Veterans and rookies for the Indianapolis Colts will report for training camp on July 24th, with the first practice taking place on July 25th.
Between now and then I will be previewing the Colts’ 91-man roster with a look back at each player’s 2023 season, along with what’s ahead for 2024.
I’ll be going through the Colts’ roster alphabetically, so up next is wide receiver Anthony Gould. To stay up to date with our other previews, be sure to head over to Colts Wire.
2023 Season Review
A fifth-round pick out of Oregon State by the Colts this past April, Gould measured in at 5-8 – 174 pounds and posted a RAS of 8.87, which included running a 4.39-second 40.
Gould would see most of his snaps on offense last season come lined up on the boundary. He brought a big-play presence with his speed, whether that be downfield or after the catch, and caught 44 of his 70 targets at an impressive 16.2 yards per catch with two touchdowns.
During the 2022 season, Gould was a first-team All-American punt returner at Oregon State, averaging 18.3 yards per attempt with two scores. This most recent season, he averaged 14.1 yards per return, which is still a very impressive figure.
“It’s just the confidence,” Gould said via the Indy Star after being drafted. “Every time I’m back there, I think I’m going to score. That’s the mentality I have.”
2024 Season Preview
In addition to adding more playmaking on offense, the Colts wanted to get more dynamic on their return units as well, especially with the kickoff rules, which is expected to significantly increase the number of return opportunities.
Gould’s ability to impact the game as a return man was a big reason why the Colts wanted to draft him.
“I think Anthony being one of the top punt returners in college football is really exciting to get him to join our group. That skill set is something that we can use in the new kickoff model,” special teams coordinator Brian Mason said.
“It’s going to be a little bit different than your traditional kickoff return rep where the kickoff returner might have had a bunch of space to be able to build up speed and be able to make his cuts. There could be a lot more confined space, punt return, punt returner-type of cuts and moves that are made. You look at more running backs or punt returners being used in some of those positions.”
With Michael Pittman, AD Mitchell, Josh Downs, and Alec Pierce at receiver, along with nearly 96 percent of the Colts’ offensive snaps last season coming with three or fewer receivers on the field, Gould’s greatest impact will likely come on teams.
However, that doesn’t mean we won’t see him on offense at all. With his speed and ability to create in space, Gould has the potential to carve out a niche role in Shane Steichen’s offense as a motion man or a pass-catcher who can get the ball on designed touches in space where his YAC ability can take over.
“I think I’ve solidified that I can play wide receiver at a high level throughout this process,” Gould said. “Obviously, the speed down the field, but the intermediate and short game as well. I ran a full route tree at Oregon State.”
