Why Jordan Norwood Is Denver Broncos' Most Underrated X- Factor in 2015

When examining the current Denver Broncos roster, several players stick out as potential X-factors for the 2015 NFL season. But which of those players is the most underrated?

How about a player who hasn't played in a regular-season game since 2012? How about a player many NFL fans may have either never heard of or forgotten was even in the league anymore?

Jordan Norwood certainly fits into each of those categories.

Norwood has spent time with the Cleveland Browns, Philadelphia Eagles and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. However, he's played in a total of 16 games in his career, catching 36 passes with one touchdown.

The Broncos signed Norwood following the 2013 season, but it didn't seem like he'd amount to anything more than some extra roster depth for training camp. That all changed when Norwood excelled in training camp last summer.

Norwood added a solid performance in the preseason opener against the Seattle Seahawks, catching three passes for 51 yards, including a 34-yard touchdown from Brock Osweiler that turned out to be the game-winning score.

Norwood was positioning himself nicely for a spot on the final 53-man roster. At the least, it was going to be a difficult decision for the team to release him. Unfortunately, Norwood went down with a torn ACL in camp, bringing a sudden end to his season.

Last year, Wes Welker was on the roster, as were Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders. Those three players held guaranteed spots on the roster. With Welker out of the mix, the door is wide open for a player to step up at the wide receiver position.

Norwood has all the ability to be that player, particularly if he is able to pick up where he left off last summer.

Outside of Thomas and Sanders, the Broncos have Andre Caldwell and a host of unproven players at the wide receiver spot. That includes last year's second-round choice, Cody Latimer—though there's little chance that Latimer won't make the team.

With that said, there is a great opportunity for Norwood to not only make the roster but also have a big impact. The Broncos will likely keep at least five wide receivers on the final roster. If you assume that Thomas, Sanders and Latimer have spots locked up, then at least two spots remain open.

In three seasons with the team, Caldwell has caught just 22 passes for 265 yards and three touchdowns. He has been largely ineffective for the team, and his time could be up by the time roster cuts come around. It shouldn't surprise anyone if Norwood beats him out to become the team's No. 4 wide receiver.

That would leave Caldwell to compete with the likes of Bennie Fowler, Isaiah Burse, Kyle Williams, Nathan Palmer, Solomon Patton, Jordan Taylor and David Porter to make the team.

Norwood has good hands and deceptive speed. He has the ability to get behind the defense to make big plays, and he is capable of making catches that seem impossible. He is the type of player who could build trust with Peyton Manning and be a great asset off the bench—one who could catch an unsuspecting defense off guard.

Norwood could also provide a big boost in the special teams department, particularly as the team's punt returner. The Broncos weren't able to get consistent results from the return game last season, which stood out as a glaring weakness.

"

Another welcome addition at workout: Jordan Norwood. Had team made last year as returner before knee injury #Broncos

— Troy Renck (@TroyRenck) April 28, 2015"

Many teams would probably write Norwood off due to his size (5'11", 180 lbs), but there is a place for him in Denver. Keep your eyes and ears open for him once training camp begins and preseason games kick off.

The Broncos have a strong history of players coming out of nowhere to have impacts on the outcomes of games. Terrell Davis, Rod Smith, Mike Anderson and C.J. Anderson are just a few names that come to mind.

Norwood could be the next name added to that list.