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Colts Contemplated Selecting Josh Ferguson as Early as the 4th Round

By Luke Schultheis

Nov 28, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini running back Josh Ferguson (6) runs with the ball during the second half against the Northwestern Wildcats at Soldier Field. Northwestern won 24-14. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 28, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini running back Josh Ferguson (6) runs with the ball during the second half against the Northwestern Wildcats at Soldier Field. Northwestern won 24-14. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports /
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While the team eventually “got their guy”, the Indianapolis Colts even contemplated selecting undrafted rookie running back Josh Ferguson as early as the 4th round:

"“The former Illinois running back, according to a team source, became a serious consideration as early as the fourth round,” writes the Indianapolis Star’s Stephen Holder. “But round after round, higher priorities took precedent, preventing the Colts from pulling the trigger.”“Surely, team officials figured, someone else would pluck the dual-threat back with a late-round pick, leaving the Colts to ponder the potential consequences of the one that got away.”“Except, no one did.”"

Of course, the Colts ultimately signed Ferguson as a priority undrafted free agent following the NFL Draft, giving him $35K guaranteed with a $10K signing bonus.

The Colts used their remaining draft picks starting in the 4th round on defensive lineman Hassan Ridgeway (4th), inside linebacker Antonio Morrison (4th), offensive tackle Joe Haeg (5th), Trevor Bates (7th), and center Austin Blythe (7th).

With a 33-year old Frank Gore, the Colts need a long-term successor at the running back position; however, there were also more pressing needs on the roster–particularly along the offensive line and on defense.

Still, the Colts ultimately made the right move, as the team was able to get Ferguson in Horseshoe blue and white despite not having to spend a draft pick on the young running back.

The 5’9″, 198 pound running back is one of our top undrafted free agents for the Colts and has drawn comparisons to Darren Sproles as an elusive, change-of-pace running back:

"“You know again, it’s just in shorts, but he looks really good,” said head coach Chuck Pagano on Ferguson during mini-camp. “He’s smart. He picks things up in a hurry. He’s very, very athletic. He’s a great receiver out of the backfield.”“He’s a good runner,” added Pagano. “He’s explosive and twitchy and he’s got a jump cut that’s really, really good. The rubber will meet the road when we get to (training camp), and we put the pads on and see if that play speed is the same.”"

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