Parris Campbell 2019 Outlook: A Slot Monster
5 years agoComing into his rookie season Parris Campbell should have an immediate role in the Colts offense. With T.Y. Hilton the number one and playing on the outside, Campbell and free-agent addition Devin Funchess should have a dual role in the slot.
At 6’ and 205 pounds, Campbell is as big of a target as Funchess and Ebron. He will be unlikely to produce in the red zone the way they could either. However, that is not what the Colts need, they need an underneath guy who they can trust to get first downs.
In his senior season at Ohio State Campbell was just this for Dwayne Haskins. In 14 games he caught 90 passes for 1,063 yards and 12 touchdowns. He is ideally suited to be a slot receiver in the NFL. While this is not as conducive to touchdown production, he can still have a solid fantasy career as a possession wide receiver. Jarvis Landry, Golden Tate and a late-career Larry Fitzgerald have all found success in this role and if he works hard, Campbell could do the same.
As for this season, as good as the Indianapolis offense will be, this may not be the year to expect a stellar performance from him. As stated, the Colts have Hilton, Ebron, and Funchess. Add in Nyheim Hines and the return of Jack Doyle to the passing game, as well as the potential for increased usage of Marlon Mack, and the opportunity for Parris Campbell in 2019 is limited. That is especially the case now that Luck has retired. With Jacoby Brissett under center, there are a lot of questions marks surrounding the entire Colts offense and that includes Campbell.
In dynasty leagues, he is a solid pick in the late first or early second round. In redraft leagues, he is more of a last round flier, or preferably a waiver addition if someone gets hurt in Indianapolis. Otherwise, don’t waste a pick in drafting him this season. But watch out for him next season.