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Michael Pittman will catch passes from Phillip Rivers in 2020, as he has been taken with the 34th overall pick by the Indianapolis Colts. The Colts needed receiver help, as T.Y. Hilton is their only reliable outside receiver and has dealt with nagging injuries of late. Pittman will add a strong target all over the field for Rivers as they go into win now mode in Indianapolis.
Mims used his great speed at Baylor to stretch the field, totaling 186 receptions for 2,925 yards (15.7 per reception) and 28 touchdowns for his career. His finals season in Baylor netted him 66 catches, 1,020 receiving yards, and 12 touchdowns.
A shoulder injury slowed Pittman’s progress, as he missed two games and needed offseason surgery following USC’s 2018 season. The good news is that he recovered well and turned in a great 2019 season, with 101 receptions for 1,275 yards and 11 touchdowns, on his way to multiple awards and Biletnikoff Award finalist.
Scouting Report
Pittman’s drop rate is one of the best in all of college football and he tracks the football well in the air and has superb framing. He sometimes has trouble getting separation out of the blocks, but he can create separation once in his route, where he is excellent. Most scouts like him as a solid WR2 in the league, but there is upside to lead a team in receiving for the bulk of his career.
Fantasy football impact
Rookie
Pittman is one of the most reliable receivers in this draft and should quickly become a top target for Rivers on short and mid-range routes. The Colts want to compete right now with Rivers nearing the end of his career and I expect Pittman to have one of the better rookie seasons of the wide receivers.
Long-term
Pittman has the ability to become a strong fantasy player, who grabs 60-80 passes a season and lands in the Top-24 fantasy wide receivers each year. There is upside for more if things break his way and he continues improving, but no matter, he is a solid player who will be able to transfer his skills to the NFL.