Colts 2016 player preview: Wide receiver Chester Rogers

The Indianapolis Colts will report to training camp on July 26 with their 90-man roster, which will be cut down to 53 players by the end of the preseason.  To pass the time until camp, we're taking a look at every player on the Colts' 90-man roster.  Today, we're looking at wide receiver Chester Rogers.

Who is he?

The Colts signed Chester Rogers (6-1, 180 pounds) as an undrafted free agent out of Grambling State, where he played in 40 career games.  During his time there, he caught 155 passes for 2,257 yards and 17 touchdowns (averaging 14.6 yards per catch), rushed seven times for 72 yards (10.3 yards per carry), returned two kickoffs for 61 yards (averaging 30.5 yards per return), and returned eight punts for 70 yards and a touchdown (averaging 8.75 yards per return).  He was a versatile playmaker who contributed in several areas, but his main contribution was in the passing game.  He was very consistent in his final three years there, as in 2013, 2014, and 2015 he caught at least 48 passes, had at least 712 yards, and caught at least four touchdowns in each season.   Rogers obviously wasn't drafted, but The News Star's Sean Isabella reported that the receiver drew interest from the Colts, Giants, Jets, and Patriots in large part due to a strong pro day in which he ran a 4.49 40 yard dash and impressed with his route running and hands.  Rogers told Isabella that he choose the Colts in part because they were the first to call him after the draft ended and also in part because they brought up the fact that their fourth receiver spot is open, meaning he will have the chance to compete for the position.

What is his role?

Like we've mentioned, the Colts do have wide receiver spots open.  After T.Y. Hilton, Donte Moncrief, and Phillip Dorsett, there hasn't really been anyone that has stepped up to firmly claim the fourth or fifth receiver spots.  Because of that, there are several undrafted receivers who will be competing with some other unheralded players to win those spots, and Chester Rogers could have a shot at earning one of them.  Chuck Pagano said this offseason that Rogers "is doing a nice job," and if he keeps that up in training camp and preseason the spot is open.  As an undrafted player it's always a long shot to make the roster, but there's certainly a spot open for Rogers if he impresses.

What are his chances?

Not great, but he'll have a chance to earn a spot in camp.