WR Michael Pittman picked as Colts' most important non-QB

Adam Rank of NFL.com is previewing each team for the upcoming season. Part of that preview includes selecting each team’s most important non-quarterback, and for the Colts, Rank selected Michael Pittman.

“Since arriving in Indianapolis as a third-round pick in 2020,” wrote Rank, “the USC product has led the Colts in catches (336), receiving yards (3,662) and receiving touchdowns (15). Pittman’s importance to Richardson’s development cannot be overstated. According to PFF, the big-bodied wideout has 48 contested catches since 2021 — tied for the second-highest total in the NFL.”

As Rank highlights, since Pittman arrived in Indianapolis, he has provided a consistent presence within the Colts’ offense, regardless of what the quarterback situation has looked like. Over the last three seasons, Pittman has totaled at least 88 receptions and surpassed 1,000 receiving yards twice.

With Anthony Richardson having just 98 career dropbacks, Pittman can provide the young quarterback with a safety net in the passing game as he navigates what are likely to be some inevitable ups and downs.

“He shows up every week,” Shane Steichen said of Pittman. “He is a consistent football player that is going to give it everything he’s got and when the ball is thrown to him, he’s going to go make plays. That’s what he does every week and he’s consistent doing it.

“When we need a big play, he’s the guy that makes it for us usually in the pass game. He’s been doing it here for a while and just very fortunate to have him on this football team.”

However, while Pittman will play a key role in Richardson’s growth as a quarterback, he’ll also benefit from having a player of Richardson’s caliber under center.

Richardson’s arm strength allows him to make any throw on the field, and his ability as a ball carrier in Shane Steichen’s RPO-heavy offense can help create better spacing in the passing game.

In addition to that, also around Pittman will be a top offensive line unit, Josh Downs, who appears poised to make a big jump in his second season, and AD Mitchell, whose speed and explosiveness adds a new element to the offense.

“You bring in AD and he’s very talented,” said Pittman. “Everything he does is so natural. I think he brings something extra that we didn’t have before. I’m learning stuff from him that I didn’t know before. Just the way he moves and the way he sets up moves. I think he’s elevating everybody. He’s all about football. We are always talking about concepts, routes, releases, set up moves. He’s all ball 24/7.”

This can all lead to more opportunities for Pittman through better spacing and more one-on-one matchups, potentially resulting in a highly productive season—even more so than what we’ve seen from him in the past.