Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
The Indianapolis Colts reconstructed their receiving group this offseason and brought in a lot of explosive playmaking talent. However, the Colts’ biggest receiving contributions could come from a returning receiver. Donte Moncrief is entering his second season in Indianapolis, and he could be set up for a splendid campaign.
The Colts selected Moncrief in the third round of the 2015 NFL Draft. He was the speed receiver at the University of Mississippi and continued this trend in his rookie season with the Colts. Moncrief had 444 receiving yards and three receiving touchdowns on 32 receptions in his rookie season.
The Colts brought up Moncrief slowly last year, as he did not flourish until the halfway through the season. However, he made plays when he touched the football. Each of Moncrief’s touchdowns were longer than 30 yards, and he had a 36-yard receiving touchdown against the Cincinnati Bengals in the AFC Wild Card game. Clearly, Moncrief’s speed translates well in the NFL game.
Although Moncrief is coming off a strong rookie season, he will have to compete for consistent playing time. The team still has T.Y. Hilton and added Andre Johnson, so these two will be the top starting receivers. Everything after that is unknown. Moncrief will battle with Duron Carter, Phillip Dorsett and Vincent Brown for playing time after the first two receivers. Each of these guys can create plays and are downfield threats, so Moncrief needs to be on his game in camp.
Moncrief is the favorite to be the No. 3 receiver because of his one year of experience in Pep Hamilton’s offense. Hamilton has a creative offensive mind, so it would not be surprising to see Moncrief used in screens and crossing patterns to create space for him once he catches the ball.
The one concerning thing about Moncrief is his route running. He usually creates separation with his speed, which is why he is a strong downfield threat. He has struggled with short, quicker routes because he cannot fully use his speed to get away from defenders. Moncrief has been working on this in OTAs and minicamp.
If he becomes a crisp route runner, the nickel cornerbacks will not be able to defend him. He has so much speed that solid route running will make him lethal. Moncrief is also 6-foot-2, so he has a big frame to throw at. If he can learn from Johnson on how to use his big frame, it makes Moncrief that much more of a threat.
Moncrief has all the physical tools to be a great receiver for the Colts, and he will certainly get his opportunities because of his talent. It would not be surprising if Moncrief had around 750 receiving yards and five touchdowns at season’s end.
