The Denver Broncos went out and added a talented running back following the 2024 NFL Draft, signing Blake Watson out of Memphis. He has an above-average chance of making the team as a rookie.
This will conclude the undrafted spotlight series here at The Sporting News and I have saved the best for last. Within this article, you can find the links to all of the team's other undrafted free agents to familiarize yourself with each of them.
Following the draft, Chad Reuter of NFL.com ranked all of the undrafted free agents that were signed across the league by position. His No. 1 running back was Watson.
Denver Broncos undrafted rookie spotlight
Name: Blake Watson
Height: 5-foot-9
Weight: 195
Position: Running back
Hometown: Queens, NY
School: Memphis
Watson began his college career at Old Dominion and left the school as the Monarchs' No. 3 all-time leading rusher. He also holds the school record for most rushing yards in a game with 259 against Coastal Carolina in 2022.
He then transferred to Memphis for his final season and rushed for over 1,100 yards there. But where he was a real benefit to the team, and where he could make the most impact in the NFL, is as a receiver out of the backfield. He caught 53 passes for the Tigers in 2023.
Chances of making final 53-man roster (1-10 scale): 6
Watson has a solid chance of making this team, even if Sean Payton prefers experience at key positions. The Broncos have an opening at running back, particularly if Javonte Williams is more like he was in 2023 and less like he was pre-knee injury.
#Broncos UDFA RB Blake Watson has impressive speed and vision. Has stood out getting involved on ST's. Will be a player to watch once the pads come on. pic.twitter.com/EjlWjL9jsy
— Cody Roark (@CodyRoarkNFL) May 31, 2024
Samaje Perine and Jaleel McLaughlin are on the roster, but the rookie tandem of Watson and fifth-round pick Audric Estime is one of the most intriguing aspects and future possibilities on this roster.
Watson is not a good pass-catching running back, he is excellent in that role, and that is something Payton covets. The team has talent at the running back position, but it would be quite difficult to place Watson on waivers because there would be a high likelihood the Broncos would never see him again.
Look for Watson to have the kind of summer that McLaughlin had as an undrafted player last year, one that makes it impossible to cut him.
Broncos undrafted rookie spotlight links
Jordan Miller, Defensive Tackle
Brandon Matterson, Defensive Lineman
