INDIANAPOLIS – It's been arguably the most competitive position group on the Colts roster over the last three seasons.
That isn't changing in 2015.
No one will be wiping the smile off Andrew Luck's face anytime soon when he talks about the distinct pass catchers at his disposal this season.
"There are a bunch of playmakers. You look around this locker room and there are a bunch of playmakers," Luck said of the Colts offense.
"Matt (Hasselbeck) and I know it's our job to get the ball to them and do that to the best of our abilities. A big portion of this time right now is being spent building that rhythm with Andre (Johnson), continuing that rhythm with T.Y. (Hilton) and Donte (Moncrief) and Griff (Whalen) and the younger guys. So it will be great to get those new guys into the fold and we'll see where we can go."
From an NFL ranking standpoint, the Colts can't go any higher in the passing game department.
Indianapolis led the NFL with 305.9 passing yards per game last season.
This year's group that will try and match the 2014 air attack will include some new faces.
First-round pick Phillip Dorsett added his 4.24 40-yard dash speed to the Colts a few weeks back. As a football fan prior to being drafted, Dorsett already knew what Andrew Luck had, and now will continue to have.
"Another playmaker," Dorsett said of his addition.
"(Luck) has a lot of toys to play with. It's going to be fun. Honestly, defenses are going to not know what to do and they are going to have to pick and choose because I don't think they can double anybody."
Throwing in Dorsett to an already potent skill group should help the Colts offense avoid the lulls we occasionally saw late last year.
As opposing respect, and more coverage, continues to extend towards Hilton, other weapons (including Frank Gore) should have more favorable matchups.
"We really feel we can stress teams with our speed outside and create mismatches that come up really in elite games when it comes down to the top matchups," Owner/CEO Jim Irsay said after the draft.
"You have to your third receiver beat their third cover corner. This gives us an opportunity to do that and it help on special teams."
Colts defenders have taken notice of the unit they must face with OTAs beginning on Monday.
The speed and pressure of Hilton and Dorsett will be the game breakers but the size of Moncrief and Johnson could be just as vital in keeping drives alive.
In NFL season No. 13 for Johnson, he reverts to the early 2000s for the last time he's played with so many capable bodies on the outside.
"Not since college," Johnson said of the talent in the receiving group.
"There is a lot of great talent in the room. A lot of young guys. I have fun working with them. They keep me young. It's a lot of fun. I just can't wait."
