Broncos roster 2015: Reggie Walker

A day-by-day Broncos player breakdown is something we've been doing since our days at BroncoTalk nearly a decade ago. This year the tradition continues as we look at the Denver Broncos roster heading into the 2015 season in our 90-in-90 series.

Name: Reggie Walker
Position: Inside Linebacker
Height: 6'0    Weight: 244
Age: 28    Experience: 7
College: Kansas State

The Denver Broncos didn't make as many splash acquisitions in the 2015 off-season as they had in years past. Instead, the team opted for bargain signings and added depth through affordable one or two year "prove it" deals. That being said, fans were less than enthused when the team came to terms with Reggie Walker on a one year deal that can be worth 1 million dollars if incentives are met. However it is important to keep perspective — not every free agent will be high profile. All types of players are needed in order to round out and make a formidable roster. Injuries to Danny Trevathan and Brandon Marshall prompted the Broncos to search for back-up linebacker depth and settled on Walker, who had played for San Diego Chargers and Arizona Cardinals in his first six yeas in the NFL. Listed below is a quick breakdown of the former undrafted rookie out of Kansas State.

The good: At 6'0 and 244 pounds, Walker has the size necessary to man either position at inside linebacker in Denver's new 3-4 defense. Additionally, he offers positional versatility and experience at outside linebacker, which adds to his overall value and what he brings to the team. The most important aspect to mention is the wealth of time and quality play he has registered on special teams. Outside pinch starting six games for the Chargers in 2013, he has made his career from being regarded as fiery competitor and special teams ace.

The bad: Walker was regarded as one of the best linebackers in California when he was being recruited for colleges. He eventually settled on Kansas State, where he went on to start 22 games and play in 46 total contests.  His production was slightly above-average. It was clear he never transcended to the type of football player recruiters believed he would based on his high school performance, but nonetheless has been able to stick in the NFL for six years on special teams.  Low and behold, that is all you can expect from Walker.  He doesn't have the athleticism, coverage or run defense skills to be a starting player in the NFL, but as stated prior, you need depth and reserve players on your roster and Walker offers that.

Status: With a logjam of defenders at linebacker, the odds of Walker sticking on the final 53 man roster are slim.  Danny Trevathan and Brandon Marshall are starters at inside linebacker and have a host of young defenders with experience in Denver behind them. From my perspective, Todd Davis, Lamin Barrow and Stevie Johnson are likely to carve out their niche as back-up defenders, leaving little room for Walker.  However, there is an outside chance his special teams prowess will impress special teams coordinator Joe DeCamllis enough to warrant a spot on the roster.