The Denver Broncos are back home after Sunday’s road victory against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 1 of the preseason. As training camp continues this week, the amount of roster shuffling around the league after the first round of preseason games is always worth monitoring.
On Monday, the Broncos were awarded former New York Giants defensive back Kaleb Hayes off of waivers, as first reported by 9News’ Mike Klis. To make room for the move, Denver released local Air Force product and inside linebacker Alec Mock.
Hayes played two seasons at Oregon State in 2018 and 2019 before transferring to BYU for 2021 and 2022. He’s a 5-foot-11, 195-pound defensive back who could likely play inside the nickel or on the outside. In his college career, he finished with zero career interceptions, 27 passes defended, and 113 tackles.
His NFL career saw him get his first opportunity as an undrafted free agent with the Jacksonville Jaguars. With the amount of depth Denver currently has at cornerback, Hayes could find himself as a potential developmental prospect who will look to compete during training camp and the preseason for a spot on the practice squad.
Hayes’ arrival means Mock’s departure. Just last week, Mock re-signed with Denver after being on their initial roster for rookie minicamp. The local Air Force product made some plays in practice during training camp last week but only saw 12 snaps defensively in Sunday’s win against the Colts as Denver looks at other positions, and with Justin Strnad set to return to practice this week following a groin injury.
Later on this week, the Broncos will host the Green Bay Packers for a joint training camp practice on Friday, just two days before they host them at Empower Field at Mile High for Denver’s second preseason game. There could be some more roster shuffling happening this week, but all eyes are on Bo Nix getting his first start in front of an orange and blue crowd.