Denver Broncos: 3 Takeaways vs. Redskins in Week 16

LANDOVER, MD - DECEMBER 24: Quarterback Brock Osweiler
LANDOVER, MD - DECEMBER 24: Quarterback Brock Osweiler /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 4
Next
DENVER, CO – AUGUST 31: Running back De’Angelo Henderson #33 of the Denver Broncos reacts after coming up short on a third down against the Arizona Cardinals during a preseason NFL game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on August 31, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO – AUGUST 31: Running back De’Angelo Henderson #33 of the Denver Broncos reacts after coming up short on a third down against the Arizona Cardinals during a preseason NFL game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on August 31, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /

2. De’Angelo Henderson

De’Angelo Henderson was drafted in the fifth round of last year’s draft by the Broncos. He was inactive during the majority of the season and got his first opportunity for playing time in Week 16.  Henderson flashed during the preseason with a few big runs and was even labeled a potential breakout candidate.

More from NFL Spin Zone

This is the time of the year when you play the developmental prospects on your roster to see what they can do on the field. It’s an assessment to see if they know the playbook, know where to lineup and can handle the speed of live game action. The extra game time experience can help aid in a player’s development.

Henderson is a rookie that showed a lot of promise during the preseason. He has the potential to develop into a starting running back for the Broncos. If Denver decided to cut any of the other running backs on the roster, Henderson is talented enough to possibly become a key contributor to the team.

Keep an eye on him next week against the Chiefs. He might receive a bigger workload since it’s the end of the year and the coaching staff wants to see what he can do during live action.