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According to head coach Frank Reich, the Indianapolis Colts envision big things from 2nd-year wide receiver Parris Campbell from the slot—while still exploiting his overall offensive versatility (via The Athletic’s Zak Keefer and 1070 The Fan’s Kevin Bowen):
Frank Reich notes one of the players he's kept most in touch with this offseason: Parris Campbell. As a rookie, Campbell suffered four injuries last year (yes, four) and saw limited snaps. Colts have big designs on him in Year 2. Will see tons of time in the slot.
— Zak Keefer (@zkeefer) May 26, 2020
Reich on Parris Campbell: “I’m super pumped about Parris and his upside.”
— Kevin Bowen (@KBowen1070) May 26, 2020
Reich says he’s really staying in-touch with the training staff to see how Campbell is rehabbing.
Says Campbell will play more in the slot, with the Colts will wanting to move him around.
After an injury plagued rookie season, the Colts’ 2019 second round pick will look to rebound—after recording just 18 receptions for 127 receiving yards (7.1 ypr. avg.) and a touchdown reception in 7 games (3 starts).
Having blazing fast speed (4.31 forty time) and a ‘Percy Harvin’-like skill-set as a dynamic playmaker with the football in his hands—and overall offensive versatility, the Colts are hoping that Campbell can stay healthy and take a major leap forward in 2020.
Helping his cause is that with the addition of rookie 2nd round pick Michael Pittman Jr. as the “X”, Campbell slides in comfortably as the Colts natural slot wideout inside.
Per Pro Football Focus (subscription), Campbell ran nearly half of his receiving routes, 57 of his 119 total run routes (47.9%) as a slot wide receiver last season, catching 7 receptions (on 9 targets) for 43 receiving yards (6.14 ypr. avg.) and a touchdown reception.
However, health permitting, he should see a lot more reps as the Colts’ slot in 2020—where he’s projected to primarily play and create mismatches in the seam.
With veteran starter Philip Rivers whipping the football around and to all levels of the field, Campbell could be a breakout player for the Colts offense this upcoming season—doing a lot of damage as a dynamic, young slot wide receiver.