Can Juwann Winfree find his way onto the field this season?
General manager John Elway rolled the dice when he traded up to select Winfree in the sixth round of last year’s draft. Winfree wasn’t quite able to put it all together in college on a consistent basis, but his physical traits and occasional splash plays made him look like a project worth developing for the organization.
At the University of Colorado, following training camp, he entered the 2018 college football season ahead of now Carolina Panthers WR Laviska Shenault on the Buffaloes depth chart for a reason. Unfortunately, after one season of him being unable to get onto the field despite the team’s shallow depth at the receiver position in 2019, he’ll have to perform well at training camp in order to find a sustainable role.
Could Fred Brown sneak onto the final roster?
Brown surprised the Broncos as a solid reserve receiver last season when he was forced into action following the Broncos trade of Emmanuel Sanders and Patrick sitting on injured reserve. It’s hard to see how that role carries on into 2020 with the added depth and talent at wide receiver this off-season.
How does Kelvin McKnight find a roster spot in 2020?
There’s a small chance McKnight could make the final roster, but the odds are very high. He wasn’t able to make the final roster or see the field in the regular season despite the Broncos impacted depth in 2019. Now, following an infusion of talent at the position, McKnight’s path to a roster spot will require significant production in training camp.
For Trinity Benson, it’s special teams or bust
Benson turned heads in camp last season as an undrafted free agent with his ability to make plays with the ball in his hand as a returner and receiver. However, like McKnight, the odds of him making the roster are slim in comparison with the depth of the position. Special Teams Coordinator Tom McMahon mentioned that Benson is in line for competition as a returner in the pre-season for the Broncos.
Zimari Manning’s physical ability could earn him a spot on the practice squad
One of the players that could become an undrafted gem for the Broncos this season is Manning. At Tarleton State, he created various highlight-reel plays throughout his collegiate career. His athleticism and physicality could put him in the running for a spot on special teams as a gunner, even though Patrick and Cleveland enter the season as presumptive favorites.
Is Kendall Hinton more of an offensive weapon than a wide receiver?
Another potential undrafted gem for the Broncos is Hinton. He is an interesting option as a rotational slot receiver, but what’s even more intriguing about him is that he possesses the ability to have a Tayson Hill-type role, considering he spent the better part of his first four years at Wake Forest as a quarterback.
How will the Broncos 2020 wide receivers shake out?
With offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur’s base offense of 11 personnel, Sutton will be one of the team’s three starting receivers who will see the large majority of his snaps come on the boundary. Jeudy will be one of the other three starting receivers more than likely, whether he plays primarily from the slot or the boundary remains to be determined.
Hamilton or Patrick are the favorites to open the season starting alongside Jeudy and Sutton, but whether it is Hamilton or Patrick boils down to if Jeudy plays in the slot or on the perimeter. Hamler is a lock to make the final roster, though his role will likely be limited at the start of the season.
After that, there is an open competition for the last one-to-two available roster spots. For now, Cleveland has the inside track on taking one of those spots considering the Broncos invested one of their draft picks on him. He will likely be an asset on special teams on day one. Spencer’s return ability makes him a favorite for one of those last roster spots as well.
All of the remaining receivers are facing a longshot to make the final roster, but Winfree, Manning, and Hinton have a better chance of making it in comparison than Brown, McKnight, and Benson.
For more Broncos coverage, follow us on Twitter @BroncosPFN