Could undrafted wide receiver Brandon Johnson find himself on the Denver Broncos’ final 53-man roster?
What once seemed impossible now seems entirely concrete now.
The Broncos have already suffered the devastating, season-ending loss of Tim Patrick with a torn ACL. The attention immediately turned to who could step up and fill those massive shoes.
After going undrafted in the 2022 NFL Draft, Denver immediately signed Johnson. Johnson, a University of Central Florida alum, threw himself into the competition. The 6’2″ receiver was an absolute game-changer for the University of Central Florida last year, with 11 touchdown receptions, and now he hopes to bring that to the Broncos this year.
Although fellow rookie Montrell Washington initially overshadowed him during camp, Johnson started to gain momentum and blew up in the first preseason game against the Dallas Cowboys.
Against Dallas, Johnson caught four of his eight targets. He finished with 64 yards, including a stellar, 40-yard reception.
After an impressive performance, Johnson lined up alongside the first-team offense all week in practice.
Broncos’ offensive coordinator, Justin Outten, was asked about Johnson’s upgraded role on the team and said, “He’s been a [hungry], young individual with an opportunity that he’s taking advantage of. He’s just doing all the things necessary to put himself in really good places. Working with the [No. 1 offense], he earned that opportunity. He does things behind the scenes to put him in a really good spot, and it’s just working with what’s expected from us as coaches and what’s expected by Russell [Wilson].”
Although Johnson only had one reception in the Broncos’ loss to the Bills last weekend, it shouldn’t be cause for concern. Based on the lack of playing time given to all offensive starters, it’s likely a positive sign for Johnson’s chances.
Noticed that Brandon Johnson was among the Broncos players out with the top punt coverage unit against Buffalo on Saturday. More and more nuggets leading to his likely being solidified for the final 53
— Sayre Bedinger (@SayreBedinger) August 22, 2022
Following the first preseason game, the Broncos let Kaden Davis and Travis Fulgham walk in the first round of roster cuts. They also let Trey Quinn go in the next round of cuts on Tuesday. This currently leaves Johnson, Kendall Hinton, Jalen Virgil, and Seth Williams competing for the fifth and sixth receiver spots.
The final cut down to 53 players is due next Tuesday, Aug. 30. Johnson has another week of practice and one final preseason game to prove he deserves a spot.
The anticipation continues to build on whether or not Johnson will continue the team’s tradition of finding success in undrafted players.
