Colts WR corps 'going to be high flying'

T.Y. Hilton was in the Indianapolis Colts' weight room earlier this week when he glanced over and noticed fellow wide receiver Andre Johnson effortlessly throwing up a rack full of plates.

Hilton, already conscious of his small stature, felt practically intimidated.

"I looked over and I said, 'Nah, man, you can't lift next to me anymore,' " Hilton joked. "He's a big strong guy."

Clearly, Johnson is already making his presence felt with his new team.

The Colts' big offseason acquisition is just one reason their receiving unit has a different complexion this season.

But, in the team's assessment, "different" is not tantamount to "worse."

"There's a lot of talent in that room," Johnson said, in his usual, understated manner.

Reggie Wayne is out, Johnson is in.

Hakeem Nicks and his declining production is out, but the tantalizing potential of Duron Carter is in.

Throw in free agent signing Vincent Brown, along with returners Hilton and Donte Moncrief, and you could have the makings of a receiving corps that is both versatile and deep.

"I think it'll be great competition among those guys," quarterback Andrew Luck said. "They're all pros. They all know what they're doing. They're all gifted athletically."

It's also a diverse group.

Said Carter, the son of Hall of Fame wideout Cris Carter: "This is the best group of receivers I've ever been around. We have every dynamic covered and it's going to be great. It's going to be high flying."

Hilton and Moncrief are proven deep threats. Johnson once was, but is likely to be something of a possession receiver providing a huge target for Luck in the middle of the field. Brown has a varied skill set that should make him a strong candidate for the No. 4 spot behind Hilton, Johnson and Moncrief. But Carter has a unique ability to "high-point" the football, going up in traffic to make tough catches, and could make things interesting.

The competition will sort itself out in training camp. For now, the priority is developing chemistry between Luck and the new additions. The quarterback has already been spending time throwing to Johnson and others to get that process underway, something that might enable the Colts offense to start fast this fall.

Just from the little interaction they've had thus far, throwing without the aid of coaches and against air, Luck has come to a firm conclusion about his receivers.

"I'll tell you," he said, "there's some really good players."

Follow Star reporter Stephen Holder on Twitter: @HolderStephen.