Indianapolis Colts: Five Players on Bubble Watch
By Dave McKee
Nov 3, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Griff Whalen (17) runs the ball against New York Giants corner back
Chandler Fenner(48) during the second quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Griff Whalen has been a reliable target for Andrew Luck in the past. His sure-handed catches helped him maintain a position on the roster the past two seasons. But with so much talent surrounding him can he do enough to make the cut?
Griff Whalen was a pleasant surprise in 2013. He played in nine games – starting three – totaling 24 receptions on 40 targets for a total of 259 yards and two touchdowns. By season’s end he had become a fan favorite on the Indianapolis Colts. In 2014, his numbers dwindled drastically catching 2 of his 3 targets for 23 yards and fumbling twice. For a previously undrafted player who was added because of his history with Andrew Luck at Stanford, this was not a good sign. The first rule of football for players on the fringe is to never fumble the football.
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With the Colts announcing they would not re-sign Reggie Wayne prior to the draft it appeared that Whalen would see an uptick in time on the field with only T.Y. Hilton, Donte Moncrief, newly signed CFL talent (and son of a Hall of Famer) Duron Carter on the roster. Since then things have changed drastically at wide receiver. Then, the Indianapolis Colts drafted rookie Phillip Dorsett, signed veterans Andre Johnson and Vincent Brown and acquired undrafted free agent Quan Bray. Suddenly, a sparse competition turned into a free-for-all. As previously stated, it is believed the Colts are looking to keep six receivers on their active roster.
Griff Whalen has the talent to play in the NFL and would make an excellent slot receiver – a la Wes Welker – on many NFL teams. But the question remains does he have enough to fend off the other contenders for that sixth spot. From what has been seen in training camp he has already been eclipsed by two the three intriguing rookies – Dorsett (speed) and Carter (redzone and catch radius). Rookie Quan Bray and six-year veteran Vincent Brown are his main competition for the sixth WR spot. Griff Whalen will need to perform at a very high level, not just against Philadelphia but every preseason foe, if he wants to remain active on the Colts 53-man roster.