The Sports Xchange

INDIANAPOLIS — First-round draft pick Phillip Dorsett couldn’t believe his luck when he was selected by the Indianapolis Colts.

“Amazing, it’s just a blessing to be here. To have this opportunity to be able to play in Indianapolis with one of the best quarterbacks, best receiving corps, best coaches. I’m grateful, I’m happy to be here,” Dorsett said.

Dorsett said that he has already heard from several former Miami Hurricanes who have either played in Indianapolis or are currently on the team.

“Obviously (head coach Chuck Pagano) comes from the University of Miami and he’s familiar with all the players. Nothing really different,” Dorsett said.

“I pretty much knew a lot about it. I talked to Reggie (Wayne) a lot. Talked to Andre Johnson a lot. Pretty much knew a lot of stuff. Even Edgerrin James a lot too. He texted me right after (the draft selection) happened. To have people like that in my ear is a blessing.”

One of Dorsett’s high school coaches was NFL Hall of Famer Cris Carter.

“(He taught me) how to be more than just a speed receiver, coming in and out of your breaks faster, catching the ball in traffic, high pointing the ball, using body control, a whole bunch of different things,” the former Hurricane said.

“I’m blessed to be able to have him in my corner. Like I said, he taught me a lot, and I wouldn’t be the receiver I am today if I didn’t have him.”

–As things stand now, the Colts’ receiver corps is expected to be deep and talented. Dorsett says that he will be ready to face whatever happens when workouts begin.

“I went to Miami. I always embrace competition. Going to Miami there’s competition everywhere. You’ve got some of the best people from all over the country,” he said. “I always embrace competition. I’m not shying away from it so it’s nothing different to me.”

–The Colts’ fifth-round pick, nose tackle David Parry, was a preferred walk-on at Stanford. He turned down FCS scholarship opportunities from Northern Iowa and Illinois State as well as several Ivy League programs. Parry earned a scholarship with the Pac-12 school after his freshman season with the team.

Parry added that he was surprised to learn that he’ll be playing for the same NFL team as college teammate Henry Anderson.

“I sent a text to Henry pretty much right after I got drafted by the Colts and we’re both pretty juiced to be back together. I haven’t talked to Andrew (Luck), Griff (Whalen) or Coby (Fleener) in a little bit, but I’m sure it’s going to be good to see all of those guys,” he said.

–The Colts discovered seventh-round draft pick, tackle Denzelle Good, at the NFL’s Regional and Super Regional Combines.

“We really like him. After a full workout, he was able to dunk (a basketball) effectively. There’s a lot there to work with,” general manager Ryan Grigson said. “A nice lump of clay for the coaches.”

–Grigson laughed when he was told that the selection of Good stumped NFL Network analyst Mike Mayock.

“That’s the cherry on top. That’s not easy. I’ve known Mike for a long time. He’s like us. He’s a grinder. He’s out there (scouting players and watching video) like we are,” he said. “To be able to stump Mike is pretty good.”

–At the conclusion of the draft, Colts officials began putting its list of undrafted free agents to sign with the team.

Among the players expected to be signed include running back Tyler Varga (Yale), linebacker Junior Sylvestre (Toledo), quarterback Bryan Bennett (SE Lousiana), tight end Jean Sifrin (Massachusetts), center Brandon Vitabile (Northwestern), safety Robert Smith (Clemson), wide receiver Ezell Ruffin (San Diego State), cornerback Josh Mitchell (Nebraska), cornerback Donald Celiscar (Western Michigan), outside linebacker Zack Hodges (Harvard), linebacker Cody Galea (San Diego State) and cornerback Al-Hajj Shabazz (West Chester).

Shabazz is reportedly coming to Indianapolis on a tryout basis. Other names will most likely be added to the list in the coming days.

A closer look at the Colts’ picks:

–Round 1/29 – Phillip Dorsett, WR, 5-10, 195, Miami

Indianapolis surprised a lot of people by going for a wide receiver with the team’s first-round draft pick. Dorsett impressed Colts personnel with his speed, ability to be a playmaker out of the slot position and as a potential special teams player as a punt/kickoff returner.

–Round 3/65 – D’Joun Smith, CB, 5-11, 190, Florida Atlantic

While Smith’s talents as a press cornerback went somewhat unnoticed by media and fans, the Colts were sold by his tenacity, work ethic and willingness to do the dirty work on defense. He plays with a bit of an edge, which coach Chuck Pagano particularly likes.

–Round 3/93 – Henry Anderson, DE, 6-6, 287, Stanford

The steal of the draft? That’s what many draft observers said when Indianapolis decided to take the hard-working defensive lineman from Stanford. Undersized, Anderson plays with a high motor and makes up for his lack of overall athletic skills with a hard-nosed style of play.

–Round 4/109 – Clayton Geathers, S, 6-2, 208, Central Florida

Considered to be an up-and-comer who has the versatility to play both safety positions if needed. Can be a hard-nosed run defender who needs to show some improvement against the pass. May turn into a long-term answer at safety for the Colts.

–Round 5/151 – David Parry, NT, 6-2, 300, Stanford

A former preferred walk-on in college Parry teamed with fellow Colts draft pick Henry Anderson to form a tough one-two punch on the Stanford defensive line. Parry played with a “chip on the shoulder” attitude that should continue through to the NFL. What he lacks in overall athletic skills, Parry makes up with hard work and guile.

–Round 6/205 – Josh Robinson, RB, 5-8, 217, Mississippi State

A sleeper in a draft sense who certainly made himself known against tough Southeastern Conference competition while in college. He’s a strong inside runner who has shown the ability to break a play outside for additional yardage. Has good vision with the ball in his hands. Will battle with former college teammate Vick Ballard for a spot in the rotation.

–Round 6/207 – Amarlo Herrera, ILB 6-2, 231, Georgia

A thumper who could prosper in the Colts’ hybrid 3-4 defensive scheme. Considered to be an average athlete, Herrera was a leader on the Bulldogs defense last season with his work ethic and ability to find the football. He totaled 115 tackles in 2014, including 10 tackles for loss, while forcing 16 fumbles.

–Round 7/255 – Denzelle Good, T, 6-7, 345, Mars Hill

Began collegiate career at North Carolina State before transferring to Mars Hill. Impressed the Colts’ scouting staff at the NFL Super Regional Combine. Somewhat of a project, Good appears to possess good athletic skills. His footwork caught the eye of Indianapolis officials.