Despite their perceived depth at the wide receiver position. A recent injury to K.J. Hamler leads to the signing of former New Orleans Saint Marquez Callaway.
Marquez Callaway will certainly bring a level of experience and talent to the Broncos’ roster. He impressed during his time with the Saints, showing an ability to both stretch the field and make big plays in crucial moments. Not to mention, his speed and agility make him a constant threat to opposing defenses. Sounds a lot like the guy mentioned above we just learned partially tore his pectoral muscle huh?
It doesn’t hurt he was signed as an undrafted free agent in 2020 under current Denver Broncos Head Coach Sean Payton who you may have heard had the same position in the Bayou. Callaway had spent his first 3 years in the league in New Orleans with the first two coming under Coach Payton. This will give him an edge in assimilating into this offense over youngsters such as Jalen Virgil or Freddie Swain. It’s starting to look like whoever that final roster spot given in the wide receiver room will come down to who does the most on special teams. This has been seen with signings like FB Michael Burton.
Callaway was a big play threat in college at the University of Tennessee as he averaged 17.9 yards per reception. But never had more than 37 receptions, then ran a 4.55 in the 40 at the combine. These factors added in with his average size of 6’1” and 205 lbs. are what lead to him falling all the way out of the draft entirely. Though he showed some potential short area quickness with a 38” vertical and 10’6” broad jump. While his measurables don’t jump off the page, he just does everything well enough to earn a good RAS score of 8.83 out of 10. He is that steady slot receiver that will find separation and move the chains while being sneaky quick/athletic enough to get behind or go above them every once in a while for a highlight play.
You can see his full RAS scorecard below courtesy of @Mathbomb:
With the draft just around the corner, the addition of Callaway is another attempt at filling a potential hole with a proven vet while using the draft to select the best player available. It will be interesting to see how much action he gets alongside fellow Broncos wide receivers Courtland Sutton, Jerry Jeudy, and Tim Patrick, and to watch him further develop as a player under the guidance of Broncos head coach Sean Payton.
Overall, the signing of Marquez Callaway is a positive move for the Denver Broncos, and one that could pay dividends down the road. With his ability to make big plays and his familiarity with head coach Sean Payton, Callaway could be a unique factor in the Broncos’ success this coming season.
Overall, with Callaway’s arrival, the team adds some much-needed depth and skill to their receiving corps. If he can quickly adjust to his new surroundings, he could become a piece of the team’s success moving forward.