WR Camp Battles Continued:

Reece Fountain

The high chance of Deon Cain beginning on PUP (physically unable to perform) opens a spot up early on. This includes any young player looking to rise up. Fellow draft classmate Daurice ‘Reece’ Fountain would probably consider himself one of those players. Based on name recognition, most fans wouldn’t guess that Fountain was actually selected before Cain in the 2018 NFL draft. Chris Ballard used a fifth-round pick on the receiver from the University Northern Iowa presenting a developmental prospect. The prototypical size of 6’1 210 lbs. apparently qualified him to be worth developing via the draft for the Colts’ personnel department.

Even though 2017 4^th round pick Zach Banner was also cut the same year he was drafted, I was still surprised that Fountain didn’t make the 53-man roster. Cutting draft picks the same year they’re drafted is a result of not scouting/drafting well. No such accusations are being made here, but when you are one the guys picked in the league’s annual draft, you should make the team. There are always undrafted grinders like Pascal and Rogers who refuse to come off the field looking to claim roster spots. That seems to be the case last year as Reece was among the final cuts. Luckily, he slipped through waivers (meaning all 31 other teams had a chance to claim him) and the Colts were able to sign him to the practice squad.

Fountain spent a majority of the regular season on the scout team/practice squad. That was until finally getting promoted to the active roster in December due to an injury to Dontrelle Inman. He failed to log any catches as the Colts surged into the playoffs. Late in the January playoff loss to the Chiefs, Fountain entered the lineup when the offense was in the red-zone. The Colts were seemingly out of reach, but nonetheless a pass bounced off Fountain’s hands before he could walk in the end zone. Believe it or not, that garbage-time TD drop may have gone a long way to salvaging a lost rookie season.

It seems Fountain realizes it’s “put up or shut up” time if he wants to be a part of this team. Head Coach Frank Reich has praised his improved route running abilities while also mentioning his contested catches in traffic. Other reports this June have mentioned a noticeable increase in his lower-body mass. These are good signs towards him making a big second-year jump. As camp battles progress, coaches will determine whether he’s made enough of a leap to earn a roster spot. Doing so simultaneously takes a spot from another ready player which makes it such a tough call. As of now, I like Fountain’s chances of making this team. Not only because of his draft investment (and certainly not because of his game tape which is non-existent), but his explosive potential and size brought to the group. Pascal vs. Fountain will be an intense battle to watch, and I’m looking forward to seeing who comes out on top.