Have the Colts Found Another Hidden Gem in Rookie Wide Receiver Michael Strachan?

The Colts’ defense isn’t the only thing turning heads early on in training camp. Rookie wide receiver and former Division II player Michael Strachan has been a walking highlight-reel since training camp first started.

The 6’5” wide receiver sat down with fellow Colts’ media members back in June and gave a closer look into his playing style, who he models his game after, as well as his unique skillsets he can bring to the offense.

Interestingly enough, the two players Strachan watched and modeled his game after growing up were Hall of Fame wide receivers Calvin Johnson and Michael Irvin.

“Two players I kind of watched and studied growing up, number one Calvin Johnson and number two Michael Irvin,” Strachan said. “I’ve also had the opportunity to meet Michael Irvin and those two players — they’re great, they’re in the Hall of Fame. [There’s] so much to learn from them, especially with what they did throughout the course of their careers.”

Strachan has certainly channeled his ‘inner Johnson and Irvin’ throughout the last few weeks, whether it’s making a ridiculous, one-handed catch or snatching a ball out of the air in heavy traffic, the rookie’s shown up when given the opportunity.

The confidence which Strachan has shown during the course of camp was another characteristic he touched on during the interview. More specifically, he spoke confidently about making the transition from a DII school to the NFL.

“It is big transition, but it’s nothing that I can’t handle,” Strachan said. “I love being here, I love the competition. It is a higher level, so it’s just being able to come in and learn everything quick and being able to compete on this high level.”

Competition is something which GM Chris Ballard and head coach Frank Reich have harped since the start of their tenure in Indy. Strachan, like all other players and rookies, has had to compete but has also made the most of every rep.

Don’t let his large, 6’5” frame fool you into thinking he’s just a ‘jump ball-type’ receiver. Strachan’s elusiveness and speed are a big part of his game, too.

“My speed definitely. I’m more fast than what people think,” Strachan said. “I have the ability to move, use my size to my advantage, and come in and out of my breaks. My speed is definitely something I use to my advantage also with my size.”

At this point, given how active and consistent Strachan has been in training camp, many fans, reporters and others believe the rookie is a lock to make the final 53-man roster.

Strachan’s consistent playmaking will have to carry over into the 2021 season, but it’s the rookie’s confidence and unique skillsets — all have been on display — which lead me to believe that the Colts could have legitimate star on their hands.