5 Dark Horse Candidates To Make Denver Broncos’ 53-Man Roster

5 Dark Horse Candidates To Make Denver Broncos’ 53-Man Roster

Gary Kubiak Broncos
Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Training camp is a mere two weeks away at Dove Valley, meaning the talk who will and will not make the final roster is starting up as well. The Denver Broncos will be cutting the roster from 90 players down to 53 players in camp. Here are five dark horse candidates who will stand out and snag those last spots.

5. WR Jordan Norwood

Jordan Norwood Broncos
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

5. WR Jordan Norwood

Jordan Norwood Broncos
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Last year, Norwood flashed a lot of potential as a wideout and as a return man for the Broncos. But a torn ACL sidelined him for the 2014 campaign. The competition for one of the final receiver roster posts will be steep this year, as Norwood will have to fend off a lot of players with skill sets eerily similar to his. However, seeing as though he was in line for first-team reps last year, he should have the benefit of the doubt this season.

4. RB Ronnie Hillman

Ronnie Hillman Broncos
Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

4. RB Ronnie Hillman

Ronnie Hillman Broncos
Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Hillman’s status with the Broncos, as of now, is in flux. CJ Anderson and Montee Ball seem to both be firmly set in their respective one and two positions on the depth chart while the third spot is by no means Hillman’s to lose. He has a flurry of just-as-useful backs to battle with in 2015 as well as one of the larger contracts among his running mates. Ultimately, his game experience should win out, but it will definitely come at a price.

3. DE Kenny Anunike

Kenny Anunike Broncos
Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

3. DE Kenny Anunike

Kenny Anunike Broncos
Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

Anunike is an intriguing player in Denver. The former Duke linebacker turned defensive end was en route to the 53-man roster until an arm injury landed him on the injured reserve. His athleticism on the defensive line makes him a perfect fit in Wade Phillips’ scheme. Yet Anunike has an injury-riddled past and could see his chance go to a more stable option. If he can prove he can stay healthy, expect to see him grab one of the final roster spots.

2. CB Lorenzo Doss

Lorenzo Doss Broncos
Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

2. CB Lorenzo Doss

Lorenzo Doss Broncos
Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

On any other team, Doss would be a lock to make the 53-man roster. Nonetheless, he was selected by the Broncos and now must battle for one of the final slots. What sets Doss above the rest of his competitors, though, is his ability to force turnovers. He has next-level anticipation and is a natural at jumping routes. There won’t be room for him in the secondary this year, but he has all the skills to find his way there in the future.

1. P Karl Schmitz

Schmitz is a unique prospect. He was discovered by the Broncos through his YouTube channel and was signed to a deal after the free agent combine. Story aside, the YouTube star has an absolute boot and can be seen often blasting sky-high punts. He has the inside in track on the job seeing that cutting Britton Colquitt would save the team $ 3 million. Colquitt has been ineffective since 2011, and Schmitz would be a much-needed new face.

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