INDIANAPOLIS – In 2014, three players in the SEC had at least 11.0 sacks.
One was Missouri's Shane Ray, the conference's Defensive Player of the Year and a 2015 first-round pick of the Denver Broncos.
Another was Texas A&M's Myles Garrett, a then freshman All-American who will hear his name called quite early in next year's NFL Draft.
The third?
Colts' undrafted free agent Curt Maggitt, out of Tennessee.
Yes, Maggitt's 11.0 sacks as a junior had many thinking he would get drafted in 2016, despite missing nearly all of his senior season due to a hip injury. Maggitt had more sacks in 2014 than future top-10 picks Dante Fowler and Leonard Floyd.
However, the 6-3, 246-pounder would fall, and fall, opening up quite the opportunity for those in Indianapolis.
"We're excited based on the tape we have on that kid," Chuck Pagano says of Maggitt.
The Colts didn't get any more tape on Maggitt this weekend.
Last September against Oklahoma, Maggitt suffered a hip fracture. His senior season was history after just two games.
Maggitt's first week in the NFL saw him having to spectate during the team portion of rookie minicamp practices.
Rehab work was how Maggitt spent a majority of the two practices.
"The biggest thing I'm working on right now is patience, following protocol with the strength staff and communicating (the playbook)," Maggitt says. "I definitely want to get out there. Every day I'm trying to do as much as I can. It's all about persevering right now, gradually progressing and when my time comes, being at my best ability, not rushing into it. I'm grateful for this staff and all the support.
"Training Camp is definitely when I'll be ready to roll."
Maggitt is consuming what outside linebackers coach Brad White is teaching. The mental reps will be the focus during the rest of the team's offseason program.
When Maggitt realized going undrafted was becoming a reality, he knew the Colts had an appealing depth chart.
The need is there for a passionate edge presence, like Maggitt.
"I love playing ball," Maggitt says of his style of play.
"I'm going to serve the team, whether it's special teams, pass rushing, I'm going to give them everything I got on every I play. I can promise them that."
