The Denver Broncos did some shuffling to their practice squad on Tuesday as they signed former New York Jets defensive back Josh Bush and journeyman offensive lineman Mark Asper. The team released defensive end Zach Thompson and wide receiver Douglas McNeil from the practice squad in a corresponding move.
Bush is the notable addition here, having spent the last three seasons with the New York Jets and playing in all 16 games in 2012 and 2013. He played in three games this season with just one tackle, but he is an experienced former sixth round pick out of wake forest, and at 5’11” 205 pounds, he has versatility to play corner or safety.
Bush has some speed and some special teams ability as well. He will wear number 20.
Mark Asper is also a former sixth round draft pick from 2012 out of Oregon, but is already 29 years old. Originally drafted by the Buffalo Bills, Asper spent time with the Vikings and Jaguars before returning to Buffalo, where he appeared in six games.
He is a massive, 6’6″ 320 pound road grader who played at an Oregon program that was one of the best and most up-tempo units in the country in his college playing days, but has struggled to stick on an NFL roster.
Coming out of Oregon at the age of 27, some scouts thought Asper would be able to be almost immediately inserted into an NFL starting lineup due to his nasty streak and ability to sustain blocks for long periods of time. Obviously, to this point he’s been unable to do that, but the Broncos clearly like his road grader style and decided he was an upgrade for their practice squad.
Asper will wear number 60.
We never overlook these moves the Broncos make because so many undrafted players and practice squad guys end up on the active roster, even if just briefly. Some even stick as starters or key backup players.