The Denver Broncos are bringing up outside linebacker Ahmad Gooden from the practice squad, and waived TE/FB Orson Charles to make room.
The Denver Broncos are promoting outside linebacker Ahmad Gooden from the practice squad and waiving veteran tight end/fullback Orson Charles, who was signed this week to replace the injured Andy Janovich.
The Broncos apparently feel comfortable enough about Jeff Heuerman returning to the lineup this week (potentially) against the Buffalo Bills along with rookie Andrew Beck’s ability to fill in for Janovich as he did early on in the season.
With fellow rookie Justin Hollins being ruled out of this game, the Broncos wanted to play four outside linebackers and Gooden was the next man up off the practice squad.
After the 2019 NFL Draft, Gooden was the first undrafted free agent to reportedly agree to a contract with the Broncos, but he wasn’t the only player from the Samford program brought to Denver. The Broncos also signed his teammate Kelvin McKnight, a wide receiver and punt returner.
McKnight is on the Broncos’ practice squad still after spending some time away from the team at September cuts.
So who is Gooden? What does he bring to the table?
Ahmad Gooden at a glance
Height: 6-foot-2
Weight: 245 pounds
College: Samford (Alabama)
In 10 games his senior season at Samford, Gooden racked up 15 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, 12 quarterback hits, and four passes defended.
He played plenty of defensive line in college, but has background as a linebacker as well which likely contributed heavily to the Broncos ultimately viewing him as a fit in Vic Fangio’s defensive scheme.
He didn’t test very well athletically at his pre-draft pro day, but Gooden has been a productive pass rusher and he’s done it against some of the best competition Samford faced while he was there.
The Broncos want to get a look at Gooden with Justin Hollins down this week and struggling with injuries this year in general. Gooden had 11 tackles in the preseason and put together some nice tape as a rusher, though he didn’t get home for any sacks as Malik Reed stole that show.
It’s always fascinating to see how rookies respond when given opportunities on the regular season roster. Bradley Chubb’s injury has paved the way for a number of rookies to get opportunities now, and Gooden is the latest to get his shot.
With Reed and Jeremiah Attaouchu also getting reps, we may not see Gooden much outside of special teams but he should be given the chance to show what he can do.