Tim Weaver over at Seahawks Wire continues on with his offseason positional rankings. Up next, he takes a look at the wide receiver position. So, where do the Indianapolis Colts’ Michael Pittman and Adonai Mitchell fall on this list?
The Colts extended Pittman earlier this offseason and they also drafted Josh Downs in 2023, giving them a strong foundation at the receiver position. However, more playmaking at wide receiver was an obvious need that the Colts had. Pittman and Downs would both average under 12.0 yards per catch in 2024, while as an offense, the Colts ranked in the bottom half of the NFL in explosive plays–although getting Anthony Richardson back under center will help with that as well.
The addition of Mitchell does provide that needed vertical presence, which is a staple of Shane Steichen’s offense. In addition to the downfield opportunities Mitchell can create for himself, having that element will also create more space for Pittman and Downs to operate in over the middle and on underneath routes.
With that said, Mitchell adds much more to the offense than just being a downfield threat. His ability as a route runner allows him to win in a variety of ways and do so at all levels of the field. He has the potential to become a true No. 1 target in the passing game.
“I think he’s got a rare ability to separate at the top of routes,” said Steichen. “He’s got an arsenal of releases versus press man, you can see it show up on tape. The guy had 11 touchdowns, I think he averaged 14.4 yards a catch. The guy is a competitor. To get him where we got him, I couldn’t be more fired up about it. Hats off to Chris and his staff. To add to that room with (Michael) Pittman Jr. and (Josh) Downs and Alec (Pierce) and Ashton (Dulin) and the rest of those guys. He’s going to bring that speed element and that big-play ability too as well.”
Along with Mitchell, the Colts added more speed in the draft, selecting Oregon State’s Anthony Gould. How big Gould’s role on offense as a rookie is remains to be seen, but he is someone who has boundary and slot experience and could be used pre-snap as a motion man or by getting him designed touches in space where his YAC abilities can take over.
The Colts return one of the better offensive line units in football. At running back they have Jonathan Taylor, and now a dynamic presence in Mitchell alongside Pittman and Downs at receiver. The ceiling for this Colts offense will be determined by Richardson’s play, but there are several impact players around him that can help with some of the heavy lifting.
“One, when you’ve got a young quarterback, you’ve got to protect him,” said GM Chris Ballard during his pre-draft press conference. “That’s one, which I think we did a pretty good job last year, and we’ll continue to do well. Tony has done well with that group. We’ve got a talented group of O-linemen.
“You want to continue to add playmakers around him. Being able to sign Pitt back, having Jonathan now fully healthy coming into the offseason. He looks really good. I expect him to have a really big year. Putting more players around him is what you always want to do. Watching Downs take another step. Having Pierce take another step. Those are going to be important for us to have success.”
Now, without further ado, here are Weaver’s rankings of the top 64 wide receivers in the NFL entering the 2024 season:
64. D.J. Chark – Chargers
Jan 7, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver DJ Chark Jr. (17) makes a catch during pregame warm ups against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
63. Kendrick Bourne – Patriots
Oct 29, 2023; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Kendrick Bourne (84) runs the ball for a touchdown against the Miami Dolphins during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
62. Rashid Shaheed – Saints
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Rashid Shaheed (22) scores a touchdown on punt against Green Bay Packers punter Daniel Whelan (19) in the second quarter during their football game Sunday, September 24, 2023, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis.
Dan Powers/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin.
61. Michael Gallup – Raiders
Sep 8, 2019; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Michael Gallup (13) runs with the ball after a catch against the New York Giants during the second half at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
60. Roman Wilson - Steelers
Michigan wide receiver Roman Wilson (1) runs the ball around Washington cornerback Dominique Hampton (7) during the first quarter of the College Football Playoff national championship game against Washington at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas on Monday, January 8, 2024.
59. Christian Watson - Packers
January 20, 2024; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson (9) before a 2024 NFC divisional round game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
58. Curtis Samuel - Bills
Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
57. Tee Higgins - Bengals
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins (85) runs downfield as Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Desmond Trufant (10) goes to tackle him after he got a first down in the second half the AFC wild card game on Saturday, Jan. 15, 2022, at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati. Cincinnati Bengals defeated Las Vegas Raiders 26-19.
Las Vegas Raiders At Cincinnati Bengals Playoff Ac 201
56. Rashee Rice - Chiefs
Feb 11, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; San Francisco 49ers safety Logan Ryan (33) tackles Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice (4) during the second quarter of Super Bowl LVIII at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
55. Gabe Davis - Jaguars
Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports
54. Jakobi Myers - Raiders
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – JANUARY 07: Jakobi Meyers #16 of the Las Vegas Raiders catches a pass and runs it in for a touchdown during the third quarter in the game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium on January 07, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
53. Odell Beckham Jr. - Dolphins
Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports
52. Jaxon Smith-Njigba - Seahawks
Jan 7, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) warms up prior to facing the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
51. Christian Kirk - Jaguars
Morgan Tencza-USA TODAY Sports
50. Xavier Worthy - Chiefs
Texas Longhorns wide receiver Xavier Worthy (1) runs the ball during the Sugar Bowl College Football Playoff semifinals game against the Washington Huskies at the Caesars Superdome on Monday, Jan. 1, 2024 in New Orleans, Louisiana.
49. Ricky Pearsall - 49ers
Nov 11, 2023; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; Florida Gators wide receiver Ricky Pearsall (1) catches a pass against the LSU Tigers during the first half at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
48. Keon Coleman - Bills
(Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
47. Ladd McConkey - Chargers
Dec 30, 2023; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Georgia Bulldogs wide receiver Ladd McConkey (84) makes a catch and runs for touchdown against the Florida State Seminoles during the first half in the 2023 Orange Bowl at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
46. Adonai Mitchell - Colts
Texas Longhorns wide receiver Adonai Mitchell (5) runs the ball during the Big 12 Championship game against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at AT&T stadium on Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023 in Arlington.
45. Xavier Legette - Panthers
Nov 25, 2023; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks wide receiver Xavier Legette (17) runs the ball against Clemson Tigers safety Khalil Barnes (36) at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Yeazell-USA TODAY Sports
44. Adam Thielen - Panthers
Jan 7, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Adam Thielen (19) makes a catch during pregame warm ups against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
43. Brandin Cooks - Cowboys
Jan 7, 2024; Landover, Maryland, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Brandin Cooks (3) catches a touchdown pass as Washington Commanders cornerback Kyu Blu Kelly (36) defends during the third quarter at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
42. Romeo Doubs - Packers
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs (87) is tackled by Dallas Cowboys safety Jayron Kearse (1) after a 26-yard reception during the first quarter of the wild card playoff game Sunday, January 14, 2024 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
41. Jayden Reed - Packers
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed (11)makes a 37-yard reception during the first quarter of their NFC divisional playoff game Saturday, January 20, 2024 at Levi’ Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
40. Tank Dell - Texans
(Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
39. Amari Cooper - Browns
Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
38. Brian Thomas Jr. - Jaguars
Matthew Hinton-USA TODAY Sports
37. Malik Nabers - Giants
John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
36. Rome Odunze - Bears
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
35. Marvin Harrison Jr. - Cardinals
Apr 15, 2023; Columbus, Ohio, United States; Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. (18) sprints down the side of the field during the first quarter of the Ohio State Buckeyes spring game at Ohio Stadium on Saturday morning. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Scheller-The Columbus Dispatch
Football Ceb Osufb Spring Game Ohio State At Ohio State
34. Drake London - Falcons
Nov 10, 2022; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London (5) catches a touchdown as Carolina Panthers cornerback Donte Jackson (26) defends in the third quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
33. Jerry Jeudy - Browns
Dec 12, 2021; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (10) runs the ball as Detroit Lions safety Dean Marlowe (31) defends in the third quarter at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
32. Courtland Sutton - Broncos
Nov 7, 2021; Arlington, Texas, USA; Denver Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton (14) celebrates a touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys during the second half at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
31. Jordan Addison - Vikings
Jan 7, 2024; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison (3) catches a pass for a touchdown during second half of the game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: David Reginek-USA TODAY Sports
30. Zay Flowers - Ravens
Sep 17, 2023; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers (4) runs with the ball against the Cincinnati Bengals in the second half at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports
29. Tyler Lockett - Seahawks
Nov 25, 2018; Charlotte, NC, USA; Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett (16) reacts after scoring a touchdown in the third quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
28. Michael Pittman - Colts
Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
27. Garrett Wilson - Jets
Dec 28, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson (17) warms up before the game against the Cleveland Browns at Cleveland Browns Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports
26. Chris Olave - Saints
Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
25. Tyler Boyd - Titans
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tyler Boyd (83) completes a catch in the first quarter during a Week 14 NFL game between the Indianapolis Colts and the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Dec. 10, 2023, at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati.
24. Terry McLaurin - Commanders
Jan 7, 2024; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin (17) runs with the ball as Dallas Cowboys safety Donovan Wilson (6) chases during the second quarter at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
23. Calvin Ridley - Titans
Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
22. Nico Collins - Texans
Oct 24, 2021; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins (12) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
21. George Pickens - Steelers
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – DECEMBER 16: George Pickens #14 of the Pittsburgh Steelers stiff arms E.J. Speed #45 of the Indianapolis Colts during the second quarter at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 16, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
20. Deebo Samuel - 49ers
Oct 10, 2021; Glendale, Arizona, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel (19) runs during the first half against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Chris Coduto-USA TODAY Sports
19. Brandon Aiyuk - 49ers
Dec 20, 2020; Arlington, Texas, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (11) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys in the second quarter at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
18. D.J. Moore - Bears
Chicago Bears wide receiver DJ Moore (2) signals for a first down after making a reception against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, January 7, 2024, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. The Packers won the game, 17-9, to clinch an NFC playoff berth.
Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
17. Keenan Allen - Bears
Dec 16, 2021; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen (13) celebrates his touchdown scored against the Kansas City Chiefs during the second half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
16. DK Metcalf - Seahawks
Jan 7, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Seattle Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf (14) runs after making a catch against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
15. Puka Nacua - Rams
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – SEPTEMBER 10: Puka Nacua #17 of the Los Angeles Rams celebrates a touchdown against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field on September 10, 2023 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
14. Chris Godwin - Buccaneers
Oct 31, 2021; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin (14) runs against New Orleans Saints during the second half at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
13. Mike Evans - Buccaneers
Nov 28, 2021; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (13) runs with the ball while Indianapolis Colts middle linebacker Bobby Okereke (58) defends in the first quarter at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
12. DeAndre Hopkins - Titans
Tennessee Titans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (10) disputes a call after an offensive play, as Indianapolis Colts safety Nick Cross (20) celebrates, Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023, at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn.
11. Amon-Ra St. Brown - Lions
Jan 28, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers cornerback Ambry Thomas (20) upends Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) during the first half of the NFC Championship football game at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
10. Stefon Diggs - Texans
Jan 21, 2024; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills wide receiver Stefon Diggs (14) against the Kansas City Chiefs in the 2024 AFC divisional round game at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
9. CeeDee Lamb - Cowboys
Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
8. Jaylen Waddle - Dolphins
Jun 4, 2021; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle (17) goes through drills during voluntary Organized Team Activities at Baptist Health Training Facility. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
7. A.J. Brown - Eagles
Jan 7, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown (11) catches the ball as New York Giants cornerback Nick McCloud (44) pursues during the first quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
6. DeVonta Smith - Eagles
Jan 8, 2022; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith (6) runs a route during the game against the Dallas Cowboys at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
5. Ja'Marr Chase - Bengals
Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
4. Cooper Kupp - Rams
Aug 28, 2021; Denver, Colorado, USA; Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Cooper Kupp (10) warms up before a game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: C. Morgan Engel-USA TODAY Sports
3. Davante Adams - Raiders
Nov 6, 2022; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) runs off the field after scoring a touchdown during the first half against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-USA TODAY Sports
2. Tyreek Hill - Dolphins
Jan 13, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill (10) runs the ball ahead of Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Trent McDuffie (22) during the first half of the 2024 AFC wild card game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
1. Justin Jefferson - Vikings
Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
