10. Josh Ferguson, Running Back
Originally signed by the Colts as a priority undrafted rookie free agent following this year’s NFL Draft, Josh Ferguson could be an electric running back for the team’s backfield.
While Frank Gore has the starting job firmly solidified, the primary backup job behind him is up in the air, as veteran Robert Turbin has been inconsistent throughout his NFL career and 2nd-year running back Tyler Varga is returning from a season-ending concussion.
At 5’9″, 198 pounds, Ferguson isn’t going to be a bell cow back for the Colts by any means, but he could be a change-of-pace, complementary runner using quickness and elusiveness to Gore’s more bruising style:
COLTS UDFA Josh Ferguson forced 1 missed tackle for every 4.4 touches on offense, the 9th-best rate in this RB class (min. 100 touches)
— PFF College (@PFF_College) May 1, 2016
In fact, the Colts envision Ferguson eventually playing in a “Darren Sproles-like” role with the team, as he possesses the ideal traits for an exceptional scatback.
It was only OTA’s and running in shorts without contact drills, but Ferguson has already impressed head coach Chuck Pagano and the Colts coaching staff:
"“You know again, it’s just in shorts, but he looks really good,” said head coach Chuck Pagano on Ferguson earlier this offseason. “He’s smart. He picks things up in a hurry. He’s very, very athletic. He’s a great receiver out of the backfield.” “He’s a good runner,” added Pagano. “He’s explosive and twitchy and he’s got a jump cut that’s really, really good. The rubber will meet the road when we get to (training camp), and we put the pads on and see if that play speed is the same.”"