There are some surprise players who could make it onto the Denver Broncos roster. The team has locked in most of their core positions, and there have been some major improvements overall. The remaining positions still have question marks hanging over them, but there are some players who could be unexpected additions to the 53-man squad. Here are a few to watch out for.
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Denver Broncos Roster: Surprise Players Who Could Make it
Warren Jackson – Wide Receiver
The receiver corp is strong, with many hopes resting in Courtland Sutton, Jerry Jeudy, K.J. Hamler and Tim Patrick.
Diontae Spencer will likely play a role as a returns specialist. The remaining spot is up for the taking and Warren Jackson could have an edge over Seth Williams or Tyrie Cleveland. The latter two have shown the least potential as impact players.
This undrafted receiver is imposing at 6’6” and now is the time for Jackson to prove he can make it in the big league. He needs to develop, so he will likely be in the practice squad. Nevertheless, it’s a great start for an undrafted player.
Got my notes from 5 of Warren Jackson's 2019 games. Watched Boise State, Arkansas, Toledo, Wyoming, and UNM.
Some Positives
+insane length & frame
+Great at Catch Point
+Decent Build Up speed
+Strong Hands
+Mismatch Nightmare (Lots of PI's)
+Decent vs Press
+Best as RZ threat pic.twitter.com/v0VkrfEntl— Zach (@GoJags) Gartin (@All22_Addict) November 12, 2020
Drew Himmelman – Offensive Tackle
The Broncos will keep up to nine offensive linemen. Players like Garett Bolles, Dalton Risner, Bobby Massie and Lloyd Cushenberry are the guys we know will be there. Quinn Meinerz, Netane Muti, and Graham Glasgow are also safe bets.
However, if players like Cameron Fleming or Calvin Anderson don’t perform at a high enough standard, Drew Himmelman is an interesting option. The Broncos must’ve seen something special about this undrafted tackle, or they wouldn’t have given him a $110,000 signing bonus. That’s the most they’ve given an undrafted player, so obviously there is something there.
Jonathon Cooper – Linebacker
Von Miller and Bradley Chubb are a strong duo, one of the better ones in the NFL, but both have dealt with injuries in the last couple of seasons. Malik Reed has been a great addition to the team, stepping up when needed.
Seventh-round pick Jonathon Cooper profiles as a linebacker and defensive end. He projects as an outside edge rusher; his versatility makes him one of the more valuable picks this season.
Meanwhile, Andre Mintze is one of the better undrafted players, sometimes a big playmaker during his time at Vanderbilt. If history repeats itself, the Broncos may well decide to put him on the roster, as they have so many undrafted players. Cooper has versatility on his side though.
Jonathon Cooper vs. Pat Freiermuth
Advantage: Cooper and his long arm bull rush.
Whew. @OhioStateFB pic.twitter.com/8vU1OY5CbX
— Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) November 6, 2020
Marquiss Spencer – Defensive End
While Shelby Harris and Dre’Mont Jones work well as a pair of defensive ends, the defensive line isn’t exactly thick with talent. In a 3-4 scheme, Mike Purcell does some decent work, but second-year McTelvin Agim will face plenty of competition.
That competition comes in the form of Marquiss Spencer, who really only has DeShawn Williams ahead of him. Despite his 6’4”, 300-pound frame, he is fast and powerful off the edge.
Kary Vincent Jr. – Cornerback
After huge emphasis was put on filling the cornerback position, it is almost ridiculous how many players are available. Clearly, Bryce Callahan, Michael Ojemudia, Ronald Darby, and Kyle Fuller are safe. Then there’s Patrick Surtain, one of the best cornerbacks in the draft, and about four fillers who are unlikely to be on the roster.
The one extra guy they might keep is Kary Vincent, who is fast and has impressive overall skills as a nickelback. He has enough talent to be snapped up by another team during the season, so it will be interesting to see how his situation progresses.
There is so much riding on the right decisions being made by Broncos personnel. The last few seasons have been rife with disappointments and players not living up to expectations. We’ll soon find out if 2021 is a better year.
Main photo:
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