Report: Colts Taking a Look at OT Prospect Michael Bamiro

In one of the rarest developments the NFL has ever seen, former Stony Brook offensive tackle Michael Bamiro recently became an NFL free agent without ever being eligible for either the regular NFL Draft or the NFL Supplemental Draft. The unprecedented case of Bamiro stems from his being ineligible to play his senior season at Stony Brook, and because he is not an underclassmen, he was ineligible for the Supplemental Draft.

Bamiro was a three-year starter for the Seawolves of Stony Brook at right tackle, and is absolutely massive at 6’8″ 344 pounds. Bamiro’s college eligibility in athletics started in 2008, but he didn’t compete in a sport when his career in school began at Pitt as he was focused on being a full-time student. The NCAA ruled recently that he would not be allowed to play in the 2013 season, so the first-team All-Big South performer took the only route he had available to him.

An exceptional athlete for his size with good balance, Bamiro is the hottest name out there right now for NFL scouts. According to reports from FOX’s Mike Garafolo, 15-20 teams were represented at Bamiro’s recent workout for NFL teams. Among those teams was the Indianapolis Colts, who are going through some big transitions at the right tackle position with former Detroit Lion Gosder Cherilus getting set for his first season as the team’s starter.

While Bamiro would warrant significant time to develop, his skills have scouts very intrigued. Despite the fact that nobody knew Bamiro was eligible for the 2013 NFL Draft, teams are eager to have their shot at a player who might have otherwise been an intriguing late day-two, maybe early day three selection.

In other words, NFL fans are getting a first look at what it would be like if a draftable prospect was able to choose his own team rather than a team pick him. The rarity here is that unlike undrafted free agency, Bamiro doesn’t have injury red flags or character concerns. In fact, his coaches speak very highly of him.

“He’s been a major part of the road to success not only as a player but as a person,” Stony Brook coach Chuck Priore said. “He never missed a practice, never missed a game because of injury. He stands for hard work and toughness, and he’s a good person.”

It will be very intriguing to see where Bamiro winds up, but the Colts obviously have some level of interest, and are set to place their bid if they liked what they saw at the workout.