The Tribune

By RENALDO DORSETT

Tribune Sports Reporter

rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

In less than a week, Mike Strachan and the Indianapolis Colts will begin their offseason training regimen in preparation for the 2022 season.

The Colts will open their offseason workout programme on April 18. This early phase traditionally gives veterans and new additions an opportunity to begin the first phase of strength and conditioning. Phase two of the offseason workout programme will follow with individual and group drills but no live contact or inter squad drills.

Offseason OTAs begin May 24-26, and again June 1-3, and June 13-16. Mandatory Minicamp follows June 7-9.

The Colts will look to acclimate new quarterback Matt Ryan to the fold.

Strachan, a seventh-round selection in last April’s NFL Draft, began the season with appearances in the first two games of the regular season but played sparingly for the remainder of the campaign.

In week one of the regular season, Strachan finished with two catches for 26 yards in the Colts’ 28-16 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. Strachan was on the field for 18 snaps and was targeted three times, a higher rate than any other receiver in the lineup.

Despite his challenges, he still considered it a season of milestones with the opportunity to represent the country.

The highlight of his debut campaign in the NFL was a 27-17 week four win over the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida. Strachan played sparingly in his Colts’ first win of the season but said the experience of having his family in attendance was a “blessing.”

The Colts finished the season 9-8 and just missed the playoffs.

“It meant so much to be able to say that I’m a Bahamian in the NFL. It gives my people hope and something to look up to, especially the young ones coming up. I’m excited to be able to represent them the right way,” he said, “The first year we had a lot of ups and downs, I came in with a lot of confidence, it was a pleasure to represent my country and my family. God bought me a long way, it was a long process and I have even more to go.”

Strachan totalled 10 receptions for 130 yards in three preseason games. Overall, he had a Pro Football Focus grade of 73.0 this preseason; he was targeted 16 times, had six receiving first downs, no dropped passes, four contested catches, and was part of three explosive pass plays. In his preseason debut, Strachan finished with three receptions for 57 yards in the Colts’ 21-18 win over the Carolina Panthers. In his second appearance, Strachan finished with two catches for 12 yards in the Colts' 12-10 win over the Minnesota Vikings. five receptions for 61 yards in the Colts’ 27-17 win over the Detroit Lions.

“The biggest thing I took away from it is how to perform at the highest level. For me was just finding a way to stand out, being on my ‘A’ game,” he said, “I expected more playing time but everything happens for a reason, I just had to continue being the best me I can be. I feel like this season is going to be tremendous and will be big time for me. I plan to go in with great confidence.”

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

He became the third Bahamian born player to be drafted into the NFL following Ed Smithin 1973 (Denver Broncos - Round 13, pick 319) and Devard Darling in 2004 (Baltimore Ravens - Round 3, pick 82).

He was one of seven wide receivers named to the initial 53 man roster along with Parris Campbell, Ashton Dulin, T.Y. Hilton, Dezmon Patmon, Zach Pascal, and Michael Pittman Jr.