The Tribune

By RENALDO DORSETT

Tribune Sports Reporter

rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

MIKE Strachan made his second appearance in the NFL preseason and continues his bid to earn a spot on the opening day roster.

Strachan finished with two catches for 12 yards and the Colts improved to 2-0 with a 12-10 win over the Minnesota Vikings Saturday at US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

In his preseason debut last week, the rookie wide receiver finished with three receptions for 57 yards in the Colts’ 21-18 win over the Carolina Panthers at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana.

The Colts conclude their preseason schedule on the road against the Detroit Lions on August 27 and are expected to trim their rosters to 53 players on August 31.

Strachan’s training camp performance has local pundits suggesting a move up the depth chart for the seventh round draft pick (229th overall).

Colts wide receivers’ coach Mike Groh told Indiana-Affiliate FOX 59 that Strachan’s progress has been one of the standouts of training camp.

“We’re really pleased with Mike’s development so far. What, we’re three weeks into camp? I don’t want to put a timeline on it, but we all know his background: didn’t play any ball last year, coming from the Bahamas,” Groh said.

“Our scouting department did a great job. He’s still raw, but you see the physical gifts...he’s got the speed and the power,’’

At his pro day, Strachan measured 6’5” 228 pounds with 85” wingspan and 10” hands. He ran a 4.46 second 40-yard dash, put up 20 reps on the bench press at 225 pounds, and posted a 35” vertical leap.

“It’s not just size alone,’’ Groh said.

“The guy’s got really good vertical speed, and he can play with power. It’s like that power forward position, LeBron James, where he’s coming down on the fastbreak. We always want him to play big and play with speed and power, and he’s been able to do that.’’