Rookie Player Profile: Phillip Dorsett

Brian Bulmer Posted On June 8, 2015

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Combine Review

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Height – 5’10”
Weight – 185 pounds
Hands – 9.375”
Arm Length – 30.25”
40 Yard Dash – 4.33 seconds
3 Cone Drill – 6.70 seconds
20 Yard Shuttle – 4.11 seconds
Vertical Jump – 37”
Broad Jump – 122”

Video Clips

Phillip Dorsett vs. Florida State

Strengths

*Elite explosiveness
*Big play production is off the charts (24.2 yards per catch in 2014)
*Elite run after the catch ability (YAC monster)
*Versatile wide receiver and return specialist

*Will play with Andrew Luck

Weaknesses

*Smaller frame may mean more opportunity for injury.
*Sometimes his hand placement is inconsistent.
*Relies on speed more than route running.

Let’s Compare

With the recent success of “undersized” receivers in the NFL, Dorsett contains many similarities when compared to two of the top “small” wide receivers in the game. His size is easily compared, but he also out performed Antonio Brown and TY Hilton in explosive categories such as vertical jump and 3-cone drill. Dorsett’s elite athleticism translates to the field very well and once he becomes comfortable with the offensive scheme and the routes he could become a dangerous weapon in the Indianapolis offense.

Overall Skill Set

I know it has been mentioned a few times already, but Dorsett has elite explosion and the ability to run away from defenses before and after the catch. His ability to make defenders miss in the open fields leads to chunks of yards. He averaged 24.2 yards per catch last season and caught 36 passes for ten touchdowns (1 TD per 3.6 catches). Dorsett also has elite start-stop-start ability to break zone coverage. He can break down and get back to top end speed very quick. He can also break defenders off in man-to-man coverage with his speed and agility. He plays aggressive for a small wide receiver and he also plays fearless over the middle of the field. Dorsett has a nose for the end zone and he can find it in a variety of ways.

Dorsett was a track star as well as a former teammate of Duron Carter (also currently of the Colts). Dorsett was coached up at St. Thomas Acquinas High School by NFL Hall of Fame wide receiver Cris Carter. Dorsett is a high character guy that strives to get better every day. He has improved each year throughout college and with enough catches in 2014 he could have been one of the top college wide receivers. He will have to work on his route running and play with a little more fear in order to stay healthy and in the lineup. He also has an injury history having suffered a pretty significant medical collateral ligament (MCL) sprain during the 2013 season that forced him out of the last seven games of the season including the Russell Athletic Bowl versus Louisville.

Short-term Expectations

I expect Dorsett to become a contributor in the kick return and punt return game almost immediately. He will likely see snaps in three and four wide receiver sets and potentially and may benefit if the Colts mix in some gadget plays. He is a home run threat so I expect the Colts to get the ball in his hands a few times a game. He will be competing with TY Hilton, Andre Johnson, Donte Moncrief and Duron Carter for snaps. I look for him to get 40-50 touches in his rookie season on offense. Outside of that his biggest impact will be in the return game.

Long-term Expectations

TY Hilton is set to become a free agent at seasons end. Dorsett has a game that is similar to Hilton, but I still expect the Colts to try to re-sign him. The Colts will also spend the 2016 offseason creating financial room for Andrew Luck, Coby Fleener, Dwayne Allen, Left Tackle Anthony Costanzo and inside linebacker Jerrell Freeman. Dorsett’s biggest boost comes if Hilton walks in free agency. Dynasty owners have seen this play out with Devante Adams and Randall Cobb in Green Bay this past offseason. It is not set in stone that Hilton walks but the probability seems high with all of the talented players that will be wanting a new contract with the Colts leading into the 2016 offseason. If Hilton walks I expect a large spike in the dynasty value of Dorsett. He has the potential to be a huge playmaker for the Colts in the coming seasons, but how high is his ceiling if Hilton walks?

NFL Comparison

Ceiling of TY Hilton and Antonio Brown, but more accurately compared to John Brown of the Arizona Cardinals, who is also more of a complementary player.

Projected Range for a Rookie Draft

Late first early second is his current value. I have seen him go as early as 1.10 and as late as 2.04. I see his value creeping up as the 2015 season approaches.

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