Colts Camp Battles: Wide Receiver No. 3
By Evan Reller
There are a few more players who will be fighting for the fifth, and possibly sixth spot on the 53-man roster.
Jun 9, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Duron Carter (9) runs passing routes during minicamp at the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Duron Carter, the son of Hall of Famer Cris Carter, made news when he picked the Colts after leaving the CFL. There is no denying that Carter is a talented player, but he had issues with things like going to class in college and bounced around before ending up in Canada. In two season with the Alouettes, Duron had 124 receptions for 1,939 yards and 12 touchdowns.
Carter signed a three year deal, and based on his talent it feels like the Colts essentially got a free draft pick. We didn’t hear much about Carter during minicamp or OTAs. There are rumors about his poor work ethic, and that sometimes shows up in film with lazy route running and giving up on 50-50 balls.
Carter is motivated but will have to earn not just a roster spot but snaps as well. Unless he is just terrible in the preseason, he’ll make the roster but won’t challenge for the third receiver spot early this year (if at all).
Nov 30, 2014; St. Louis, MO, USA; Oakland Raiders wide receiver Vincent Brown (19) warms up prior to a game against the St. Louis Rams at the Edward Jones Dome. St. Louis defeated Oakland 52-0. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
The Colts also signed veteran receiver Vincent Brown this offseason. In his four year career, Brown has 72 receptions 919 receptions and three touchdowns. Brown has only played in 37 games (out of a possible 72) due to injuries or being a healthy scratch. He was also with Oakland for three of those season, where they haven’t had a quarterback in some time.
Given his experience, Brown might have a shot at making the final roster if the Colts take six receivers into the season, which is highly likely.
Griff Whalen is another player with a good shot at that sixth spot. He graduated Stanford with Luck and has been around the team in some capacity (active or practice squad) for the past three years.
The Colts also have Ryan Lankford, who was on the practice squad for much of last season and could find his way there once again.
There are three other rookies on the roster: Quan Bray (Auburn), Ezell Ruffin (San Diego State), and Tyler Rutenbeck (Dubuque). All three will have a tough time making it past the first cut, let alone the final 53. These are camp bodies but I could see one of them making the practice squad if someone stands out in the preseason.