The Tribune

By RENALDO DORSETT

Tribune Sports Reporter

rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

Mike Strachan donned his No.17 jersey for the first time and made his official debut as a member of the Indianapolis Colts.

The franchise hosted its Rookie Minicamp at the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center in Indianapolis, Indiana and Strachan said he was ready to embrace the challenge ahead.

“I stepped into the building and I could really feel this is the next chapter in my life,” Strachan said. “There’s a bit of nervousness and excitement at the same time.

“But it’s something where I’ve really accepted the challenge and I’m ready to go.”

The wide receiver officially signed his rookie deal with the Colts on May 6, per his agent.

Rookie minicamps give both the organisation and fan base their first look at the new group of players. They also include undrafted free agents vying for roster spots.

“Moving forward into the NFL, it is a high level,” Strachan said. “Right now, it’s just being able to come in and compete. That’s going to be the biggest thing and being tough.

“Toughness is probably one of the biggest assets to this game and that’s something I want to bring forward to the Colts nation – toughness and overall competing.”

Strachan’s size and athleticism had several pundits wondering whether he would project to a hybrid receiver/tight end in the NFL.

“No teams talked to me about that,” Strachan said. “I feel like most teams see me as a natural receiver, that’s what I’ve played all my life and moving forward that’s what I feel I would be best at.”

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

“That was probably one of the most important events that I participated in,” he said.

“I knew I had to perform well and be able to put up great numbers at the highest level.”

Strachan said former Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Michael Irvin is a family friend and said he plans to seek advice from the Hall-of-Famer.

“[I would ask about] The transition to the NFL,” he said. “What I can do to make myself a better teammate on and off the field? What are the little things that I can do to make myself better?”

Strachan, the former University of Charleston wide receiver and Grand Bahama native was selected by the Colts with the first pick of the seventh round (229th overall).

The remainder of the Colts 2021 Draft Class included Michigan Defensive End Kwity Paye (Round 1, Pick 21), Vanderbilt Defensive End Dayo Odeyingbo (Round 2, Pick 54), SMU Tight End Kylen Granson (Round 4, Pick 127), Florida Safety Shawn Davis (Round 5, Pick 165), Texas Quarterback Sam Ehlinger (Round 6, Pick 218) and Penn State Guard Will Fries (Round 7, Pick 248).

Organised Team Activities (OTAs) will be hosted May 25-27, June 2-4, June 7-10 and Mandatory Minicamp takes place June 15-17.