Michael Strachan now receiving first-team reps in training camp

The Indianapolis Colts may have just hit a massive home run with their 7th-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. After being consistently one of the best wide receivers throughout the early portions of training camp at Grand Park in Westfield, Michael Strachan followed it up with an impressive preseason debut hauling in 3 receptions for 57 yards.

Now, Strachan is receiving first-team reps for the Colts, per The Athletic’s Zak Keefer.

The physical profile for Strachan is off the charts at 6-foot-5 and nearly 230 pounds. However, the nuanced route-running and overall consistency for the big man has stood out for Colts head coach Frank Reich.

“He’s been showing up in camp every day. That’s been the good thing for him,” Reich told Stampede Blue in an exclusive interview on Monday. “It’s not just a flash play here or there. It’s happening every day, there is a consistency. Sometimes when you’re a young player, you don’t just want to see flashes you want to see some consistency. There’s been a few mental mistakes here and there, that’s normal for a rookie, but physically there’s been good consistency. The other thing that I think about Mike that’s so impressive is that he’s not just a good physical talent, but you can tell how smart of a player he is. He’s a very instinctive route runner. And the game is just not too big for him. So, I think those three things bode well for him, niching out a role for himself. I think it’s too early to tell what that will be, we have a good group, but we really like where he’s at right now and expect him to continue to grow and make an impact on our team.”

The rapid rise for Strachan up the Colts’ depth chart continues on, which should lock in a 53-man roster spot for the DII wideout from Charleston (West Virginia). Strachan could also be in store for a real role within the offense, especially as a red-zone threat with his massive target radius.

Who knows, could we see the Colts mine a 7th-round gem? If so, that instantly becomes one of the best picks in the Ballard era, if Strachan reaches a starting-caliber ceiling. Just imagine the possibilities of a long-term trio centered around Michael Pittman Jr., Parris Campbell, and Strachan.

Indianapolis is back in action on Saturday in Minnesota against the Vikings. If Strachan flashes once more, he’s making it a lot more tougher for the Colts not for him to be featured in some capacity once the regular season rolls around.