Denver Broncos training camp: Special teams preview

Carlos Henderson

Age: 22 – Contract: 4 years remaining ($669,496 cap hit)

Although the kick return position has diminished in value with the new kickoff rules, it’s still a position that can alter the momentum of a game.

Sadly for the Broncos, they have been more on the wrong end of that momentum shift than they have the successful end, and Carlos Henderson was drafted in part to fix that.

As mentioned before, Brock Olivo talked about having a ‘list’ of players that you covet as a coach for your team to go out and get. I believe Henderson was a player the Broncos’ entire coaching staff was excited to get for his ability to make plays in space, and to not only play the slot as a receiver but also to return kicks.

Henderson was a prolific kick returner at Louisiana Tech, and the Broncos haven’t had a prolific kick returner since the aforementioned Trindon Holliday.

Henderson’s ability to break tackles and run around guys with his speed and elusiveness are a deadly combination on special teams, and having him on kick returns will allow them to get him a few more touches per game, and let him work where he does best — in space.

As Henderson’s role in the offense grows, there’s a possibility his role on kick returns will diminish. The Broncos will likely take a look in the preseason and see if this is an area he can be an asset, and I have no doubt he will be.