Key traits Colts look for in wide receiver draft prospects

Adding to the Indianapolis Colts' wide receiver position is an item that one would guess is on GM Chris Ballard's radar heading into the 2026 NFL draft.

Although the Colts just invested heavily in Alec Pierce, there is a starting spot up for grabs currently with Michael Pittman now in Pittsburgh. As the roster is constructed at the moment, likely competing for that playing time are Ashton Dulin, Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, and Laquon Treadwell.

Adding additional competition for those snaps and general depth to the receiver room would be the prudent move.

So, as the Colts look to potentially add to this unit, what traits are they looking for in draft prospects? Head coach Shane Steichen provided some insight recently.

"Separation at the top of routes is big for me," Steichen said on Tuesday. "Can they win one-on-one on the outside? Obviously, they got to have great hands and then depending on their skill set, their body type, are they a slot receiver? Are they outside receiver? Do they have a feel for zone coverage? If you're in the slot on option routes, whether it be that the bigger body type guys, being physical at the top of routes is huge for me."

Steichen continued, "The separation is big and the explosive ability when you look at some of these guys coming out in the draft. The ability to catch and get YAC after the catch, whether it's a shallow route or catching a slant. And that explosive ability to go create that YAC is huge because that's how you score points and that's how you become explosive."