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Colts Rookie Receiver Danny Anthrop is ‘Running with Opportunity’

By Luke Schultheis

Jun 7, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Daniel Anthrop (6) catches a pass during mini camp at the Indiana Farm Bureau Center. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 7, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Daniel Anthrop (6) catches a pass during mini camp at the Indiana Farm Bureau Center. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /
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Indianapolis Colts rookie wide receiver Danny Anthrop is making the the most of his opportunity with his new team.

Originally signed by the Colts as an undrafted priority free agent following this year’s NFL Draft, the former Purdue Boilermakers standout is trying to take advantage of his newfound opportunity:

"“At this point in my career, and most of the rookies, especially the undrafted guys, you have to take advantage of every opportunity you get,” Anthrop told Nathan Baird of the Lafayette Journal & Courier. “Those might not come as often as you’d like, but as soon as you get an opportunity, you’d better run with it.”"

The 6’0″, 193 pound scrappy wide receiver has battled adversity before, having torn his ACL during his junior year at Purdue late in the season. Anthrop was in the midst of a successful campaign, catching 38 receptions for 616 receiving yards and 4 touchdown receptions in 9 games before the knee injury derailed his junior season.

Oct 31, 2015; West Lafayette, IN, USA; Purdue Boilermakers wide receiver Danny Anthrop (33) runs back a punt in the first half against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Ross Ade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sandra Dukes-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 31, 2015; West Lafayette, IN, USA; Purdue Boilermakers wide receiver Danny Anthrop (33) runs back a punt in the first half against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Ross Ade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sandra Dukes-USA TODAY Sports /

Unfortunately, the injury limited him during his senior season as well. Nevertheless, Anthrop still managed 57 receptions for 430 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns in 12 games.

Not to mention, he was able to return 16 kickoffs for 272 total kick return yards for a 17.0 kick return average.

However, having recently run a 4.40 at his Purdue pro day, it appears that Anthrop may finally be at full strength from his significant knee injury–with his speed and burst back.

It comes at a great time, as there’s ample opportunity for Anthrop to stick with the Colts at wide receiver right now.

While the team is seemingly set with T.Y. Hilton, Donte Moncrief, and Phillip Dorsett atop their depth chart, there’s unproven depth behind them.

Something that Anthrop has already alluded to:

"“I feel like I could step into the role Griff Whalen had last year, but also do some returning,” said Anthrop earlier this offseason. “They don’t like to use T.Y. as a returner. They have their top three or four guys and after that it’s kind of open.”"

More than anything though, Anthrop will likely have to make his mark on special teams, where a team’s 4th and 5th–sometimes 6th wide receiver simply has to be able to contribute due to roster constraints.

The Colts are already calling upon Anthrop to show his special teams skill-set and so far, he’s been enjoying the challenge:

"“Yep. They’ve got me doing a little bit of everything,” Anthrop told the Lafayette Journal & Courier. “[Special Teams] Coach (Tom) McMahon, he asks a lot of us, and I’ve done quite a different number of things on all four (facets). And it’s exciting because at that level, that is a huge part of the game is field position.”"

Right now, having battled adversity before, Anthrop is running with the opportunity and making the most of it.

Colts fans shouldn’t expect anything less.

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