Indianapolis Colts franchise great Reggie Wayne named his former team’s new rookie, Parris Campbell, as one of the NFL’s young wide receivers set to break out in 2019:
Parris Campbell, Indianapolis Colts Playing my entire 14-year NFL career in Indianapolis, I am more than familiar with the organization and know what is expected. Campbell didn’t waste any time making an impression, as several coaches recently told me they were happy with the rookie in OTAs. The speedster will man the slot for the Colts’ offense this fall and serve as a great complement to T.Y. Hilton and free-agent addition Devin Funchess. At Ohio State, Campbell impressively gained 809 of his 1,063 receiving yards after the catch in 2018 (second-most in the FBS), according to Pro Football Focus. With the veterans attracting most of the attention, the second-round pick should get ample opportunity to showcase that speed.
As one of the Colts second round picks this year, Campbell caught 90 receptions for 1,063 receiving yards (11.8 ypr avg) and 12 touchdown receptions in 14 games for the Buckeyes last season—earning First-Team All-Big Ten honors.
He also boasted an impressive 4.31 forty time and 40 inch vertical jump at this year’s NFL Combine.
Obviously, Campbell’s calling card is his elite speed, but he has shown the ability to run a more developed route tree than some evaluators have initially given him credit for.
While some will be quick to label Campbell a “gadget receiver” and limited to things like bubble screens, surprise handoffs, reverses, and simple routes, that might be selling the young wide receiver awfully short.
Just because Campbell wasn’t featured in a full route tree with the Buckeyes does not mean he’s incapable of running one.
The rookie performed well at the Colts OTA’s—with a few highlight plays and has been reportedly picking up the Colts offense relatively quickly.
Expected to work predominantly in the slot, Campbell provides the Colts with another elite speed option to pair with star wideout T.Y. Hilton (with perhaps Deon Cain also adding another young burner to the offense).
Campbell’s a little different than the stereotype of the ordinary elite NFL slot wide receiver—who tends to be more quick than fast: current players like Adam Thielen, Jarvis Landry, Julian Edelman, and Larry Fitzgerald (at times), as well as former elite slots such as Doug Baldwin, Wes Welker, and even Brandon Stokley.
However, it’s an element that could make the Colts offense downright scary—especially for opposing defensive backs.
Reggie Wayne knows a thing or two about the wide receiver position—having played so many standout seasons with the horseshoe (and along with fellow great Marvin Harrison), so it very well might be wise to defer to his judgment on this one.
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