The Indianapolis Colts used a seventh-round pick on wide receiver Mike Strachan during the 2021 NFL draft and expected him to be a pretty raw project when he arrived at training camp.
Much to their pleasant surprise, Strachan has shown up progressing at a faster rate than they expected. There is still a long way to go, without a doubt, but offensive coordinator Marcus Brady had plenty of praise for the rookie two weeks into camp.
“He’s doing well. Obviously, big body, fast with his size, which is unique. He just continues developing as far as just learning the offense. You can tell when he knows what he’s doing, he looks really good,” Brady told reporters Friday. “We have a big install with these guys, and plays that he’s a little bit fuzzy on, he plays a little bit slower. That’s just going to pick up with more reps.”
The Colts have four spots locked up in the wide receiver room with Michael Pittman Jr., T.Y. Hilton, Parris Campbell and Zach Pascal set without hesitation. The final one or two spots, though, are certainly up for grabs.
Strachan brings elite size and athleticism to the wide receiver room, which is something the Colts certainly have been trying to add over the last few seasons. Taking it one day at a time will help Strachan transition from Division-II football to the NFL.
“Well I know it’s a higher level. I just basically wanted to come out here and show how well I’m able to compete and do my job,” Strachan said Friday. “Coach talks about it all the time – just coming out and just doing your job each play. So that’s the role I’m willing to play.”
There is immense promise with Strachan, but Brady doesn’t want to get too ahead of themselves given the road ahead of him. No one wants another Deon Cain or Duron Carter.
“Well, I think he can grow a lot. We thought with him coming from a small school, he would be rawer than what he is. He’s actually pretty intelligent as far as just how he’s trying to set up routes,” said Brady. “(Mike) Groh is doing a great job with him, developing him, talking to him and just getting him to understand what’s going on, what the DB is trying to do. He’s taking in to what Groh is teaching and is progressing.”
The Colts have their first preseason game in just over a week against the Carolina Panthers at Lucas Oil Stadium so it will be fun to see how much development Strachan has made in this short time at training camp.
