OLB Caesar Rayford May Be Colts’ Latest Roster Diamond

Aug 18, 2013; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Indianapolis Colts linebacker Caesar Rayford (49) sacks New York Giants quarterback Ryan Nassib (9) during the second half at MetLife Stadium. Indianapolis Colts defeat the New York Giants 20-12. Mandatory Credit: Jim O

Almost a year after Jerrell Freeman had a pick six against the Chicago Bears in week one of the 2012 regular season to put himself on the NFL map, 27-year old pass rusher Caesar Rayford may be clawing his way onto the Colts’ final 53-man roster with his eye-popping performances.

In week one of the pre-season, an otherwise dismal game for the Colts, Rayford forced a fumble that was returned for a touchdown. Then, in the Colts’ victory over the New York Giants in Sunday’s game, Rayford had two more sacks.

So far this pre-season, the former AFL star with the Utah Blaze has six tackles and three sacks, and looks like he could be providing the Colts with some much needed depth in the pass rush department. The team drafted Bjoern Werner in the first round and signed Erik Walden to a pretty sizeable contract, but if you can get pressure on the QB, you can make it in the NFL.

Rayford is a specimen at 6’7″ 267 pounds, and entered Colts camp in a unique competition with guys from literally all over the world, competing for roster spots at the OLB position.

Rayford’s athleticism, size, and length in general got him a look from the Colts, but the numbers he’s put up through the first two games might be too much for the Colts to even be able to sneak him onto the practice squad. He appears to have an inside shot at the final 53 man roster, especially if he continues to play like this.

This is a really intriguing player. He formerly led the AFL in forced fumbles, and has now proven with the Colts that his game can translate to the NFL. The guy simply knows how to get after the quarterback.

It wouldn’t shock me or probably anyone else to see this guy on the week one roster for Indy.