The Denver Broncos will open training camp in just about two months but there are players on the team who already know that they will be considered “bubble” players once camp begins.
This could be due to a variety of reasons ranging from young players being drafted at their positions or their production level has recently taken a dip.
This happens in every team’s camp every summer. Here are four players that could be on the bubble for the Broncos heading into the 2019 season.
Also, since we are talking veterans here, a veteran for the purpose of this article will be considered any player with at least two seasons under their belt.
1. Jake Butt, Tight end
Butt is a talented player, but he’s suffered multiple injuries in his young career and at the end of the day, you need a player you know is going to be available. If the Broncos were so enamored with Butt’s skills, they wouldn’t have drafted Noah Fant in the first round.
Butt will not be a lock to make the team. With presumably two spots going to Fant and Jeff Heuerman, if a guy like Troy Fumagalli steps up, then the Broncos could send Butt on his way.
2. River Cracraft, Wide receiver
Cracraft turned some heads in training camp last season and though he was initially cut following the preseason and then cut from the practice squad, the team brought him back to the practice squad and eventually onto the main roster.
The Broncos currently have just six wide receivers on the roster with any NFL playing experience and when considering that the team will keep at least five wide receivers, Cracraft has a chance to make the team.
However, sixth-round pick Juwann Winfree should push for one of those spots, decreasing Cracraft’s chances to return to Denver.
He’ll be able to help himself if he can add something as a punt returner.
3. DeMarcus Walker, Defensive end
To say that Walker’s first two seasons with the Broncos have been a disaster would probably be too nice. In two years with the team, he has been a player who the team hasn’t seemed to know how to use or when to use and one that has been a healthy scratch far too often for a second-round pick.
For his career, Walker has two sacks and 11 tackles.
The Broncos aren’t loaded with depth along the defensive line, but Walker will have to prove that he belongs this summer.
4. Su’a Cravens, Safety
Being placed into a defense overseen by Vic Fangio could either be exactly what Su’a Cravens needs or the end of his NFL career.
Cravens had a rough season with the Broncos last year, who traded for the defensive back after he essentially quit on the Washington Redskins. He didn’t exactly look like a player who loved the game of football last season, either.
Cravens is still around and if anyone can get something out of him, it might be Fangio. If not, the team has some young, hungry safties behind him such as Dymonte Thomas, Jamal Carter and Trey Marshall who would love to have his spot.
