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Indianapolis Colts: Grading every 2020 NFL Draft pick

By Michael Johnson

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - FEBRUARY 25: Head coach Frank Reich of the Indianapolis Colts interviews during the first day of the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 25, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - FEBRUARY 25: Head coach Frank Reich of the Indianapolis Colts interviews during the first day of the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 25, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images) /
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Indianapolis Colts, 2020 NFL Draft (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
Indianapolis Colts, 2020 NFL Draft (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard looked to the 2020 NFL Draft to kick off the Philip Rivers era and plan beyond. How did he do?

After Andrew Luck’s shocking retirement last season, the Indianapolis Colts didn’t live up to expectations in 2019. Of course, going 7-9 wasn’t a disaster after losing Luck but head coach Frank Reich and general manage Chris Ballard weren’t pleased by the performance of Jacoby Brissett. So they nabbed Philip Rivers in the offseason. Their goal going into the 2020 NFL Draft was to help Rivers have the success and help them win the AFC South.

They would have to accomplish that goal without the No. 13 pick they traded away to the San Francisco 49ers for defensive lineman DeForest Buckner. The trade was genius and filled a need along their defensive line. However, they still needed a true athletic edge rusher. They brought in the physical press corner Xavier Rhodes from the Vikings to help their secondary but drafting a corner was necessary.

Offensively they still had holes to fill. They needed to ensure Rivers had the weapons to their offense over the top. With their first pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, they turned their attention the offense. They grabbed their new quarterback a weapon to play the boundary.

Round 2, Pick 34: Michael Pittman Jr., WR, USC

Grade: B

Ballard did the right thing here taking by taking a wide receiver. Parris Campbell is still developing, and TY Hilton isn’t a true No. 1 without a big-armed quarterback to exploit his speed. Taking Michael Pittman Jr. with the No. 34 pick was a small reach considering he was graded out as a late Day 2 prospect. Nevertheless, Pittman comes in with some ready-made ability.

The former USC standout stands out at 6-4, 223 pounds. He has good length and plays to his strengths as a big-bodied receiver. One of the issues with Pittman is his lack of separation and speed which limits him as a true No. 1, in theory. He does have other traits that make up for what he lacks.

At the line of scrimmage, he’s good against the press with his hand quickness and power. On run plays, he thrives by using his length and power to seal tacklers. He understands body positioning and how to give his quarterback a place to throw. As a route runner, he’s not sudden, but he’s crafty, smooth and adjusts well against zone coverage.

He’s an excellent red-zone target who’ll excel at big-man routes. He’s the perfect receiver for an offensive lacking size.

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