Now that the news of Sachem alum Dalton Crossan agreeing to a deal with the Indianapolis Colts has settled in, we can take a look at some additional news tidbits from the last 24 hours.
What’s Next?
Crossan will head to minicamp in Indianapolis next week. The NFL has an official league calendar which teams must follow from the spring through summer and the Colts will likely follow this schedule (from NFL.com):
- May 5-8: Clubs may elect to hold their one three-day post-Draft rookie minicamp from Friday through Sunday or Saturday through Monday.
- May 12-15: Clubs may elect to hold their one three-day post-Draft rookie minicamp from Friday through Sunday or Saturday through Monday.
- May 15: Rookie Football Development Programs begin.
- Late June: Rookie Transition Program held at individual clubs. Attendance mandatory for all rookies.
- Mid-July: Clubs are permitted to open preseason training camp for rookies and first-year players beginning seven days prior to the club’s earliest permissible mandatory reporting date for veteran players.
Frank Gore and Andrew Luck
One is a legendary running back with more than a decade of experience. The other is one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL. They’re both teammates of Crossan now.
On Gore, Crossan told Newsday, “He’s unbelievable. He’s been doing it for a long time. It’ll be great to learn from a guy like that.”
On Luck, he said, “I’m sure he’ll have a lot of wisdom to share. He’s a great football mind and an unbelievable quarterback.”
Colts Depth Chart Analysis
Call us biased, but the path to making the 53-man roster certainly falls in favor for Crossan. It will not be easy, but Crossan has craved this opportunity since he was a child destroying Pop Warner leagues in Suffolk County. He’s wired to succeed in football.
Aside from Gore, the Colts have Robert Turbin (6 years), Josh Ferguson (2 years), and Mack Marlon, a fourth round selection out of South Florida this year. The Colts also signed Brandon Radcliff from Louisville.
Since Crossan can double as a slot receiver, it’s worth noting there are nine receivers currently on the roster, including and most notably TY Hilton, Donta Moncrief and Phillip Dorsett. They signed three undrafted free agents at receiver, including Trey Griffey, the son of Baseball Hall of Famer, Ken Griffey Jr.
What most lack is what Crossan offers, versatility at running back, receiver and on special teams both as a kick returner and punt returner.
Schedule: In Case You’re Wondering When/Where the Colts Play
The Colts open pre-season play against Detroit on August 13, followed by a trip to Dallas on August 19, then Pittsburgh on August 26 and finally at home against Cincinnati on August 31.
Their regular season opens on the road in Los Angeles against the Rams on September 10. The Colts’ home opener is on September 17 against the Cardinals.
The closest the Colts come to the tri-state area this season is Baltimore on December 23.
From One Sachem Pro to Another
Jumbo Elliott, Sachem’s only alum to actually play in the NFL, took to Facebook and Twitter to wish Crossan good luck on his journey.
“Good luck to former #Sachem RB Dalton Crossan,” he wrote. “Pursuing his #NFL dream. You have to pop on film every day of camp Dalton!! Go get it!! #NFLDraft.”
New Hampshire Honors Crossan on Social
Check out the love from the University of New Hampshire athletic communication’s staff for Crossan below. They’re just as proud of him as his Sachem family.
Congrats to @UNH_Football‘s @D_Cross34 on signing with the @Colts! #GoUNH #NextStep pic.twitter.com/1Thv0e22qG
— UNH Wildcats (@UNHWildcats) April 30, 2017
UNH Teammate to Saints
New Hampshire’s Andrew Lauderdale, a big lineman who helped open holes for Crossan, signed as an undrafted free agent with the New Orleans Saints.
ICYMI: The Full Sachem Report Story
This is still the most comprehensive and in-depth piece about Crossan, which tracks his high school, college and post-college journey to signing with the Colts. Click to read if you haven’t. And the video of Crossan talking about the impact that Sachem had on his football career has generated more than 65,000 social impressions in its first day.
Links About Dalton’s UDFA Signing
-Words by Chris R. Vaccaro