4 Broncos Undrafted Rookies on a Path For the 53-Man Roster
The Denver Broncos have four undrafted rookies who could make the final roster. Yes, four. New head coach Sean Payton said right from the beginning that a player’s pay or draft pedigree doesn’t matter, whether you're a first-round pick or someone who didn’t hear his name called on draft day.
All players must prove themselves worthy of the Broncos. Everyone gets a shot, but the following four undrafted rookies have taken that opportunity to shine and could very well be suiting up for this team in September.
Jaleel McLaughlin | RB
McLaughlin has been one of the darlings of training camp with his speed and quickness out of the backfield. He's constantly making plays in every practice, and regardless of what the depth chart states, he has been the third-best running back.
McLaughlin was the most productive rusher in the first preseason game, and at camp on Wednesday, he stood out with the first and second-team offense. He's a good change-of-pace option for both Javonte Williams and Samaje Perine.
Their powerful, grinding style versus McLaughlin's quick slashing ability could really catch offenses off guard and add a nice wrinkle to the Broncos' offense. The only thing that could derail McLaughlin's chances is his fit on special teams. He hasn't shown much as a returner, and it isn’t likely the Broncos want a 187-pound running back covering kickoffs.
Marcus Haynes | OLB
A long shot from Old Dominion, Haynes has seized the opportunities for more playing time resulting from injuries and rest days for the veterans at the edge rusher position. If Baron Browning has to start the season on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list, the door may be open just enough for Haynes to get the roster nod on cut-down day.
Haynes is in a battle with Aaron Patrick and, to a lesser extent, Thomas Incoom for that final rush linebacker slot. While the team is working Patrick back from injury, Haynes capitalized with 48 snaps on defense in the first preseason game.
More importantly, Haynes was one of the leaders in special teams snaps. He finished the game with two tackles, one solo tackle, and a quarterback hit.
Taylor Grimes | WR
Nobody expected Grimes, an undrafted wide receiver from Incarnate Word College, to turn heads in training camp, but that's exactly what he's done. He's caught everything thrown at him, and his route running has been stellar.
When the Broncos' first depth chart was released, he was buried on it, to the surprise of many who have watched the camp practices. Because of it, Grimes didn’t get onto the field until late in the first preseason game. He went out and did his job anyway, catching two passes for 16 yards.
There are two obstacles he has to overcome to make the roster. First, Grimes needs to find a place on special teams. The coaches have tried him at a few spots in practice to see what he can do, but as a returner, he did not look that comfortable.
Secondly, Grimes has to play bigger than his size. He is 5-foot-11 and weighs 188 pounds. Smaller receivers can still make an impact, and in Grimes’ case, he's going to have to make more of an impact in kick/punt coverage to start out.
Alex Palczewski | OT
The Broncos' offensive tackles have left much to be desired in this training camp and preseason. Garett Bolles has struggled, and Mike McGlinchey has been away from practice more than he has played for personal reasons or injury.
The tackle depth of Cam Fleming and Isaiah Prince has been very underwhelming. This could open a door for Palczewski to make the roster.
Palczewski is a rookie but has a significant amount of playing experience in the Big Ten, which shows in camp. He has been a solid pass protector at the right tackle spot and can move people in the running game.
Palczewski hasn’t only been good versus third and fourth-teamers either. He got some first and second-team reps in camp this past week.
Fleming is likely going to be the swing tackle, but if Palczewski can take playing time from Prince over the next two weeks, he could find himself on the final roster.
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