The Indianapolis Colts made a sneaky-good signing during this year's free agency and snagged former Carolina Panthers wide receiver Devin Funchess. The move addressed the team's need for a reliable pass catcher to complement T.Y. Hilton, as well as provide Andrew Luck some additional help.
Funchess has faced his fair share of criticisms over the years. He has not exactly had an electrifying career so far. The fifth-year receiver could see a lot of opportunities this season and prove to be worth the second-round draft pick he cost the Panthers back in 2015. At 6-4 and 236 pounds, Funchess' stature is similar to Atlanta Falcons superstar Julio Jones. While the skill level may not be close, Funchess could find prosperity in Indianapolis after a disappointing start to his career in Carolina. Here are three bold predictions for Funchess next season.
First 1,000-yard season
Funchess flirted with 1,000 yards during the 2017 season with a career high of 840 yards. Unfortunately, the Panthers spread the ball to various receivers, and there hasn't been a standout receiver on the team since Steve Smith. The last two seasons have also displayed the Panthers' tendencies to heavily feature running back Christian McCaffrey; those tendencies do not give other players many opportunities.
Devin Funchess will now be in an offense that passes first. The Colts are extremely efficient in their passing game. Andrew Luck won't likely throw to Hilton every time, which should give Funchess plenty of opportunities at having a career-best season. Luck could establish a strong connection with Funchess and take advantage of another talented target.
Funchess will have 10 or more touchdowns in 2019
This prediction is likely the most possible of the three, considering the amount of times the Colts reach the red zone. Funchess' size can be a big factor for Indianapolis. While Eric Ebron was the team's touchdown leader last season, it's likely that teams will game-plan for him in the red zone. If Ebron is covered, Funchess's presence could bode very well for the team's red zone efficiency.
While Hilton is the kind of receiver who can blow the top off the defense with his speed and ability to catch deep passes, Funchess could find big gains on jump balls. The possibility of Funchess being the team's touchdown leader is not completely outlandish; he could wind up being a big-time threat to opposing defenses.
Funchess will make his first Pro Bowl appearance
While Funchess has not even come close to having a Pro Bowl-caliber season in his career, neither had tight end Eric Ebron prior to coming to the Colts. Ebron was mediocre at best during his time with Detroit, but in his first season with the Colts he made the Pro Bowl and caught a career-high 13 touchdown passes. Ebron also had a career high in yards (750) as well as receptions (66), so it's fair to assume Funchess could deliver a massive spike in production this season.
Considering that Andrew Luck's favorite target T.Y. Hilton fought injuries quite often the last few seasons, Devin Funchess could emerge as a big contributor in the Colts' pass-heavy offense. Hilton and Funchess could both create a lot of success in 2019, but Funchess's presumed red zone presence could be the ticket he needs to reach his first Pro Bowl.
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