The Indianapolis Colts were able to add some key players during the 2020 NFL Draft.
They drafted wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. and running back Jonathan Taylor during the second round.
Both players are expected to immediately start in Indy and have a significant role in the offense.
However, the Colts added another offensive player that could make an impact right away.
They took Washington State wide receiver Dezmon Patmon during the sixth round of the draft.
The @Colts take the receiver from the Palouse!
Dezmon Patmon is going to Indy. 🏈 pic.twitter.com/DYDnPQswDb
— Pac-12 Network (@Pac12Network) April 25, 2020
ESPN NFL Analyst Todd McShay has Patmon as one of his Five Instant-Impact Day 3 Picks.
Who is Dezmon Patmon?
It’s usually tough to find reliable talent late in the draft, but general manager Chris Ballard continues to show why he’s one of the best around.
Patmon is a big-bodied receiver who ran a 4.48 forty and posted a 36.0 inch vertical during the NFL Combine.
He missed a majority of his freshmen year due to a knee injury, but played much better during his sophomore campaign.
Patmon recorded 35 receptions for 379 receiving yards through nine games during his second season at Washington State.
His junior year, he led WSU with 816 receiving yards, and hauled in 61 receptions and five touchdowns.
Patmon followed that up with 58 receptions, 762 yards, and eight touchdowns during his 2019 season.
His SPARQ Rating is in the 85.3% NFL percentile, which is 10th best in the entire wide receiver draft class.
Patmon has solid combine scores and put together three reliable seasons at Washington State.
He is the type of player that is worth gambling on late in the draft.
Can Patmon Make it in the NFL?
Patmon has the size and strength to become a reliable target for NFL quarterbacks.
He runs routes well and has long arms that help him secure balls beyond his frame.
Dezmon Patmon highlighted by @ESPN here. Louis Riddick: “He’s a big target, has good high-point skills, has good breakaway speed once he can get behind the secondary.” pic.twitter.com/jxoO790clT
— Theo Lawson (@TheoLawson_SR) April 25, 2020
There’s plenty to like about Patmon’s game, but he still needs to make improvements.
His release is a bit slow and he struggles to get separation at times.
Sometimes, it appears that his feet are too heavy and Patmon has a tough time finding yards after catch.
Patmon has potential, but needs to make adjustments in his game.
Will Patmon See Playing Time in 2020?
As of right now, T.Y. Hilton and Pittman appear locked in as the No. 1 and No. 2 options in Indy.
However, the Colts don’t have many reliable receivers after them on the depth chart.
There’s a good chance that Parris Campbell or Zach Pascal grab the No. 3 spot.
That means, Patmon could earn the No. 4 or No. 5 spot on the team if he plays well in camp.
The Colts do have depth at the receiver position, so there will be a competition during the preseason.
Patmon has a chance of landing on Colts 53-man active roster, but it won’t be an easy task.
However, he might end up on the practice squad and become an interesting stash for next season.
Regardless, it appears that the Colts may have found a diamond in the rough.
Patmon still has a long way to go, but this selection might end up paying off for Indy.
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