After putting together an impressive draft class, the Denver Broncos made some impressive undrafted free-agent signings as well. Looking at the list of undrafted players the team came to terms with, there is one name that immediately sticks out.
Memphis running back Blake Watson.
It is hard to believe that Watson wasn't drafted, especially when the Dallas Cowboys, for instance, added no running backs. Watson had a draftable grade but luckily for the Broncos, was not chosen.
He began his college career at Old Dominion before transferring to Memphis. He began his career as a wide receiver and those skills are evident as he is a terrific receiver out of the backfield. He is also coming off a tremendous year with the Tigers where he scored 14 touchdowns on the ground while churning out 1,152 yards.
I can confirm NFL Media report that Memphis RB Blake Watson is getting $25,000 signing bonus and $250,000 of his contract guaranteed from #Broncos as undrafted free agent. Analyst Dane Brugler had projected him to go in the sixth or the seventh round.
— Chris Tomasson (@christomasson) April 28, 2024
He's not the strongest running back and his ability to take hits will be questioned, but he is electric with the ball in his hands. In addition to being a terrific pass-catcher, he has home-run speed and can break off big plays regularly.
The Broncos had Javonte Williams, Samaje Perine, Jaleel McLaughlin and Tyler Badie at running back entering the draft. But the addition of Audric Estime in the fifth round followed by the signing of Watson has changed the landscape.
Watson should be seen as a legitimate candidate to make this year's team and in the future, it's not hard to see a combination of Estime and Watson being the Broncos' new version of thunder and lightning.
