Aug 7, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos defensive end Kenny Anunike (68) during the game against the Seattle Seahawks at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
The Denver Broncos begin training camp for rookies today. We can all finally get excited again. Football season starts in just six weeks. With the training camp beginning, fans and analysis will begin to carefully see which players will surprise and which will disappoint. In this next installment of training camp profiles done by Predominantly Orange, I will take a look at Kenny Anunike, the second year player out of Duke University.
Kenny Anunike was signed as an undrafted free agent after the 2014 NFL Draft. He was doing well and could have made the final roster, if not a spot on the practice squad if not for an elbow injury that landed him on injured reserve. He injured the elbow during the final preseason game against the Dallas Cowboys in 2014.
Now fully recovered from his injury, Kenny Anunike took some time and completed his master’s degree at Duke University. Not only did he further his education, but he bulked up during the offseason. Transitioning to the new 3-4 defense, Kenny Anunike decided to bulk up in order to compete for the defensive end spot. He was originally 260, but bulked an extra ten pounds.
#Broncos DL Kenny Anunike Could Carve Out Prominent Role http://t.co/oqJ3XhWaVz
— Sayre Bedinger (@SayreBedinger) June 17, 2015
During organized team activities and mini-camp, Kenny Anunike impressed players and coaches. Being placed on injured reserved last year, I believe that Kenny Anunike wanted to come back even stronger in 2015. So far, he has shown that. In fact, many analysis have him as a dark horse candidate to make the roster. I even make a case as to why he deserves a roster spot.
His ability to stop the run is going to be a huge asset to the Denver Broncos run defense, whom have been one of the better teams in the past couple years when it comes to the run defense. Kenny Anunike has a great knack for causing havoc in the backfield. The additional bulk could help him shed blockers as well.
Due to Derek Wolfe’s suspension, I can see a situation in where Kenny Anunike makes the final roster. With the Denver Broncos opening up against teams like the Ravens, Chiefs, Lions, and Vikings, the key for the Broncos will be stopping the run. Stopping running backs like Justin Forsett, Jamal Charles, and Adrian Peterson will be key to winning football games. And I am certain that Kenny Anunike will be capable of doing so.
Kenny Anunike has a long road to go, but I believe that all the hard work that he has put in during the offseason will reward him handsomely. The extra amount of work he has placed in could go a long way in securing a spot on the 53-man roster. Good luck Kenny Anunike.