Indianapolis Colts rookie wide receiver Mike Strachan has been one of the most impressive players throughout camp and the first preseason game. Now, he’s grabbing attention outside the Circle City.
As the 6-foot-5, 228-pound receiver has shown some quick development as a route runner and contested-catch artist, the buzz has been following the rookie non-stop throughout the last month.
He put some of that on display when he toasted first-round pick Jaycee Horn on a comeback route during one-on-one drills with the Carolina Panthers.
Michael Strachan making it look easy against eighth overall pick Jaycee Horn. pic.twitter.com/Z3EaxKKhRb
— Zak Keefer (@zkeefer) August 12, 2021
Then he had a strong debut in the preseason opener with three receptions for 57 yards. It included this 32-yard snag down the field after blowing through press coverage.
.@Colts rookie WR Mike Strachan got up and GOT IT. @Mike_Playmaker | @skinnyqb10
📺: #CARvsIND on @NFLNetwork (or check local listings)
📱: https://t.co/ItciNYd3S4 pic.twitter.com/5Rn4rVuG5M— NFL (@NFL) August 15, 2021
Now, he’s drawing praise from the likes of Colts legend Reggie Wayne and one of the best receivers of the 2000s in Chad “Ochocino” Johnson.
Okay. I've seen the practice highlights and was like ok ok. Now my my antennas are up for @Mike_Playmaker… 👀🤔#colts
— Reggie Wayne (@ReggieWayne_17) August 15, 2021
@Mike_Playmaker I see you out there, every day ask yourself, “how can i make my QB & coordinators job easy” become that security blanket for them both & flourish 💯
— Chad Johnson (@ochocinco) August 17, 2021
Strachan entered training camp on the roster bubble with a small chance to make the roster. Now, it’s nearly impossible to keep him from making the team. His upside is tremendous and the fact that he’s now seeing first-team reps during practice is a testament to how quickly he’s ascended up the depth chart.
There are still plenty of areas that Strachan will need to improve on but coming out of a Divison-II college, this is about the best showing the Colts could have hoped for to begin his career.
It will be interesting to see how much further Strachan moves up the pecking order but with some legendary wide receivers taking notice, it may not be long until we’re talking about MegaStrachan as a lock for a roster spot.
