The Broncos need a new punt returner and undrafted rookie Trinity Benson is among the players competing for the job this summer.
Benson (6-0, 180 pounds) totaled 1,086 all-purpose yards and scored nine touchdowns as a senior at East Central University last fall. He’s an explosive player, which makes him an ideal returner, but Denver won’t keep him on the 53-man roster simply to be a return specialist.
Benson will have to improve as a wide receiver to make the team. If he can do that, he’ll have a realistic shot of winning the return job.
“He’s been doing a nice job as a returner,” Broncos special teams coordinator Tom McMahon said after practice on July 21. “He has to do well at receiver too, though. That’s the one thing, some people think guys just make the team just on special teams. They have to be able to play offense and defense, also.
“Trinity, all these guys, have been doing a nice job. We have a lot of returners out there that we’re working out.”
Through the first week of practice, Benson has stood out among the team’s undrafted rookies.
“He’s fast, he’s quick, he’s elusive,” coach Vic Fangio said on July 21. “Again, if he can become an NFL receiver, meaning operate efficiently so those skills can surface, maybe we’ve found somebody.”
Benson will get his first chance to return kicks when Denver faces the Falcons in the Hall of Fame Game on Aug. 1. Benson won’t get more than one opportunity in that game, though.
“If they punt nine times, we’re going to have nine different punt returners, I guarantee it,” McMahon said. “I guarantee it I put a different guy out every time.”
The Broncos will have five preseason games in August so there will be plenty of time for the return job to be sorted out.
