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Indianapolis Colts: Young Receivers Impressing in Preseason

By Kyle Nishida

Jul 27, 2016; Anderson, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Tevaun Smith catches a pass during training camp at Anderson University. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kryger/Indianapolis Star via USA TODAY Sports
Jul 27, 2016; Anderson, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Tevaun Smith catches a pass during training camp at Anderson University. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kryger/Indianapolis Star via USA TODAY Sports /
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The Indianapolis Colts entered training camp with not much depth at the receiver position. Luckily, a handful of young receivers are forcing their way into the regular rotation.

Most people are familiar with T.Y. Hilton, Donte Moncrief and Phillip Dorsett because these guys are the Colts’ top receiving options. However, some receivers below them have been making some noise in the preseason.

Specifically, undrafted rookies Tevaun Smith and Chester Rogers have played well in practice and preseason games. Smith is an undrafted rookie out of Iowa and Rogers is an undrafted rookie out of Grambling State.

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The two undrafted rookies have recorded nice numbers in two preseason game. Smith has five catches for 52 yards and one touchdown. Rogers has seven catches for 94 receiving yards and one touchdown.

In their last preseason game at the Baltimore Ravens, Rogers received some reps with Andrew Luck and the first-team offense. Meanwhile, Smith played with the backup and caught a one-yard touchdown with a cornerback draped all over him.

Although both undrafted guys are playing well, they are not guaranteed a roster spot. Second-year receiving Quan Bray could fill one of the vacant receiver spots.

Bray played nine games for the Colts last season, but he only played as a returner. He does not have a NFL reception to his name yet. Nonetheless, it is apparent Bray is in contention for the fourth or fifth receiver spots on the Colts’ roster.

With Bray complicating the receiver depth for them, both Smith and Rogers are treating each practice and game like a tryout.

“As a young receiver, you have to be consistent,” Smith said. “My main goal is to gain more respect from the players and coaches.”

“It’s an audition every time you’re out there,” Rogers said.

Translating practice performances into game day performances is the best way to earn one’s place on a NFL roster. Based on their two preseason games, Rogers and Smith are slowly earning their place on the roster.

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It is also important to note that Bray, Smith and Rogers could all make the 53-man roster. Traditionally, teams keep five on the roster, but that is a soft limit.  The Colts could choose to keep six on their final roster.

The Indianapolis Colts came into training camp looking for guys to claim the fourth and fifth receiving spots. Well, they got their wish. Undrafted rookies Tevaun Smith and Chester Rogers are showing they deserve to make the final roster.

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