The Carolina Panthers Promoted a Former 7th Round Pick to the Active Roster.

The Indianapolis Colts drafted Mike Strachan in the 7th round, 229th overall, in the 2021 NFL Draft. Strachan was the 31st wide receiver taken. He played college football for the Charleston Golden Eagles, a Division 2 school, and measured in at 6-5 226 pounds. Many regarded him as the steal of the draft.

Strachan appeared in six games during his rookie season. He played 52 snaps in the first two games and had two receptions for 26 yards. After the first two games, he appeared in 10 snaps for the remainder of the season and was a healthy scratch in 11 games.

Why did Strachan get benched?

Strachan didn’t get much playing time in his rookie season because his last year at Charleston was canceled due to the pandemic. That was GM Chris Ballard’s justification for not playing him:

“Really talented guy now, and we’ve got high hopes for him, but I think the year off, not playing, small school (all played a factor).”

Strachan didn’t play much in his second season.

Strachan didn’t play much in his second season. He appeared in 13 games, recording three receptions on nine targets for 59 yards, representing 15% of offensive snaps. He was inactive for Weeks 10-12 and 15.

Indianapolis released Strachan during roster cuts.

Strachan had a solid training camp. He appeared in one preseason game, recording one reception for 18 yards. He missed the last two games due to a groin injury. Indianapolis released Strachan during roster cuts.

Strachan found a new team this season.

The Carolina Panthers signed Strachan to their practice squad on September 13. They elevated him in Week 10 and had a forty-five-yard reception.

Why does this roster move matter?

This move matters because Bryce Young is getting a big target to throw to.

Another reason why signing Strachan matters is because the Panthers’ receiving corps hasn’t stayed healthy this season. D.J. Chark has been banged up and missed two games. Mingo missed Week 4 with a concussion and is dealing with an Achilles injury. Laviska Shenault Jr. was recently placed on injured reserve with an ankle injury. Finally, Terrace Marshall Jr. hasn’t played since Week 10 because of a coach’s decision.

Will Mike Strachan get playing time this season and show the world why he was a steal of the draft? We shall see.