Following roster cutdown day, the Indianapolis Colts have made a successful waiver claim, adding defensive back Kapena Gushiken to the 53-man roster.
Gushiken went undrafted this past April out of Ole Miss and spent the offseason and training camp with the Philadelphia Eagles.
The Colts have had their eyes on Gushiken since before the draft, having him in for an official visit.
In three preseason games, Gushiken played deep safety, in the box, and lined up in the slot. He allowed six receptions on eight targets, holding pass catchers to 8.8 yards per catch. He was also all over the field, making 13 total tackles.
Gushiken possesses upside as a special teams contributor as well.
Over at The Athletic, Gushiken was on Daniel Popper's list of released
players to watch during this waiver wire period.
"Gushiken made the stock watch for the first two weeks of the preseason, and he is high on the board here," Popper wrote. "He can play nickel and safety. He is comfortable both playing in the box and in the deep part of the field. Gushiken also flashed repeatedly as a special teams coverage player, especially at gunner. He is quite savvy for a rookie. A versatile defensive back with special teams upside should be attractive on the waiver wire."
Gushiken tested extremely well during the pre-draft process, posting a Relative Athletic Score of 9.16, featuring a 4.35-second 40.
To make room for him on the roster, the Colts will have to make a corresponding cut. That has not yet been reported.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Colts claim versatile, highly athletic DB on waivers
