Wide receiver: Carlos Henderson, Isaiah McKenzie, John Diarse
Although there is a very good chance the Broncos are unable to retain all three of these players, they should shoot for it.
First, let’s discuss Carlos Henderson.
Henderson was one of the team’s two third-round picks in the 2017 NFL Draft. He spent the entire offseason with the Broncos and then left the team before training camp to tend to a ‘personal/family’ matter.
The Broncos’ best bet is to be able to develop him on the practice squad but if he’s focused and ready, will another team take a shot on him via waivers and absorb the rest of his rookie contract?
If the Broncos can squeeze him through waivers, they should put him on the practice squad. It would be the ideal situation.
In addition to Henderson, it would be phenomenal for the team to develop Isaiah McKenzie, another player who was meant to come in and bring some ‘juice’ with the 2017 draft class.
McKenzie has some of the most explosive speed on the team, but he’s already said his goodbyes on Instagram. Still, John Elway said there’s a chance the team could bring him back to the practice squad, but I think he’s more likely to land elsewhere.
John Diarse has great hands and showed well both in training camp and in the preseason. He’s got potential to contribute down the road as an inside/outside receiver. He would be a great player to stash and develop.
What about River Cracraft? The Broncos have so many receivers they could consider signing to the practice squad after keeping only five on the active roster.
I expect them to keep at least two, maybe three on the practice squad.