Colts Add OLB Carlos Fields Jr. to Practice Squad

On Wednesday, the Colts signed OLB Carlos Fields Jr. to their practice squad. At 6’1″ and 238 pounds out of Winston-Salem State as an undrafted free agent, Fields had previously spent time on the New York Giants practice squad, when he was released this past Tuesday.

He had spent this year’s preseason with the Oakland Raiders, where he played in 3 preseason games, registering 7 tackles. He was released as part of the Raiders’ final roster cuts in late August and then subsequently added to their practice squad before ending up with the Giants.

While at Winston-Salem State, Fields dominated the Division II level, being voted the CIAA Defensive Player of the Year in both his junior and senior seasons. Additionally, he earned All-American honors. Dane Brugler of NFLDraftScout.com, noted on Fields:

"“He displays natural explosion and play speed on tape with a nose for the ball, showing heady instincts and anticipation to put himself in the correct position to make the play. Fields isn’t a strong technician at this point and will overpursue at times, but he plays alert and competitive with the intensity needed for the next level. He will face a big jump in competition coming from the Division-II level, but has a nose for the ball and athletic traits that should translate well.”"

Indianapolis Colts’ GM Ryan Grigson has never been shy on taking a shot on unheralded players, particularly as it relates to the linebacker position. He’ll always look to find a diamond in the rough, whether it’s the CFL (Jerrell Freeman), overseas (Daniel Adongo), or even Division II (now Fields). Fields is an interesting player to stash on the practice squad as a project, in the hopes that he can develop into something special in time.