May 28, 2013; Englewood, CO, USA; Denver Broncos wide receivers Wes Welker (83) and Isaiah Burse (19) and Nathan Palmer (13) and Greg Wilson (15) and Bennie Fowler (16) and Jordan Norwood (11) during organized team activities at the Broncos training facility. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Even though NFL Training Camps do not start for about another three months, it is never too early to look at what players the Broncos have on the current roster as they look to trim it down to 53 men. IN the first of many segments, I will be focusing on players who are a bit lower on the depth chart but whom I believe that should be able to fight for a roster spot.
The first player I will be talking about it Jordan Norwood. A wide receiver and specialist on the special teams unit.
If the name Jordan Norwood sounds familiar, you probably heard about him more notably during his time with the Philadelphia Eagles and Cleveland Browns. He signed with the Broncos last offseason and was excellent as a punt returner. Because of how well he was doing in training camp and preseason, it was believed that he was going to make the final roster as the Broncos sixth wide out and the primary returner when he tore his ACL during a scrimmage with the Houston Texans last summer. His placement on the IR could have been what led Isaiah Burse to winning the returning job in 2014.
Now, nearing full recovery from the ACL tear, Jordan Norwood is looking to get back into top form. I had such high praise for him during the preseason last year and I think he has a legitimate shot of making the final roster in 2015 as long as he stays healthy. He could definitely help in the passing game in case any of the big name wide outs need a rest. He has the ability to fill in as a slot guy and get yardage on the short yards to gain.
Where I think he will excel is in the return game. The Broncos have been struggling to find a solid return man ever since Trindion Holliday’s production went south. They have tried Isaiah Burse, Wes Welker, Emmanuel Sanders, and even Omar Bolden and Andre Caldwell, but none have succeed.
Look for Jordan Norwood to make some noise during the dog days of summer and reclaim the roster spot he worked hard for.