Analyst identifies remaining roster hole for Colts after NFL draft

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Analyst identifies remaining roster hole for Colts after NFL draft

Analyst identifies remaining roster hole for Colts after NFL draft

Following the NFL draft, there is one obvious roster hole that still exists for the Indianapolis Colts, says one analyst.

Analyst identifies remaining roster hole for Colts after NFL draft

Following the NFL draft, there is one obvious roster hole that still exists for the Indianapolis Colts, says one analyst.

The Indianapolis Colts entered the NFL draft with a clear mission: plug holes and build depth. But according to ESPN analyst Aaron Schatz, one glaring gap remains on the roster—and it's at wide receiver.

Schatz recently broke down all 32 teams, identifying the biggest positional need still lingering after the draft. For the Colts, that spot is wideout. And it's easy to see why.

With Michael Pittman Jr. traded earlier this offseason, the Colts are left with Alec Pierce and Josh Downs as their top returning pass-catchers. Behind them, the competition for the second outside receiver role is wide open—and frankly, a little thin.

Currently in the mix are Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, Ashton Dulin, and seventh-round rookie Deion Burks. Westbrook-Ikhine, who hauled in just 11 catches for 89 yards last season in Miami, has never eclipsed 500 yards in a single season. Dulin, primarily a special teams ace, has only seven receptions over the past two years. And Burks is an unproven seventh-rounder still finding his footing.

"The second outside receiver penciled in is Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, who had just 11 receptions for 89 yards last season," Schatz wrote. "His career numbers are juiced by nine touchdowns in 2024, but Westbrook-Ikhine has never topped 500 yards in a season."

Schatz also noted that Anthony Gould, a slot-first receiver with just three career catches, could factor in—but that doesn't exactly inspire confidence for a team eyeing a playoff push.

At this point in the offseason, free-agent options are limited. That likely means the Colts will roll with what they have, leaning on Pierce and Downs to step up while tight end Tyler Warren continues to be a focal point in the passing game.

On paper, there's a starter opposite Pittman. But whether that player can produce like one is the real question—and the one that could define Indianapolis's season.

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