Not many seventh-round NFL draft picks draw attention from former superstar wide receivers. However, Indianapolis Colts rookie Michael Strachan was turning heads in the 2021 preseason. The 6’5″-255lb receiver from (division II) University of Charleston; had social media exploding with shoutouts from Michael Irvin, Chad Johnson, & Reggie Wayne.
After a productive preseason in Indy, Michael Strachan earned a spot on the 53-man roster for the Colts. Despite all of the attention Strachan drew before the regular season, fans have not seen many targets to the rookie receiver. In college, Strachan set a school record with 1,007 receiving yards, eight touchdowns (48 receptions), and was named first-team All-Mountain East Conference; during his sophomore season. Now at the mid-way point in this season, with an injured receiver core, Indianapolis should utilize its secret weapon.
After the Colts losing Paris Campbell to injury and T.Y. Hilton not available every game, Ashton Dulin has seen more targets than Michael Strachan. While Dulin has been stellar on special teams, he has not been a reliable target to win the 50/50 ball for Carson Wentz. With the emergence of star-receiver Michael Pitman Jr., Frank Reich should consider utilizing Indy’s other big-bodied receiver, Michael Strachan. Pitman has been drawing attention from DBs across the league and if his success continues, expect a lot of double-teams. If Pitman has defenses scrambling to cover him, Carson Wentz should be able to use the 34″ wingspan of Michael Strachan to go up and get the ball.
Entering a pivotal week 11 game at Buffalo, the Indianapolis Colts are going to need an explosive offense to compete with a playoff-caliber Bills team. Although NFL rushing leader Jonathan Taylor has been stunning, he will have to face the number 3 ranked rushing defense in the NFL. If the Bills rushing defense holds up against Taylor, Indianapolis will need a reliable air attack. Michael Strachan can be another essential piece to the Colts offense, and with the AFC playoff race wide-open, Indianapolis needs to unleash Mike “Playmaker” Strachan.
