Who would win a spot?
We can talk about traits and hypotheticals all day, but this is a very even match on paper.
The experience and development of Patrick combined with the team clearly liking him quite a bit are huge advantages in his favor.
Cleveland’s four-year rookie contract, outstanding traits, and all-around special teams prowess are all huge factors in his favor.
If I had to decide this today, I would take Tyrie Cleveland to make the final roster. The biggest advantage being his age and the fact that he’s going to be on a four-year deal.
Now, the Broncos could attempt to keep Cleveland on the practice squad while holding Patrick on the active roster for this season. They also have Patrick as a restricted free agent in 2021 if they want, so this isn’t quite four years versus one, but more like four years versus two.
If I had to pick just one, though, I am taking the guy with the flashier traits and the longer contract at a younger age. Although he’s only got 24 games of NFL experience, Patrick has been around for a while and he’s done a heck of a job, but he hasn’t taken a stranglehold of his spot just yet.
Cleveland is going to have to prove himself on special teams and on offense to truly beat out Patrick for a roster spot, but there are signs pointing in that direction.