Key Takeaways:
– Denver Broncos might have rookie Bo Nix for Week 1 of the regular season.
– Kristopher Knox from Bleacher Report suggests Broncos consider free agent Hunter Renfrow.
– Renfrow, a former Raider, had a Pro Bowl year in 2021.
– Denver Broncos also signed Josh Reynolds, PFF’s No. 118 player, in free agency.
– Certain in-house alternatives to Renfrow could impact his chances of signing with the Broncos.
Hunter Renfrow: A Potential Asset For the Broncos
The Denver Broncos could kickstart the regular season with rookie first-round pick Bo Nix. Despite being the most seasoned quarterback in NCAA history, with 61 starts to his name, Nix’s transition to the NFL could be significantly eased by a more experienced supporting squad. With the Broncos having a wide receiver pool that lacks depth, Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox believes Hunter Renfrow, a former Pro Bowler with the Las Vegas Raiders, could be a vital addition to the team.
Throughout his Pro Bowl season in 2021, Renfrow marked 103 receptions, 1,038 yards and clinched nine touchdowns. Despite his performance taking a downturn in the subsequent seasons, Denver Broncos have a compelling reason to consider Renfrow. John Morton, the team’s passing game coordinator, worked with the Raiders during Renfrow’s Pro Bowl year, making him a fitting candidate to boost the Broncos’ attack line.
Josh Reynolds: The New Bronco Pro
Being no stranger to the team’s rebuilding phase, the Broncos signed Josh Reynolds in free agency, the player ranked No. 118 by the Pro Football Focus (PFF). With the three-time Pro Bowler Michael Thomas also being tipped for a free agency signing by Knox, Thomas’ former New Orleans Saints’ head coach and Broncos head coach Sean Payton seems to already be familiar with Reynolds’ playing style.
Reynolds, who had a decent run last season with 40 receptions and 608 yards with the Detroit Lions, was praised by PFF as being “a reliable go-to weapon on third and fourth downs.” With a two-year, $9 million deal with the Broncos, Reynolds could fill a role similar to what Thomas would.
Depth in Broncos’ Roster: A Hurdle for Renfrow?
Despite a potential connection with Renfrow, the Broncos have several other talent options at their disposal. With 2023 second-round pick Marvin Mims Jr. primed for a larger role in the offense following Jerry Jeudy’s trade to the Cleveland Browns, Renfrow has substantial competition.
Additionally, veteran player Tim Patrick is eager to make a comeback following two injury-riddled seasons. The Broncos also recently drafted Troy Franklin, a college-mate of Nix, potentially adding to Renfrow’s competition. Other veterans like Brandon Johnson, Lil’Jordan Humphrey and Phillip Dorsett, along with rookie Devaughn Vele, are also potential in-house candidates.
While the Broncos might benefit from signing Renfrow in the free agency, his path to Broncos isn’t quite clear due to other potential forwards. With the training camp still looming, Renfrow might face a significant uphill climb to secure a spot on the promising Broncos’ roster.