt they will walk away from the weekend without a wide receiver.
With Michael Pittman Jr. back on a new three-year extension, Alec Pierce returning for Year 3 and Josh Downs reprising his role in the slot, the Colts are looking for an explosive element to add to the room. They also have Ashton Dulin coming back from a torn ACL, which claimed his entire 2023 season.
RANKINGS: Top-10 wide receivers in the 2024 NFL Draft
We'll be taking a look at the perfect wide receiver prospects in each round for the Colts, but we'll be excluding the Big 3 of Marvin Harrison, Malik Nabers and Rome Odunze. They are perfect fits of course, but they aren't projected to be available when the Colts are on the clock.
For more Colts coverage, check out Kevin Hickey's work on Sporting News.
Perfect WR prospects in each round for Colts
Round 1: Brian Thomas Jr., LSU
If Thomas is there at No. 15, it's going to be very difficult for the Colts to pass it up. He's a bit limited in terms of his route tree, but he does extremely well on the go, corner and slant routes. Put him opposite Michael Pittman Jr. and watch him thrive as a vertical threat.
MORE: NFL analyst explains why Brian Thomas is perfect for Colts
Round 2: Troy Franklin, Oregon
Though Franklin does suffer from focus drops, he's an incredibly explosive deep threat with the opportunity to take the top off the defense at any time. He would be perfect competition for Alec Pierce at the vertical Z position and an ideal complement to Michael Pittman Jr.
Round 3: Ricky Pearsall, Florida
Though the Colts probably are looking for more of a vertical threat, sometimes it's just a good idea to add really good wide receivers. Pearsall does so many things well and from so many different spots in the formation. He has a history with Anthony Richardson and would give the Colts some incredible depth.
Round 4: Johnny Wilson, Florida State
A pure project but one that fits the mold of an elite athlete on the outside—or at tight end—he has a long way to go in terms of his route running, but adding that type of athlete on Day 3 is always in the cards for the Colts.
Round 5: Luke McCaffrey, Rice
Brother of Christian McCaffrey, Luke was a Senior Bowl player, which we know is a big deal for the Colts. He tested really well with a 4.46 in the 40-yard dash even if he doesn't always play to that speed. He's likely a possession receiver at the next level.
Round 6: Ryan Flournoy, Southeast Missouri State
A Senior Bowl standout, Flournoy also tested extremely well. At 6-foot and 202 pounds, he ran a 4.44 in the 40-yard dash and posted a 39.5-inch vertical with an 11-foot broad jump. He shows off some impressive body control with secure hands at all three levels of the field.
Round 7: Cornelius Johnson, Michigan
Certainly a project, Johnson is a late Day 3 option for the Colts at 6-foot-2 and 212 pounds. He ran a 4.44 in the 40-yard dash with a 37.5-inch vertical and 10-foot-7-inch broad jump. He would compete for the final spot in the room or for a practice squad spot while he develops his route running.
