Colts 2016 player preview: Tackle Mitchell Van Dyk

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 tackle Mitchell Van Dyk.

Who is he?

Mitchell Van Dyk was originally selected in the seventh round of the 2014 NFL Draft by the St. Louis Rams out of Portland State, where he played in 37 career games and started 31. The Rams released him following the preseason in 2014, and he didn’t play anywhere during the regular season. The Pittsburgh Steelers signed him in January of 2015, and Van Dyk stayed with the team through training camp and preseason, though he suffered an injury that resulted in him being placed on injured reserve. He remained on Pittsburgh’s IR for the entire year, but he was released in February earlier this year. Two months later, the Colts signed him as a free agent. Van Dyk was only on the team for a couple of weeks, however, after which he was cut to make room for undrafted free agent signings – but then in early June, the Colts decided to bring him back.

What is his role?

The Colts, as always, will likely be looking to improve their depth along the offensive line this year and are hoping that players will step up in camp and preseason to establish themselves as guys worth developing. At the same time, however, the Colts have several key depth pieces already in place, including rookies Le’Raven Clark, Joe Haeg, and Austin Blythe, plus others who might not win starting spots (such as Jonotthan Harrison and/or Denzelle Good). That narrows down the opportunities for players like Mitchell Van Dyk, meaning his chances are even slimmer.

What are his chances?

He’s unlikely to make the roster, but there’s always a spot for developmental offensive linemen if they produce in camp and preseason.