Indianapolis Colts Receivers to Duke It out in Training Camp

Howard Mudd, former offensive line coach for the Indianapolis Colts, used to say that his method for building a line was to throw all the prospects in a pot, and see what comes out.

That's not an unusual route when creating an offensive line, but it's highly unusual when building a receiving corp.

The Colts have long been known for a dynamic passing game, but they find themselves with more questions than answers heading into minicamps.

Reggie Wayne has obviously locked down one receiving spot, but who else lines up wide in Indianapolis this year is anyone's guess.

Of all the training-camp battles in Colts camp, this will be the one to watch.

Here Are the Prime Contenders

Austin Collie

Collie is typically viewed as a slot receiver, though he showed flashes of ability on the outside in 2010. Collie's production dropped off significantly in 2011. Given his concussion history, fans still cringe every time he is hit. Collie has to be considered a favorite to get the bulk of the snaps either outside or inside.

Donnie Avery

Avery is a former burner who has had injury issues. He's trying to catch on with the Colts after a brief and unremarkable stop in Tennessee. Avery was never particularly productive before his injuries, and the Colts would probably be thrilled if one of the younger receivers can beat him out.

T.Y. Hilton

Hilton is small, but lightning quick. He could catch on as a slot receiver if the Colts move Collie to the outside or if Collie has injury issues going forward. He shows the ability to take short passes a long way.

LaVon Brazill

Brazill is a lesser version of Hilton. He's bigger, but not significantly so. Again, if Collie falters or if the Colts move him outside, Brazill could be in a battle with Hilton to land that slot spot.

Griff Whalen

Whalen is at best a slot receiver. He is a long shot to make the team, but could be a good practice-squad addition thanks to his rapport with Andrew Luck. He's a lesser version of Blair White.

Jabin Sambrano

The Colts are collecting slot receivers the way a nerdy '90s kid collected Pogs. Sambrano's odds of making the Colts are long at best.

Quan Cosby

Cosby is more of a special teams/returner type, but will likely get reps at receiver. He's basically (you guessed it) a slot guy.

Jarred Fayson

Fayson spent time on the Colts practice squad last year. He's a little bigger than most of the guys on this list, and more experienced. If he has any advantage, it's his size.

Jeremy Ross

Ross spent time on the Indy practice squad last year. He's thicker and more physical than most of the guys on this list.

Projection

The Colts depth chart will likely list Wayne as the No. 1. I expect Collie to wind up outside as the No. 2. Hilton will be the slot. Avery will back up Wayne, and Brazill will make the roster as the fifth receiver. 

Watch for Coby Fleener to be split wide with regularity. He is basically a large wideout, and the Colts could bring Collie inside and move Fleener wide to create matchup headaches for defenses.