Who can replace Michael Pittman Jr. for the Colts?

(AP Photo/AJ Mast)

After the Indianapolis Colts traded wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. To the Pittsburgh Steelers, fans of the team immediately started suggesting who the Colts should replace him with. Whether it be a free agency-move, a trade or through the draft, the bulk of observers know that the Colts options are open. But the more we see and hear out of the Colts camp, the more obvious it becomes that the draft seems to be what general manager Chris Ballard will use to fill the Michael Pittman Jr. Shaped hole in the Colts offense. 

Who will the Colts target in the draft? 

In honor of Michael Pittman Jr's tenure on the Colts., here are my 11 options for possible replacements in the NFL draft. 

11. Bryce Lance – WR – North Dakota State 

Lance is one of those football success stories you love to hear about. Eagerly sitting on the bench for two years, his patience was rewarded with back-to-back 1,000-yard receiving seasons at North Dakota State. While impressive, the competition from corners Lance faced is quite literally, nowhere near the type of players he will encounter in the NFL. His technique, being a functional blocker and comfortability in routes needs some refinement. So, whether he can translate well into the league will be interesting to see. But with his reliable hands, inspiring contested catch rate, and undeniable speed going into the draft with a wicked quick 4.34 - forty time standing at 6’3. The Colts could very well thrust Lance into their offensive scheme, finding creative ways for Daniel Jones to hit him over the top. Hopefully, with him playing to his strengths for the majority of his tenure wherever he may go. Instead of trying to make him something that he is not.  

10. CJ Daniels – WR – Miami 

CJ Daniels has had a lengthy college career, starting at Liberty to LSU to Miami this past year. His tape is extensive, and while seemingly taking a step back last year, Daniels has more than enough attributes that sway in his favor. His willingness to be a run blocker is most certainly a respectable aspect of his game. Daniels' ball tracking is solid, with his route running also being very nice to see in real time. Daniels 4.44 - forty time also makes him all the more rounded of a prospect. But addressing the hit to his production, along with his drop rate which used to be quite admirable in his time at LSU, is top of the list in terms of what he can perfect. Therefore, the Colts would bank on him returning to his truest form, reaching some version of his potential rich profile. So, if you want someone who knows his role, thus replacing someone very football savvy in Michael Pittman Jr. Then look no further. 

9. J. Michael Sturdivant – WR – Florida 

If any one wide receiver was to go underappreciated this draft, it would be Sturdivant. With the above average height of 6’3 and a forty time of 4.40, Sturdivant is full of potential. His route tree is clearly still developing, but he shows strong signs of skill in the groundwork of that area. Sturdivant’s ability to adjust when needed makes his case for not being a throwaway receiver in the late rounds, as he can control his body to make tough catches in the clutch. He can function as a blocker, special teamer while also contributing in a decent way on offense, adding a level of explosiveness that teams strive for. Sturdivant has to get better with consistency as he struggles with concentrated catches, separation and yards after catch. But, with his confidence and flexibility in multiple roles, he could find a place on the Indianapolis Colts offense; as Shane Steichen is a man of gadget players, using them to keep a defense on its toes in all three phases of a game. 

8. Reggie Virgil – WR – Texas Tech 

Reggie Virgil is quite Pittman esc with his smaller frame, but larger height. He may not be the fastest, but he can damage you with his hands and knack for breaking ankles in routes on his way over to an over the shoulder catch. The threat of breaking free gives corners the incentive to think harder about what they do to prevent Virgil from getting anything down the stretch. Although, with as much room as Virgil gets, he needs to broaden his skills as a developed aggressive pass catcher and functional run blocker. In order for him to stay on the field for the Colts, Virgil needs to ensure he isn’t another Adonai Mitchell, like in the against the Rams last year. The traits Virgil has, and the threat he can become on the field gives him a leg up. So, for the Colts to select him, you expect receivers coach Reggie Wayne to commit to developing Virgil to become a vital piece for the Colts 2026 offense and beyond. 

7. Jeff Caldwell – WR – Cincinnati 

Jeff Caldwell is explosive to put it plainly. Remind you of another Cincinnati Bearcat? He is yet another rare athlete who has all the measurables that would make Chris Ballard and company’s mouth water. A 78 wingspan, 6’5 frame and a quick forty time of 4.31, are intangibles that should make any team at least consider what Caldwell could look like in their offense. He has the mindset to dominate, and like that of Alec Pierce; he doesn’t need countless receptions to reach a goal. Whether that be touchdowns or total receiving yards, Caldwell makes the defense pay. Like almost any other wide receiver in this draft, Caldwell needs development as his technique still has a few minor discrepancies. His route running and his ability to haul in 50/50 balls are some of those areas that he could use work in. But once again, like Alec Pierce, patience is a necessity to develop a true weapon to replace another. And with the aforementioned similarities between Caldwell and Pierce, perhaps Caldwell can partially help take the load off of Pierce' shoulders on deep shots; as Pierce will get more targets with him being the official number one receiver on the Colts.

6. Caleb Douglas – WR – Texas Tech 

The alternative to Reggie Virgil is one Caleb Douglas. Right away looking at a player like Douglas, you notice the 6’4 frame and of course the incredibly fast forty time of 4.39. He’s projects as one of those lankier receivers that you rely on to find weak spots on a defense, which could be more of a strong part of his game if he were to pack on some more weight. Douglas does also need to work on getting back to the peak of his consistent play, as mistakes also take an effect on his upside. Protecting the ball and not letting defenders shove him aside, thus becoming another body on the field can give teams an extension of belief in the receiver he can become. Because athletes like Douglas don’t come around all that often, especially ones that find ways to be better and succeed off the back of critiques by teams respective receiver coaches. Douglas does have acting chops, shifting the defense’s attention away from the target, stealing the attention away from defenders in order to get positive yards or even score on any series. That selfless characteristic is yet another reason to watch him in the draft cycle. The Colts would benefit greatly from a team player, so if Douglas could limit amateur plays and turn it into reasonable production, then the Colts may have found their next dangerous player. 

5. Ja’Kobi Lane – WR – USC 

In Shane Steichen’s offense, Pittman became a reliable red zone threat, either by having more muscle than the opponent or creating confusion amidst the communication between defenders when it mattered most. Ja’Kobi Lane does the exact same, nearing twenty touchdowns in the red zone during the last two years at USC. Lane wins, it’s simple, and it makes sense as USC also created the Pittman we know and love. If Lane could pack on some more mass in muscle, he could feasibly become one of the nation's top prospects, as he already has raised some durability questions after a brief injury in 2025 and his lower weight. Lane’s interesting technique in catching comes across as a charming trait, adapting to the moment when necessary. He won’t burn you, but if given the chance, he could snatch a chunk play with a second's notice. So just think about the player he could become if he were to quietly yet effectively develop his speed. At only twenty-one years of age and a height of 6’4, he can be molded into a big threat, bridging the gap between the traits Pittman had and failed to obtain.

4. De’Zhaun Stribling – WR – Ole Miss 

Stribling seems to be drumming up more and more attention as of late, as teams scour scouting boards for a receiver that can turn on the burners. With an average 6’2 build but an impressive 4.36 forty time, any corner that matches against him immediately pays for it once Stribling gets space. And it’s not just in vertical routes; it’s a pick your poison type game with Stribling on the field. Whether it be a comeback or a hitch route, he finds ways to break up coverage in an effective way consistently. His track record throughout his four years in college gives teams like the Colts the incentive that they can rely on him growing into whatever mold they wish him to fit into. So, while he may not be the head tapping receiver that the other prospects on this list display themselves as, he has more than enough good play to make sure you hit your mark come April 23^rd. Age and what his full potential as a receiver looks like is a question on a lot of teams' minds, but there is truly only one way to find out what both of those factors look like outside of hypotheticals. But taking into account how much development Stribling could be effectively subjected to is a necessity in pondering the decision to possibly draft him.

3. Malachi Fields – WR – Notre Dame 

Running close to a 4.61 time isn’t exactly what you would like to see out of any receiver, but maybe Fields is the exception. How he uses his size, with a height of 6’4 and the weight of 218 is otherworldly, which puts him far out in front of any other prospect. Creating the same kind of confidence for quarterbacks that Atlanta Falcons receiver Drake London bestows upon his team. He can beat you deep, short, or even when he looks like he is covered. Fields’ tape speaks for itself, as he has a natural sense of what the opposing defense aims to accomplish down to down. Michael Pittman Jr’s game of getting those tough yards after catch is what Fields also conveyed at Notre Dame in 2025. Brushing off any initial contact and turning it into prime field positioning for his offense makes any defensive coordinator think twice about who is matched up against him. But after a while in the league, Fields could hit his limit in terms of development. The consensus fear seems to be   that Fields will be unable to surprise teams after a couple of years, so Fields would need to provide a sustained resume for him to be continuously considered the big body target that he looks to be as he awaits hearing his name called come the NFL draft. 

2. Elijah Sarratt – WR – Indiana 

A local hero of sorts, Elijah Sarratt does almost everything right. He more often than not turns any short yardage catch into a first down or a scoring play. His route work cuts deep, as his determination makes him nearly impossible to tackle. Sarratt’s passion for the game is illustrated by his adaptability and team effort, selling plays even when the ball isn’t thrown his way. He won’t blow you away with his speed or the yards he gains after catch, but the control he possesses over his body is exceptional. Some receivers coming out of college tend to be on the fringe of a diva personality, but not Sarratt. He knows his role in the best of ways and will do everything in his power to ensure he is playing his part on the field. For being another 6’2 wideout, Sarratt has the weight and hands that perfectly align with his build. His stature has made him available on crucial game swaying plays, dicing defenses keeping the Hoosiers alive in many games. So, if Sarratt can take that next step, and continue to push himself beyond what he is familiar with, the Colts can draft more than just another Pittman.  

1. Ted Hurst – WR – Georgia State 

There have been a lot of other 6’4 that have been brought up over the course of this article. And fast ones in that, but Hurst having a super solid 4.42 forty time, being 6'3, and 32 5/8 arm length, makes him the prospect for the Colts to draft when available. Those intangibles are exactly what Chris Ballard and the Colts scouts inevitably look for as a decision for the replacement of Michael Pittman Jr. looms in April. So for a prospect like Hurst to be possibly sitting out there makes it all the more likely the Colts take a swing. Hurst takes some of the best traits from other prospects and groups them into one. He is a scary red zone threat, with the ability to use leverage in dominating fashion. His length gains his team first downs consistently, with his yards after catch seeing drastic improvement over the course of his collegiate career. Hurst is fast, so fast that corners are having to constantly monitor him moving closer to running the dreaded go route. But even if he is the highest on this list, Hurst still shares the same difficulties as the other receivers on this list. Hurst must focus on hauling in passes whilst staying active without missing a beat. Building muscle, so he can become a better threat in contested catches and survive the contact that comes with the invitation to jump for a ball can turn him into a sizable threat, replacing Pittman in the best possible fashion.  

Having to replace a wide receiver as good as Pittman isn’t optimal in the slightest. He in many ways was the embodiment of a Colt. But football is a business at the end of the day, and decisions have to be made. So, while this time around, the decision hurts a lot of fans’ hearts’ focus on who the Colts could get.The upside is there, and the options listed today are a dosage of the Pittman prototype while also excelling in areas that he still struggled with.  

But only time will tell if the Colts can truly replace number 11. 

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