Broncos Should Consider Looking at Cecil Shorts

Dec 1, 2013; Cleveland, OH, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Cecil Shorts (84) looks for running room after making a catch in the first quarter against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

Free agency is just a little over a month away. With Demaryius Thomas, Julius Thomas, and Wes Welker set to hit the market if a deal is not made, Cecil Shorts could be an interesting name for Broncos fans to keep an eye on.

The Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver has been quietly making noise in his few years in the league. While his career has had its share of injuries, there is no doubt Cecil Shorts can be a solid player in the Broncos offense. The skill sets he brings that jumps out to me are his speed and his footwork. Having him either on the opposite end of Demaryius Thomas or in the slot could benefit the Broncos.

Cecil Shorts during his career has amassed nearly 2,300 yards receiving and 12 touchdowns. Seven of his twelve touchdowns came during the 2012 season. Five of those seven were at least 40 yards or more during the 2012 season. This shows his speed to separate himself from the corners and safeties. He ran track during college, which does easily show how he got his speed.

However, what impressed me the most about Cecil Shorts is his foot work and his ability to separate himself in tight coverage. In his highlights, he has shown to find a way to squirm his way out of a sandwich of defenders to gain more yards after the catch. It won’t matter if there are three defenders surrounding him, he will find a way to catch the ball and separate himself from them to continue moving down the field. His fast foot work helps as well as he can evade defenders for more yards.

An interesting spot to have Cecil Shorts play for the Broncos could be special teams as a returner, especially with his footwork and speed. Imagine having him returning punts and kick offs. He could be that electric player on special teams that the Broncos need. The team did not have a single special teams touchdown during the 2014 season. Cecil Shorts could change that.

Cecil Shorts hits free agency in March. The only reason I would not think the Jaguars would let him test the market is due to the Justin Blackmon dilemma unfolding. He was busted during his suspension with substance abuse in July while he was serving a suspension. If the Jaguars are optimistic that Blackmon will change his ways, they might be willing to let Cecil Shorts test free agency.

Cecil Shorts could bring another great element to the Denver Broncos offense and special teams units. Having him with Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders would be a great combination. If Jacksonville is not willing to pay him because of his injury history and depth at wide out, the Broncos should reach out to Cecil Shorts for him to come play in Denver.