The Broncos now have their entire 2017 rookie class under contract, as they’ve agreed to terms with third-round wide receiver Carlos Henderson, according to Mike Klis of 9NEWS (Twitter link).
Henderson, a Louisiana Tech product, will be making the leap from Conference USA to the NFL, but he would appear to have a clear path to playing time in Denver. Aside from Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders, the Broncos’ other wideouts shouldn’t post much of a threat. Jordan Taylor, Cody Latimer, Bennie Fowler, and fellow rookie Isaiah McKenzie will serve as Henderson’s primary competition.
At the very least, Henderson figures to act as the Broncos’ top return man during his rookie campaign. Denver finished just 22nd in special teams DVOA a season ago, and lost 1.1 points on kick returns and 6.8 points on punt returns. Henderson, meanwhile, averaged 32.2 yards per kick return and scored two touchdowns.
Here’s an overview of the Broncos’ class:
- 1-20: Garett Bolles, T (Utah)
- 2-51: DeMarcus Walker, DE (Florida State)
- 3-82: Carlos Henderson, WR (Louisiana Tech)
- 3-101: Brendan Langley, CB (Lamar)
- 5-145: Jake Butt, TE (Michigan)
- 5-172: Isaiah McKenzie, WR, (Georgia)
- 6-203: DeAngelo Henderson, RB (Coastal Carolina)
- 7-253: Chad Kelly, QB (Mississippi)