UDFA Profile: Ashton Dulin

Just prior to the start of minicamps, the Indianapolis Colts signed nine undrafted free agents. Ashton Dulin, a wide receiver out of Malone University, will be fighting for a spot on the Colts’ roster.

After going undrafted in April, Dulin signed with the Colts, who already have a relatively deep receiving corps. He comes from a Division II program, which might make the jump to the NFL a bit more difficult.

In his years at Malone, the 6’1” 215 pound Dulin tallied 189 receptions for 3,188 yards and 28 touchdowns. He carried the ball 53 times for 387 yards and three touchdowns. Dulin finished college as Malone’s all-time leader in receptions, receiving yards, all-purpose yards and kickoff return touchdowns. He’s ranked second in all-time receiving touchdowns and third in total touchdowns in Malone history, a program that has since been disbanded. Dulin also led the FBS, FCS, DII and DIII with 194.7 all-purpose yards per game. As a senior in 2018, he collected several honors, including Great Midwest Athletic Conference Offensive Back of the Year, G-MAC Special Teams Player of the Year, First Team All-GMAC, and was nominated for the Division II College Football Player of the Year.

“It may sound cliche or corny, but he really is one of those high-character guys as far as being dependable and being coachable,” Devin Jordan, Dulin’s receiver coach said. “That’s one of the things the scouts saw right away. Most guys I’ve coached have some kind of baggage leading up to the draft, but he’s one of those guys with no marks. The only negative part was his level of competition and that’s not his fault.”

Dulin might have played football at the DII level, but his athleticism and speed suggest that he can perform at a much higher rank. The Colts’ group of receivers could end up being crowded, so it will be a challenge for Dulin to make the roster.

“My competitive spirit will ensure I bring that same attitude with me to the next level,” Dulin told DraftWire. “That’s really the main thing. I’m as competitive as anybody I’ve been around. I’m excited to compete at the next level. I believe I have what it takes to do that.”

Though this push to make the roster will be a tough one, Dulin has the size, speed and ball skills to compete. His experience on kick returns could also be another valuable asset, as he returned 77 kickoffs for 1,874 yards and three touchdowns while at Malone. He ran the 40 yard dash in 4.43 seconds at the NFL Combine, and recorded a 38” vertical jump. His athleticism is there, but the question is, is he NFL caliber?

“I’m gonna come in with my head down and work hard,” Dulin said. “I’ll do whatever it takes to make the team and improve myself as a player. The whole point of football is to win games. I just wanna be the best player I can be to help the team.”