Report: Broncos claim DB Mike Ford and RB Nate McCrary off waivers

According to multiple reports, the Denver Broncos have claimed former Lions cornerback Mike Ford and former Ravens rookie running back Nate McCrary off waivers. They also lost rookie fullback Adam Prentice to the New Orleans Saints and safety Trey Marshall to the Los Angeles Chargers.

Mike Ford is a 6’0”, 198lb cornerback who is entering his fourth year in the NFL. He went undrafted during the 2018 NFL Draft and has spent his entire NFL career with the Detroit Lions. During those three years with the Lions, he has played in 31 games, totaled 47 tackles and 4 pass deflections. He provides versatility as he can play corner or safety and is also a contributor on special teams which was something General Manager George Paton continued to mention during yesterday’s presser.

With cornerback Michael Ojemudia headed for the IR which will sideline him for three weeks, Ford will provide depth on the back end of the roster.

The Broncos also claimed former Ravens rookie running back Nate McCray off waivers as well. The rookie out of Saginaw Valley is listed at 6-0, 213lbs, and spent the offseason with the Baltimore Ravens. He had a solid preseason and the Ravens were hoping he would be able to go through waivers so they could stash him on their practice squad.

It’s unclear how McCrary’s addition will impact Royce Freeman’s spot on the roster. Especially with running back Mike Boone due back after week three.

Both of these players look to be added for special team's purpose at the very least. It’s a unit that has seen a trade for a linebacker and now two more additions off waivers to it. So hopefully these additions which all have the upside to be more than just special teamers can help improve that unit.

Meanwhile, the Broncos also lost two players in the waiver process. Rookie fullback Adam Prentice and safety Trey Marshall both were claimed by teams. Prentice will be taking his talents to New Orleans while Marshall will be joining the rival Los Angeles Chargers.

Prentice who is a mauler at fullback made a case to make the 53-man roster but the team decided to keep the versatile Andrew Beck instead. They probably thought Prentice would be able to slip through waivers and join the practice squad but Sean Payton threw a wrench into that plans.

Safety Trey Marshall was injured early in the first preseason game against the Vikings and fell behind from there. The emergence of rookies Caden Sterns and Juwan Johnson also did not help his chances of making the team as well. Now, Marshall will be joining former Broncos linebackers coach Brandon Staley in Los Angeles and join their defense.