Delarrin Turner-Yell has a lot to be grateful for entering his rookie season with the Denver Broncos. He’s one of the team’s three fifth-round picks from last month’s NFL draft.
For starters, Broncos general manager George Paton actualized his NFL dream by drafting him early on Day 3 of the draft. Then, coincidentally in the same breath, Turner-Yell reunites with his college teammate Nik Bonitto. As much as fans watch football to escape reality, it’s still a game comprised of emotional creatures — yes, humans — and having a familiar face with you as you embrace the next chapter of your life sounds good to me.
As a Day 3 pick, the odds are stacked against Turner-Yell pertaining to a Week 1 active roster spot. Although he’d probably make the practice squad if not the 53-man roster.
Knowing this, Turner-Yell boosts his own odds by displaying depth chart duality by excelling at the third phase of the game, special teams.
“I really have a huge respect for special teams because I understand how they have a special impact on the game and in my career — and I’m pretty sure you guys have seen that games are won and lost on special teams,” Turner-Yell said last month.
“So to be able to go on one of those units and be able to contribute for the team is huge because a majority of the time the guys that are on those units are the ones that are most trusted by the coaching staff.”
Elsewhere for the Broncos, the team’s Super Bowl odds recently dropped two slots. Turner-Yell, meanwhile, is eager to learn under Justin Simmons and Kareem Jackson in the safeties room as well.