Denver Broncos UDFA Kenny Anunike One to Watch to Make Roster
Oct 19, 2013; Charlottesville, VA, USA; Virginia Cavaliers quarterback David Watford (5) is tackled by Duke Blue Devils defensive end Kenny Anunike (84) in the fourth quarter at Scott Stadium. The Blue Devils won 35-22. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Prior to training camp, I could have identified a handful of Denver Broncos undrafted free agents that I thought might have a shot to make the team when all is said and done, and I probably wouldn’t have mentioned Duke defensive end Kenny Anunike, if we’re being honest.
Anunike, however, is making some waves at training camp, and this has the look of a situation worth monitoring closely.
At Duke, Anunike was the team’s top pass rusher. He finished last season with 67 tackles, six sacks, 13.5 tackles for loss, a forced fumble, and a blocked kick. The Broncos signed him as an undrafted free agent and clearly in such a deep draft, they are already reaping the benefits with at worst excellent competition in the thick of training camp.
David DeChant at DenverBroncos.com had a really good breakdown of practice yesterday, specifically a lot of observations of the guys in the trenches. Anunike received some very solid marks.
“Undrafted rookie defensive end Kenny Anunike showed up repeatedly, forcing run stops and routinely getting near the quarterbacks for what would be big hits or even sacks in a live game. He maintained the production in line drills, beating Winston Justice on a few occasions.”
Andrew Mason, also at DenverBroncos.com, had some additional notes on Anunike’s strong day of practice at day three of camp.
“Anunike, an undrafted rookie from Duke, is one of the sleepers of camp. He was a consistent standout in the line drills, repeatedly beating his man with a quick move to the outside, and forced multiple pressures.”
From all these reports of players coming out of the woodwork at training camp so far, I think the biggest takeaway is that the Broncos simply will have crazy good depth once again this year, and might have some players poached when it comes time for the rosters to be cut down to 53 players. That means that John Elway’s got some really tough decisions this year. You don’t want to see the Broncos part way with talented young players any time, so hopefully he makes all the right calls.
When it comes to depth in the defensive front seven, the Broncos appear to have it in spades, and I can’t remember the last time they could say that.