what does it mean that the Broncos were “awarded” Jones off waivers. I’ve heard of claiming a player off waivers, but not having one awarded. :)

Undrafted but was invited to the Combine. He’s been on a lot of practice squads. Maybe a good special teams/kickoff returner specialist? He holds an Orange Bowl record for a kick return of 101 yards. I don’t see him making the team as a WR. He’ll probably just be camp fodder if the goal is for him to start or backup at WR. Then again, maybe he’s an “Any Given Sunday” kinda guy. But welcome C.J. and best wishes!

during his recent stint with the Pats…

I’m waiting for the answer to your question, too, BShrout. Maybe it’s refers to the fact that multiple teams can claim a player off waivers, and that player “is awarded” to the team with the worst record…. Does this imply that more than one team expressed interest??

When we sign BLloyd, then pick up Jones . . . is the FO assuming that we won’t have BMarsh this year?

I was on the O-Line (LG), so I never actually lined up against him but he kicked our CB’s ass. I’m glad to see he’s a Bronco now.

I’ve been looking around to see if I could find anything more on him.
Scout article.

It seems he was a “camp phenom” in 2008, according to Patriot Insider.

They also state that he was cut to make room for QB Matt Gutierrez.

I’m still getting the impression that KR is his ticket on the roster, and everything confirms that.

Russell and Colbert made the team last year, but I still wouldn’t assume that Jones has more than an outside chance.

Like last year, KR/PR ability is very important, and Jones has that. And STs ability appears to mean even more this year, in terms of justifying a roster spot for last cuts.

My impression is that they’d still like to find depth at WR, and depth who have abilities that aren’t already present on the squad. A fast wideout would still be nice, and if he has exceptional KR ability then his chances are good.

Just to look at the overall picture — there are 5 WRs that are locks to make the roster; Marshall, Royal, Stokley, Gaffney and McKinley. New England has kept as many as 8(?) so 5 is still short, at least in terms of how many they’d like to look at (they have 12 now). They may not keep as many as NE has kept (i.e., 7 or 8) but 6 could be a minimum.

The high number of WRs currently on the roster indicates that there will be large group this year. Individual signings aren’t significant however, since it’s a bit of a revolving door and this may only represent a tryout if the staff is still unsatisfied. They have to find a way to look at people within the 80 man limit. They have room to maneuver because they’ve yet to sign all the draftees but they’d still like to evaluate prospects up close. This window — until all the draftees sign — is when prospects can earn their way onto the 80 camp squad.