Colts Sign Former Bills Wide Receiver Isaiah McKenzie
For years under Chris Ballard, the Indianapolis Colts have had strict size requirements for their wide receivers.
Since joining the Colts, Ballard has never drafted a wide receiver under 6'0" and 200 pounds. The only wide receiver he has added as a free agent under those thresholds is Keke Coutee. Instead, Ballard has opted for the taller, stronger wide receivers to bring to Indy.
Because of those size requirements, Tuesday's signing may come as a bit of a welcome surprise. The Colts are reportedly signing former Buffalo Bills wide receiver Isaiah McKenzie according to his representation at SportsTrust Advisors. The Bills had released McKenzie just last Friday.
McKenzie was a fifth-round pick of the Denver Broncos in the 2017 NFL Draft out of the University of Georgia. The wide receiver got off to a slow start with the Broncos, only playing in 12 games in a season and a half. McKenzie finished his Broncos tenure with four catches for 29 yards, as he spent most of his time on special teams.
After being waived by the Broncos, the Bills picked up McKenzie in November 2018. McKenzie started as the primary kick returner with the Bills but climbed his way up to a much bigger role on offense. He began to form a connection with quarterback Josh Allen as he developed into the Bills' slot receiver.
McKenzie saw his most productive season with the Bills in 2022, starting over half of their games. He finished the season with 42 catches for 423 yards and four touchdowns. He also ran the ball for 55 yards and a touchdown last season in Buffalo.
McKenzie tallied 137 catches for 1,316 yards and 11 touchdowns in 4.5 seasons with the Bills. He added 226 rushing yards and four touchdowns on the ground as he was used as a dynamic weapon in the Bills' offense. As mentioned earlier, McKenzie was released by the Bills in an effort to gain cap space.
At 5'8" and 173 pounds, McKenzie is easily the smallest wide receiver on the Colts. However, he has great speed and quickness, running a 4.42 40-yard dash with a 1.52 10-yard split. McKenzie provides plenty of burst to a wide receiver room lacking in this area.
With Parris Campbell signing with the New York Giants last week, McKenzie will likely replace Campbell as the Colts' primary slot receiver. The Colts currently have a big-bodied X wide receiver in Michael Pittman Jr., who can win over the middle and is terrific with the ball in his hands. Alec Pierce provides the Colts with a speedy deep threat on the outside who can make jump-ball contested catches. McKenzie becomes the shifty receiver inside that can win with his explosiveness early in the down while also presenting a threat deep with his speed.
Ballard came off of his size requirements to bring in McKenzie. The Colts' general manager only deviates from his physical standards when he believes the player can overcome that and be a big hit. Colts fans are hoping McKenzie can do just that.
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