2017 Broncos roster: Rookie wide receiver Anthony Nash

The 2017 NFL Draft came and went without former Duke wide receiver Anthony Nash hearing his named called. This, however, wasn’t the end of his NFL journey. Like many other players who went undrafted, Nash started to receive calls from NFL teams about potentially signing a undrafted free agent contract with them. One of the teams that came calling Nash was the Denver Broncos, and Nash decided to join the Broncos receiving group.

Nash played four seasons at Duke and put up some decent numbers during his time there. During his four-year career, he totaled 66 receptions for 920 yards and 3 touchdowns. This past season he totaled 29 receptions for 398 yards and 2 touchdowns. He also totaled a career 13.9 yards per reception while at Duke so the big man was a big play threat.

The big wide receiver impressed scouts during his Pro Day when he ran a 4.38 40-time and jumped 37.5 inches. Those are impressive workout numbers for a 6’5” and 201-pound receiver.

Now Nash is only a few weeks away from his first NFL Training Camp and faces long odds on making the Broncos 53-man roster. With that said, the big man could be a practice squad candidate if he has a strong summer for the Broncos.

The good:

NFL scouts, coaches and general managers all have a soft spot in their heart for size/speed guys, and that is exactly what Nash is. He is a 6’5” receiver who is listed over 200 pounds and runs a sub 4.40. That right there will get you a look for some NFL team no matter how good or bad you were in college.

Nash was a deep threat/big play threat at Duke and figures to be that type of player in the NFL. He uses his size and speed well and also uses his long arms and leaping ability to go get the deep ball. That’s a big asset for a undrafted rookie on the outside looking in.

Nash has the skill set and size to be a breakout player late in a preseason game. His size, speed, and big play ability give him a chance to impress coaches much like Jordan Taylor did a few preseasons ago.

The bad:

Nash has never topped 32 receptions and 475 yards and 2 touchdowns in a season during his college career. That is a bit eye opening when looking at a prospect. If they were not able to dominate in college, why would they suddenly break out in the NFL where the competition level is much higher? It happens from time to time, but still not likely. Now with that said, Duke is known for basketball and not their football program so they may not have had a quarterback capable of consistently delivering him the ball.

Unless Nash has a VERY impressive summer, he does not make the Broncos 53-man roster. The competition level at the wide receiver position is way too deep. Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders are locks to make the team obviously. Then you have two rookies in Carlos Henderson in Isaiah McKenzie who are both likely locks to make the team. Then they also have fringe guys like Cody Latimer, Bennie Fowler, and Jordan Taylor who are all fighting for one or two spots. That does not look good for Nash.

Anthony Nash’s roster status:

He is on the outside looking in but has a chance to make the Broncos practice squad. I think he has a chance to become a fan favorite quickly this summer with some late in the preseason game success. I am also a sucker for size/speed guys myself so we shall see.

He is a practice squad or bust guy.