Michael Pittman 2020 Fantasy Preview
Perhaps one of the most overlooked wide receivers in this year’s class is Michael Pittman Jr. The 6’4 star from USC was the eighth WR taken off the board in the 2020 NFL draft. Pittman was taken by the Indianapolis Colts, a team lacking depth at the wide receiver position. He will go into this season hoping to beat out Parris Campbell for the WR2 spot.
Playing at USC
I got my first glimpse of Pittman against my Oregon Ducks last fall. I’m familiar with the Pittman legacy as his father Michael Pittman Sr played in the NFL for 10 years, and his younger brother Mycah plays for the Ducks. What impressed me was the natural ease he has in letting the game come to him. He runs route smoothly for someone of his height. Although we managed to “stop” him that day (eight receptions, one TD, 37 yards,) I was impressed enough to continue to follow his senior season. Pittman finished the season with 101 receptions for 1,275 yards and 11 touchdowns. He was a finalist for the Fred Biletnikoff award given to the most outstanding receiver in college football.
See Where Michael Pittman Lands In Our 2020 ReDraft Rankings!
With the first regular season game less than a month away, teams are gearing up as best they can without their typical pre-season games. During this time, it’s critical for rookies to get as many reps as they can, especially the ones expected to make an immediate impact. According to colts.com, Michael Pittman is getting plenty of first team reps in practice. Expectations are high for the 2nd round draft pick who should see playing time right away. According to the Colts, Pittman and Jonathan Taylor do not play like or practice like rookies.
Fantasy Potential
Michael Pittman is the WR#60 with an ADP of #161 according to 2020 draft data on Fantasy Pros. He is ranked behind guys like Dede Westbrook and Desean Jackson. Pittman is in a position to succeed compared to other rookies. T.Y. Hilton will get most of the deep targets, leaving mid routes available for the taking. At 6’4, he should also get a significant amount of looks in the red zone.
Related | Michael Pittman 2020 Dynasty Fantasy Football Rookie Profile
What’s interesting is the fact that T.Y. Hilton is on the tail end of his career, while Pittman and 2nd year teammate Parris Campbell are on the rise. Campbell struggled to stay healthy last year, making it hard to project success for this year. Pittman has an opportunity to overtake Hilton for WR1 while reaping the benefits of having a gunslinger like Philip Rivers throwing him the ball. Rivers is not afraid to throw it up for his WR to go up and get it.
Adapting to the NFL
Having an NFL player for a dad, Pittman understands what it takes to grind in the NFL. Rivers who is known for his intensity and tenacity, has been impressed so far with Pittman’s work ethic. Adapting to the NFL is more difficult for a receiver, but Pittman is making it work despite all the setbacks this off-season. It’s encouraging to see Pittman handle the pressure that comes with being an early round draft pick.
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The Colts had a top 10 defense last season to go along with a top 10 run game. They brought Rivers in to help balance the passing game. The only other options for Rivers are Zach Pascal and Jack Doyle. The opportunities are there for Pittman in this offense with limited playmakers. Based on projected snap share, Pittman’s targets should definitely exceed what other WR’s with similar ADP should get. It is not out of the realm of possibilities for him to have 1,000 yards, 110 targets and seven touchdowns. Throw in the big playmaking ability, and you have a breakout star in the making.
On that note I want to say, get your shares of Michael Pittman Jr now as his stock continues to rise!
