Denver Broncos: Brendan Langley is back for a second chance
The Denver Broncos made the difficult decision to let Brendan Langley go at final cuts, but have been able to develop him on the practice squad.
The Denver Broncos’ 2017 NFL Draft class will not go down as the greatest the team ever put together. After drafting Garett Bolles in round one, the team picked DeMarcus Walker, Carlos Henderson, and Brendan Langley before the end of round three.
Bolles has been a full-time starter while DeMarcus Walker has appeared on gamedays over the past two years about as frequently as Halley’s Comet. Henderson is no longer with the team after missing his rookie season with an injury and then getting cut from the practice squad in September.
Langley struggled through his rookie season, getting thrust into the lineup at times and looking lost most of the time.
The Broncos noted his struggles but still gave him the chance to compete this year in camp as the team traded away Aqib Talib and opened up a competition for the third cornerback spot.
Langley lost out to Tramaine Brock and Isaac Yiadom for top reserve spots, and the Broncos opted for veteran Pacman Jones instead of Langley on the roster anyway.
Coming out of Lamar University (as a former Georgia transfer), Langley had a raw skill set but a lot of athleticism and every trait you would covet in a young cornerback prospect. The Broncos weren’t the only team that really liked him coming out, and they made sure they secured him by taking him at the end of the third round.
In hindsight, Langley looks more like a developmental day three selection but the Broncos must be pleased with what he’s showing on the field in practices, because they cut Adam Jones (the primary return specialist) to give Langley a shot, presumably to fill a special teams role including kick return duties.
This will be an important juncture of Langley’s career. By coming up to the Broncos’ roster now, he has a chance over the final six games of the season to prove he’s more than just a phenomenal athlete. He’s got to prove he’s a great football player and the Broncos are counting on him as a former third-round pick to develop into a key reserve if not a starting player.
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With so many questions surrounding the cornerback position, Langley’s development would be a welcomed sight.