Undrafted Free Agent: Brandon James

Once again Bill Polian and the Indianapolis front office did not limit themselves to the conventional seven round NFL draft. Shortly after the draft was over the Indianapolis Colts were digging through the leftovers, looking for the next Jeff Saturday or Gary Brackett. Amongst the rookie free agents that the Colts were able to sign was University of Florida return specialist, Brandon James.

The speedy 5-7 and 185 pound Gator was able to establish himself as one of the most prolific punt and kick returners in college football. In his four years at Florida, James was able to return four punts and one kick for touchdowns. Granted, those aren’t exactly “eye-popping” stats, but the reason for the low amount of touchdowns can be attributed to the fact that teams simply did not kick towards James. In the SEC, the collegiate football powerhouse conference, teams were scared to kick and punt to James, for the simple fact that he a game changer. It is unlikely that NFL teams will give James as much respect as he earned in college, so pending he wins a return job he should be given every opportunity to show what he has got. 

It appears that seventh round draft pick, Ray Fisher, will compete with James for the punt return and kick return roles on this team. Both established themselves as excellent return men on the collegiate level, and chances are one of them will pan out to be a solid return man on the pro level. Whether it be with James or Fisher, the Colts clearly addressed an area of need for this football team. Coming into the season fans may be disappointed if they expect these two young men to return every kick or punt for touchdowns, that is just ridiculous. Instead I believe the greater benefit will come from the offense being able to start from the 30 or 40 yard line every possession, opposed to being stuck at the 20 because of an average return. Imagine how much more effective and efficient Peyton Manning and this offense could be when given an extra 10 or 20 yards every possession. It will be interesting to see how the battle for return man plays out, and whether or not James can solidify himself as a steadfast member of this team.