The Indianapolis Colts have high hopes that rookie wide receiver Parris Campbell will be able to reach the ceiling they saw in him, and it seems he’s been flashing some of that potential early in training camp.
Though the second-round pick has yet to make a major impact during the team drills to open camp, he has flashed some development in route running and ability to create separation in tight spaces.
It shouldn’t be overhyped, but take this rep in the red-zone for example. Lining up one-on-one with cornerback Jalen Collins, Campbell shows off some gorgeous footwork at the line and then easily creates separation out of his break. He finishes the play with some veteran awareness and footwork, securing the catch in the back of the end zone.
The Colts see Campbell having a high ceiling in the offense while holding a role outside of being simply a gadget player. Head coach Frank Reich sees a legitimate wide receiver.
“Yeah, well to me, that just puts an exclamation point on – you know what he did in the red zone today, the two plays he made in the red zone today weren’t hybrid, gadget or slot receiver-type plays,” said Reich to reporters Sunday. “They were legit, NFL, I’m going to be a stud receiver-plays. (He) ran two phenomenal routes (and) made two big plays in the red zone.”
Campbell did wind up suffering a hamstring injury on Sunday later in practice and didn’t return. Reich wasn’t sure how long it will impact the rookie.
There is a deep competition at the wide receiver position, but Campbell should be right in the thick of it as long as he’s healthy—even if his first-team work has been limited.
