The Denver Broncos' initial 53-man roster was revealed, and like most of the time, it includes an undrafted free agent from the respective year's NFL Draft. The 2023 roster has something unique in particular, a team-record of the most undrafted free agents on the initial 53-man roster.
In the past 20 seasons, the Broncos' initial 53-man roster has had at least one undrafted free agent, and now it has four more to add to the legacy.
The roster includes four undrafted free agents, none of which are overly surprising on an individual basis The undrafted guys that made the roster are running back Jaleel McLaughlin, tight end Nate Adkins, offensive lineman Alex Palczewski, and edge rusher Thomas Incoom. Additionally, DL PJ Mustipher was signed to the Practice Squad (among other UDFAs)
With that being said, let's take a look at all four guys ...
1. RB Jaleel McLaughlin:
McLaughlin is a very explosive player who adds versatility to the Broncos' running back room, especially with the uncertainties on Javonte Williams, despite him saying that he is at 100%. Jaleel is a very speedy running back with NCAA records, and he led the NFL preseason in rushing touchdowns with three. He was also the 13th-best in rushing yards with 113. Additionally, he had a receiving touchdown, and was the fourth-best player in points scored during the preseason, with 24, just behind kickers Greg Zuerlein (31), Daniel Carlson (30), and Evan McPherson (27).
McLaughlin won the RB3 competition, over Tyler Badie and Tony Jones Jr., who had more NFL experience than him. Despite his size, Jaleel is a running back who creates a lot of space in tackles, and he does not need to run in the open space, so could be used a lot in short-yardage plays. Once again, this is a player who can bring versatility to the offense in both the running and passing game. He can even help on special teams.
In the preseason, he finished with the following stats: 21 carries, 113 rushing yards, 3 TDs, 7 receptions, 33 receiving yards, and one receiving touchdown.
2. TE Nate Adkins:
Despite the free agent addition of Chris Manhertz, plus the Adam Trautman trade on Draft day, the Broncos found a hidden gem among their undrafted free agent class in Nate Adkins.
Adkins shined in training camp and had good performances in preseason, which were enough to make the 53-man roster. He was listed ahead of Albert Okwuebunam in the initial depth chart, just with that you could easily see that Adkins had a strong camp. He is a very versatile player, a very good blocking tight end, and that gave him the advantage over Albert Okwuegbunam, who was later traded to the Philadelphia Eagles.
Adkins can also play at fullback, and on special teams. The Broncos got themselves a 'Swiss Army Knife'. In the preseason, Adkins had only four receptions for 28 yards, but once again, he was a great blocker and huge in special teams.
3. OL Alex Palczewski:
Palczewski was the fourth-string offensive tackle in the Broncos' initial depth chart but Alex went up after an impressive preseason. He played with the backups against the 49ers in the second preseason game and against the Rams in the preseason finale. He started over 60 games in college.
Against the Rams, he injured his hand but later returned to the game, something that will put him on the short-term injured reserve. Ahead of the game against the Rams, head coach Sean Payton mentioned the following on Alex ...
""[He's] tough and smart. He's played a lot of football. It's not always pretty, but there is this quality of 'he gets the job done'. I said this at the beginning of camp: After the draft, I thought we did a good job in that two-hour period of signing free agents. Sometimes offensive linemen are hard to get. We were able to sign a pretty good class of undrafted offensive linemen that has helped us and will help us, not only this year, but in the future. I'm encouraged.""Sean Payton (via Broncos PR)
Palczewski was not only a steal for the Broncos by getting him for free after the Draft but is also a hidden gem. With his starting experience, at some point, he can definitely be the Denver Broncos' starting right tackle, especially with the Mike McGlinchey injury concerns.
4. EDGE Thomas Incoom:
Last but not least important, Thomas Incoom. The edge rusher position was a big question mark for the Broncos ahead of the 2023 NFL Free agency and draft. They signed former Chiefs' Frank Clark, and following the Draft they added Incoom out of Central Michigan.
Incoom is a very athletic edge rusher who can put a lot of pressure on the quarterback, and he showed that during camp and preseason. With the Baron Browning injury, and his preseason performances, Incoom quickly got up in the depth chart, by earning a spot in the 53-man roster.
During the preseason, he had three solo tackles (two against the Rams, and the other one against Arizona), additionally, he had a sack against Los Angeles. He is a very talented edge rusher with a ton of upside for the Broncos' edge room.
Congrats to all four! Well deserved!