Broncos Wire‘s 90-man offseason roster series continues today with a look at Denver Broncos undrafted free agent tight end Rodney Williams, No. 86.
Before the Broncos: Williams (6-4, 235 pounds) earned a second-team FCS All-America recognition notice from Stats Perform in consecutive seasons in 2020 and 2021. He totaled 29 receptions for 417 yards and three touchdowns in his final collegiate season as well. All told, Williams totaled 99 receptions for 1,217 yards and seven touchdowns in 52 games at UT Martin.
A graduate student, Williams spent six seasons at UT Martin. His 99 receptions rank ninth in the program’s history. Williams, a Memphis native, is a slot TE, meaning he’s a mismatch, pass-catching threat. As opposed to an inline TE that’s primarily used for run-blocking in multiple TE set formations such as 12, 13 and 22 (the first number represents the number of backs in during the play and the second number represents the number of tight ends).
Chances to make the 53-man roster: Williams does not project as one of the Broncos’ top 4 TEs entering the summer. That means his chances of making the Week 1 roster are slim. Typically, the top tight end and third TE on the depth are pass-catchers, while the second tight end on the depth chart is an inline TE. Then, some — but not all — teams carry a fourth TE that’s technically an H-Back. That just means the designated player plays TE and can operate as a fullback if need be. In the modern game, fullbacks are basically extinct, though. Case and point, one player playing two positions, with one of those positions being fullback.
But don’t ever let someone tell you that you can’t do something — not even me, a lowly blogger. Williams can earn a spot with an impressive training camp and preseason. He should seriously contend for a practice squad spot with the Broncos.