After selecting seven players in the 2013 NFL draft last weekend, the Denver Broncos went out and signed 16 undrafted free agents.
Undrafted rookies are alwaysĀ long shotsĀ to make the roster, but at least one has made Denver's opening day roster in nine consecutive seasons. Ā In total, 13 undrafted rookies have made Denver's Week 1 roster over the past 10 years.
So these areĀ definitelyĀ players you will want to keep an eye on. Ā Let's take a look at all 16.
C.J. Anderson, RB, California
1 of 7C.J. Anderson is a 5'8", 224-pound running back who split carries at California while in college. Ā He comes to Denver with littleĀ wearĀ andĀ tear but will be entering a crowded backfield.
In his final two season at Cal, Anderson rushed 198 times for 1,135 yards and 12 touchdowns.
In Denver, he will be competing withĀ Montee Ball,Ā Willis McGahee,Ā Knowshon Moreno,Ā Ronnie Hillman,Ā Lance Ball,Ā Mario FanninĀ andĀ Jeremiah JohnsonĀ to earn a roster spot.
He's a long shot, but he's got a shot.
Early grade: C+
Kemonte' Bateman, WR, New Mexico State
2 of 7Kemonte' Bateman is a 6'1", 185-pound wide receiver who made more plays in college as a returner than as a receiver.
During his two years atĀ New Mexico State, Bateman caught 78 passes for 1,121 yards and nine touchdowns.
In Denver, he will be competing withĀ Demaryius Thomas,Ā Eric Decker,Ā Wes Welker,Ā Matthew Willis, Andre Caldwell,Ā Tavarres King,Ā Trindon Holliday,Ā Greg Orton,Ā Gerell Robinson, Quincy McDuffie andĀ Lamaar Thomas to earn a roster spot.
His value as a returner will help his chances of making the team, but Bateman will be part of a very crowded receiving corps going into training camp. Ā He will have to really impress to earn a roster spot.
Early grade: C+
Ryan Doerr, P, Kansas State
3 of 7Ryan Doerr is a 6'3", 189-pound punter who averaged 41 yards per punt while at Kansas State.
It would take a lot to upset Denver's current starter, Britton Colquitt, so Doerr was likely signed just to provide some campĀ competitionĀ this summer.
Early grade: C
Manase Foketi, OG, Kansas State
4 of 7Manase Foketi is a 6'5", 318-pound lineman who may have a shot at making Denver's roster.
During his senior year, Foketi tried to transfer, but Kansas State would not allow him to transfer to another D-1 school. Ā Foketi ultimately ended upĀ transferringĀ toĀ West Texas A&M in 2012.
Per CBSSports.com: "Not surprisingly, he dominated at the lower level, grading out at 95% for the season and being named one of three finalists for the Gene Upshaw Division II Lineman of the Year Award."
Early grade: B
Aaron Hester, CB, UCLA
5 of 7Aaron Hester is a 6'2", 198-pound cornerback and is the cousin of Chicago Bear's Pro Bowler Devin Hester.
"I feel like I'm just as good as any corner in this draft class," Hester told theĀ ChicagoĀ Sun-Times in April.
Hester also says he can cover his cousin, Devin. Ā If that is truly the case, it will be easy for him to secureĀ a roster spot.
But it will be an uphill climb for Aaron.
His camp competition willĀ includeĀ Champ Bailey, Chris Harris, Tony Carter, Omar Bolden,Ā DominiqueĀ Rodgers-Cromartie,Ā KayvonĀ Webster andĀ MarioĀ Butler.
Early grade: B+
Ryan Katz, QB, San Diego State
6 of 7Is there a backup quarterbackĀ controversyĀ in Denver?
Nope.
Expect Peyton Manning, Brock Osweiler andĀ ZacĀ Dysert to secure the top three gigs this summer.
Ryan Katz (6'1", 210 pounds) is merely a camp arm.
Early grade: C+
Best of the Rest
7 of 7ā Uona Kaveinga, LB, BYU (C Grade)
ā Gary Mason Jr., DE, Baylor (B Grade)
ā Quincy McDuffie, WR, Central Florida (C+ Grade)
ā Lerentee McCray, LB, Florida (C Grade)
ā Ross Rasner, S, Arkansas (C+ Grade)
ā Lucas Reed, TE, New Mexico (B- Grade)
ā Doug Rippy, LB, Colorado (B Grade)
ā Lamaar Thomas, WR, New Mexico (C Grade)
ā John Youboty, DE, Temple (C Grade)
For more on Denver's undrafted free agents, see DenverBroncos.com.
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