Indianapolis Colts need Phillip Dorsett to Produce

Dec 20, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts receiver Phillip Dorsett (15) walks off the field after the game against the Houston Texans at Lucas Oil Stadium. The Texans won 16-10. Mandatory Credit: Thomas J. Russo-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 20, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts receiver Phillip Dorsett (15) walks off the field after the game against the Houston Texans at Lucas Oil Stadium. The Texans won 16-10. Mandatory Credit: Thomas J. Russo-USA TODAY Sports /
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Phillip Dorset was a major disappointment as a rookie and the Colts need him to start to live up to his potential.

The Indianapolis Star’s Zak Keefer is optimistic that Phillip Dorsett can be a major contributor this year. He’s confident despite what was a poor rookie season by Dorsett who finished with 18 catches, 225 yards and only 1 touchdown.

Those aren’t the type of numbers the Colts expected when they drafted Dorsett in the first round. However, there are a few circumstances that worked against him and speak to this being a better season.

The biggest factor in Dorsett’s lack of production was the injury to Andrew Luck. Anytime an offense loses it’s quarterback there’s a trickle down effect that hurts the rest of the roster. With the Colts it was more dramatic because of how much the team relied on Luck’s ability.

Dorsett dealt with injuries of his own which slowed his learning curve and kept him off the field.

The Colts need a big year from Dorsett to help justify their decision to draft him. At the time he was picked, it was seen as a luxury with the Colts have more pressing needs at other positions. The biggest need at the time was upgrading the offensive line which proved to be the team’s Achilles heal.

Indianapolis’ offensive line was a disaster last year and played a major part in Andrew Luck’s injury. The Colts use the 2016 draft to hopefully fix the issue by drafting 4 offensive linemen including 1st round pick Ryan Kelly.

An improved offensive line is the key to the Colts success and in turn the success of Phillip Dorsett. He’s known for his ability to stretch a defense and make plays down the field. In order to make use of his skill set Luck will need time in the pocket.