Strachan drafted by the Colts

Mon, May 3rd 2021, 08:57 AM

Michael “Mike” Strachan had to wait until the third and final day of the 2021 National Football League (NFL) Draft to hear his named called, but the Bahamian wide receiver realized his dream when the Indianapolis Colts took him with the first pick in the seventh round and 229th overall on Saturday.

The Grand Bahama native is now the third Bahamian-born player to be drafted into the NFL. Ed Smith was the first to be drafted by the Denver Broncos in the 13th round in 1973 – number 319 overall. In 2004, Devard 

Darling became the second when he was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the third round – number 82 overall.

The University of Charlotte (UC) Eagles product joins a Colts team that finished second in the American Football Conference (AFC) South Division last season with an 11-5 win/loss record. They made the playoffs but were eliminated in the wild card round of the playoffs by the Buffalo Bills, losing 27-24.

A humbled Strachan was surrounded by family and his support system when he got the call on Saturday.

“First of all, God is good to me,” Strachan said. “I am here with my family – they came all the way from The Bahamas for this moment and we have been patient throughout the whole process. With me getting that call, it was just a moment for me. It really touched me. It means the world to me, knowing how much sacrifices they put in throughout my whole process. I cannot even describe it. God has been good to me. I have been very blessed to have my parents and have this support base. I am just blessed overall.”

Colts General Manager Chris Ballard spoke about drafting the Bahamian during a press conference with head coach Frank Reich.

“We took a kid out of Charleston and Mike is a big, tall target who need some developmental work but he got a really unique skillset at wideout,” Ballard said.

Strachan said: “I’m all in with the Colts. I love this organization and I just appreciate them giving me a chance. It just means the world to me and my family.”

Strachan will have to compete with athletes like T.Y. Hilton, Michael Pittman, Parris Campbell and Zach Pascal to crack the depth chart. Carson Wentz will most likely be the starting quarterback. Like he always did, Strachan said he is willing to compete and get a spot on the team.

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