NFL draft: Indianapolis Colts sign Anthony Gould from Kansas for $85 million… See more…
Indianapolis Colts draftee Anthony Gould feels he can be more than just a return specialist in the NFL.
When the new kickoff rules were announced this offseason, Chris Ballard and the Indianapolis Colts saw an opportunity for their team to take advantage.
Kickoffs have become important again. The new rules no longer make it a ceremonial play, and return chances are expected to spike. Because of this, having a player who can add a dangerous return element to special teams may be a huge advantage moving forward
With that in mind, the Colts set out to find a player who could not only help in the return game but on offense as well. Indy found that with Oregon State wide receiver Anthony Gould, who they selected with the No. 142 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Gould was an All-American punt returner in 2022, leading all of FBS with 18.3 yards per punt return. With a career punt return average of 16.4 yards, it is easy to see why Gould is so confident whenever the ball is comes his way.
“I think it’s just the confidence of just going back there and every time I’m back there, I think I’m (going to) score,” Gould admitted. “That’s the mentality I have. … Just the confidence but also I’m comfortable back there.
I’ve been doing that for such a long time. I did it at a high level in college so I don’t expect that to slow down. I’m excited to get to Indy and hopefully I can take that return game to another level.”
While Gould did most of his damage as a punt returner with the Beavers, he projects to handle kickoff returns for the Colts as well.
The new kickoff rules put players on both sides much closer from the beginning of the play, which could create big-play opportunities. For a fifth-round pick, finding an impactful role on special teams will ensure Gould sees the field right away.
“I think I can add a ton of value that way,” Gould explained. “The way I look at it, it’s almost like a glorified punt. A lot of guys are going to be a lot closer in space. Guys aren’t getting 20-yard, 25-yard head starts running toward you so blocks are going to get picked up cleaner.
It’s going to be interesting to see how that works with the schematic of things. I know I can come in from Day 1, punt return, kick return, that’s all (in) my game, so I’m excited to see how the new rules for that shake out.”
Many see Gould’s initial role with the Colts as a core special teams player, giving Indy an electric weapon on that side of the ball that they have not had since Nyheim Hines or Isaiah Rodgers Sr.
But Gould believes he can add more to the team than just as a returner. He can make an impact as a wideout as well.
