Colts GM Chris Ballard has high praise for returning receiving corps

The Indianapolis Colts offense has been through its fair share of changes this offseason. One under-the-radar aspect of their team that won't change dramatically is its wide receiving corps, a group general manager Chris Ballard believes is better than anyone is giving it credit for.

"They're a talented group," Ballard said on The Athletic Football Show podcast. "Is there a guy that, you know, you just line up and go, 'Holy crap man, how are we gonna stop this guy?' Maybe not, but they are really damn good players, and T.Y. Hilton can still play. He can still play. T.Y. Hilton is as competitive and as good a teammate as I've ever been around."

It's understandable Hilton and company aren't getting much fanfare ahead of the 2021-22 campaign since it was running back Nyheim Hines who led the team in receptions. Hilton, who turns 32 this year, recorded 56 catches for 762 yards and five touchdowns last year.

Ballard, however, still thinks Indy's receivers are primed to exceed expectations.

"I'm betting on Michael Pittman, who I (think has) got a chance to be really good," Ballard said. "I thought he ended the year strong. He had a big playoff game with over 100 yards. Everybody just ignores Zach Paschal, but all he's done is catch (10) touchdowns over the last two years. And then getting Parris Campbell back is a big bonus and he's looked great during the offseason. We think we're a little better than other people do."

The Colts acquired Carson Wentz from the Philadelphia Eagles during the offseason, and there has been plenty of speculation the 28-year-old quarterback will have a comeback season in Indianapolis. If Ballard's assessment of the team's wide receiving arsenal is accurate, it could be an impressive year for a Colts offense that ranked middle of the pack last season.