Preseason preparation is underway, just is the evaluation period for players trying to make the Denver Broncos roster.
For those bubble players, making the most of their opportunities now could turn into a season on the practice squad or even the active roster. It’s their time to shine, and some are doing just that as they stand out among their peers.
Who impressed in the Broncos 14-10 comeback win over the Houston Texans Saturday night?
-Brock Osweiler: Osweiler may not be on the bubble, like the other four players on this list, but he is still playing for a roster spot next year. Osweiler’s rookie contract is coming to a close at the end of this season and with Peyton Manning likely retiring, it’s decision time in Denver. The youthful quarterback is making it tough to simply move on from him; he’s played well in the first two weeks of the preseason. On Saturday, he went 7-16 with 121 yards passing, one touchdown and one interception. The 57-yard bomb touchdown to Andre Caldwell was a thing of beauty while his pick-six was sickly.
-Ronnie Hillman: Like with Osweiler, Hillman’s time to prove he belongs on the roster is now. And he’s stepped up to the task. Hillman’s ran like a man on fire this preseason, leading all NFL running backs with 120 yards. On Saturday, he carried the ball eight times for 54 yards, which equates to an awesome 6.8 yards per carry average. His biggest run of the night came when he ran through a hole inside tackle Ty Sambrailo and up into the second level for 15 yards. Another strong performance like that and there’s no way Hillman won’t make the roster.
-Shaquil Barrett: The second-year linebacker out of Colorado State has been rushing the quarterback like a young Von Miller this preseason. His sack came when he ran up field and right around the offensive tackle who was trying to block Barrett, throwing backup quarterback Tom Savage to the ground. He also had a quarterback hurry and, later in the game, Barrett almost ripped the ball out for a fumble but instead tore running back Chris Polk’s helmet off. After spending last year on the practice squad, Barrett is making the case to be on the active roster this time around. He deserves it.
-Trevor Siemian: With the Broncos trailing 7-10 with two minutes to play, rookie Trevor Siemian led the third-string down for the winning touchdown. A seven-play, 92-yard touchdown drive, to be exact. The finisher came on rd 3and 10 from the 26 as Siemian dropped back and threw the ball up to Corbin Louks at the goal line where Louks made a play on the ball and fell into the end zone. Siemian finished the game 7-10 for 89 yards and the score.
-Corbin Louks: Louks is on the list for that touchdown grab. But he was also effective in the kick return game, with two for 52 yards. The Broncos picked Louks up only 20 days ago and he’s already catching on. Could he make the roster? It’s a long shot. But maybe he’ll end up on the practice squad after that great play.
