It's that time of the year again. Mile High Report begins our annual 90 players in 90 days roster breakdown. Last year went fairly well, but starting today and through August 27th, we'll break down every player on the Denver Broncos roster.
Name: Juwan Thompson
Position: Running back
Height: 5'11" Weight: 225
Age: 24 Experience: 3rd
College: Duke
Juwan Thompson made a name for himself in 2014 after having a breakout performance against the Seattle Seahawks during the preseason. That performance and a strong Training Camp helped earn Thompson a roster spot that season.
He was used sparingly on offense during his rookie season but was a solid contributor on special teams. Thompson totaled 54 rushing attempts that season for 272 yards(5.0 YPC) and 3 touchdowns.
After flashing during his rookie year, many believed Thompson could have a bigger role for himself in 2015, but that never happened. He finished the 2015 season with only 18 carries for 48 yards and 0 touchdowns. It was a disappointing season for Thompson, and some(myself included) thought he could push for the starting job last season.
Now Thompson enters the 2016 season competing with C.J Anderson, 2015 leading rusher Ronnie Hillman, rookie Devontae Booker, and veteran Cyrus Gray for a roster spot.
(Photo via AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Thompson will also be competing with rookie fullback Andy Janovich for fullback snaps this season. According to Denver Broncos Offensive Coordinator Rick Dennison, Thompson has been splitting snaps between running back and fullback this offseason and has been looking good.
#Broncos Dennison said Juwan Thompson getting a lot of reps at FB.. Doing well. Still getting chances at RB
— Troy Renck (@TroyRenck) June 1, 2016
It will be interesting to see if Thompson continues to split reps at both positions once Training Camp opens next week.
The good:
I still think Juwan Thompson is a great fit for Gary Kubiak's offense. He is a downhill one-cut runner who has good vision to find the hole. He flashed those skills his rookie year with the Broncos.
Despite a disappointing 2015 season, I still think he has a shot to be a contributor for the Broncos going forward. The skill and potential are there.
If Thompson can show he can play fullback, running back, and special teams his odds of making the Broncos 53 man roster are pretty damn good. The more you can do, the more valuable you are.
What also helps his odds are that rookie Devontae Booker and Ronnie Hillman are likely not playing Special Teams all that much so that helps Thompson out a bit.
He's a powerful runner and I can see him being a solid blocker and receiver out of the backfield for the Broncos. This guy is still on the Juwan Thompson bandwagon.
The bad:
Thompson will be facing some stiff competition this summer. The Broncos brought back C.J. Anderson who figures to be the starter, re-signed 2015 leading rusher Ronnie Hillman, drafted running back Devontae Booker(apparently had him as the second rated back in the draft) and also drafted fullback Andy Janovich. So it's not a lock Thompson makes the team.
Anderson and Booker are locks to make the team at running back and I'd assume that Janovich will make it as well. So Thompson will need to show he can make it at running back and also be valuable enough so the Broncos to keep two fullbacks.
I think it's doable, but after a 2015 season where he didn't even rush for over 50 yards all season, I can see why he could get cut.
Roster status:
He's definitely on the bubble.
I think he can have a bounce-back season this year, but the competition will be stiff. If he can show he can contribute at running back, fullback, and on special teams he'll find a spot.
He'll need to stay healthy too. Any injuries that make him miss any extended period of time could end his time with the Broncos.