Denver Broncos UDFA Bralon Addison is a playmaker
2016 NFL Draft: The Denver Broncos may have gotten a steal in UDFA WR Bralon Addison, who played college ball at Oregon…
It seems to be widely accepted that the Denver Broncos have a pretty set group of six wide receivers set to make the 2016 opening day roster, but what happens if someone like undrafted Bralon Addison comes along and makes himself un-cuttable?
It wouldn’t be the first time the Broncos have seen it from an undrafted receiver…
Of course, in today’s NFL, there are ways around being ‘let go’ by an NFL team. The practice squad has been a very effective tool for the Broncos, and we should see even more benefit from that this year as a couple of last year’s practice squad are expected to make an impact on the roster this season…
That being said, former Oregon Ducks star Bralon Addison — once a quarterback turned wide receiver — has the look of one of those UDFAs with significant intrigue. I remembered hearing his name called often over the last few years at Oregon, and looking back at the highlights, it was confirmed.
This guy is a playmaker not only as a receiver on offense, but he contributed as a passer and return specialist as well.
He first proved himself as a sophomore in 2013, catching seven touchdown passes and returning two punts for scores while looking like one of the most explosive players in the conference. Oregon’s offense was absolutely dominant that season, led by Heisman candidate Marcus Mariota, running back Byron Marshall, and leading receiver Josh Huff.
With expectations high, Addison would have his 2014 season cut off completely by an ACL injury he suffered in April of that year. It was a crushing blow for a team that was primed to compete for a National Championship, and despite the fact that Addison missed the whole year, Oregon wound up competing in the CFB Playoff anyway. Marcus Mariota won the Heisman Trophy, and wound up being the 2nd overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft…
Addison, meanwhile, came back in 2015 with a shot at some redemption and hopefully a chance to prove to NFL scouts that he was back to form. After all, an injury as severe as he suffered was not to be taken lightly, considering where his top skills are — cutting on a dime, quick explosive movements, acceleration…
Here’s a look at Addison in 2013, prior to the ACL injury. He’s also playing here with Heisman Trophy winner and 2nd overall pick Marcus Mariota:
As you can see from this highlight reel, there’s not a lot Addison can’t do. He’s a top flight playmaker, but there was fear that some of that explosion would be lost this past season. It wasn’t.
Addison set a career mark with 10 receiving touchdowns in 2015, and also added two rushing touchdowns, a punt return for a touchdown, and a passing touchdown.
He simply knows how to get the ball in the end zone. Here he is this past season:
So why did he go undrafted? Well, athletically, he didn’t test out well compared to his peers:
Addison wouldn’t be the first player to crack the Broncos’ roster after not having tested well athletically. The Broncos — like every team in the league — are looking for the best football players possible, and it seems Addison can be among that group. Sometimes scouts classify these types of things as ‘game speed’ versus ‘timed speed’ and certainly a 4.6 or worse for a WR is a concern.
He might have to work his way through the practice squad and by putting together strong preseason tape, but Addison has the football skills to make it in this league.
It might just be a matter of when.