The Broncos showed an interest in the size Branden Mack brings to the table as a wide receiver. He’s a guy whose game looks like a raw Tim Patrick and it makes sense that the Broncos would bring him in with a vision of his future ability in 1-2 years.

#86 Branden Mack

Age: 22 Height: 6’5” Weight: 220

College: Temple

The Good

Mack brings length and the ability to make contested catches to give his quarterback easy gains when teams leave him one-on-one against shorter corners. He’s got a great catch radius and uses his size well after the catch to impose his will against would-be tacklers.

The Bad

There is a lot of work that needs to happen with his release, acceleration, and speed. He didn’t get drafted because of his lack of either speed or quickness. He’s going to struggle against press coverage (which means he’ll see it a lot against NFL corners who know this weakness). He isn’t a clear route-runner either and really needs to develop his craft if he wants to see action in a real NFL game outside of running a go route.

Final Word

Mack is a developmental prospect. He’s being given a chance to come in as an UDCFA and show the coaching staff that he’s got the potential to overcome his shortcomings and develop into a guy like Tim Patrick who isn’t necessarily a #1 WR, but looks pretty darn good as a #2 on the outside of the formation.

His future is in his hands. He’s got all the raw tools to make the practice squad and turn into another Bronco success story that went undrafted. He’s not likely to make the game-day roster this year with the stout competition in front of him, but that’s no big deal to me. He was drafted with the future in mind, not 2021.