Kelley L. Cox USA TODAY Sports
For nine years running, the Denver Broncos have had success at finding talent the unconventional way. For nine years running, the Broncos have had at least one undrafted player make the team.
The nine year run is actually the third longest streak in the NFL with the Indianapolis Colts leading the way at 14-years, and the Kansas City Chiefs second at 10-years.
The Broncos look to make it 10 years of their own this season, and they have a player who just might get them there. Running back C.J. Anderson from California University looks to be the latest in a long line of Bronco surprises.
Anderson certainly has a long way to go before he makes the team, as the Broncos have depth at the running back position, but if his first preseason game is any indication the Broncos may not have any choice but to keep the 5-foot-8, 224-pound bull.
Anderson ran for 69-yards on 15 carries in Denver’s preseason opener in San Francisco, showing the type of downhill running Head Coach John Fox loves.
Offensive coordinator Adam Gase wants to take a cautious approach with Anderson. “Your coming from a younger guy that was an undrafted free agent — you can’t just throw him in with the ones. It’s a process for him, and I think he’s trying to get up to speed as quickly as possible.”
Anderson is well aware of Denver’s historic success with undrafted players. “They always find some type of talent out there, no matter what round. At the end of the day they say you’re here, and it doesn’t matter how you got here.
Players like starting linebacker Wesley Woodyard, and starting nickel-back Chris Harris both made the Broncos as undrafted free-agents and no all to well what Anderson is going through. Both players are key cogs on a defense with Super Bowl aspirations.
Anderson will get plenty of opportunities over the next three preseason games to show he belongs.
Mike De Marco is a columnist for www.rantsports.com Follow him on Twitter @mikedemarco77 “like” Mike on Facebook and add follow his Network on Google.
