Broncos roster review: Defensive end Brandon Matterson
Broncos roster review: Defensive end Brandon Matterson
When the Denver Broncos sign undrafted free agents it’s important to pay attention. The franchise has a history of finding hidden gems that contribute. Former University of Texas at San Antonio defensive tackle Brandon Matterson will have a chance to be one of those surprise players for the team.
The road to the NFL won’t be an easy one for the 24 year old rookie. UTSA is not exactly known as a football factory. Still, Matterson was named to the 2023 Lombardi Award™ Midseason Watchlist, the Lombardi Award™. He brings that pedigree with him to the NFL.
Player Profile
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 295 pounds
Age: 24 years old
Experience: Rookie
Matterson appeared in all 12 of UTSA’s games in 2023, although he did not start any of them. He was part of deep rotation on the line for the Roadrunners. He tallied just 14 tackles, but 6 tackles for a loss. He had a career high 5 sacks to add to that, which had to be what stood out to the Broncos.
2024 Season Outlook
Matterson has an uphill climb heading into the training camp. He sits 4th on the depth chart, and will have to make a big impact quickly if he wants to move up. Having plenty of options up front is always a good thing, but with the number of players in front of him, Matterson’s best hope for his rookie year might be to land on the practice squad.
The practice squad could lead to opportunities with the Broncos down the road. At 24 years old, he may be on the old side, and will have to make the most of the chances he gets. If he is going to stick with the Broncos, this is the most likely route.
Final Thoughts
More often than not players like Matterson kick around the league on practice squads. They suit up on occasion when injuries pop up, but they don’t find many chances on an NFL roster. Matterson does seem to have a nose for getting into the backfield. His senior year also saw him getting to the QB. Even with all that said, I don’t think Matterson will be much more than a camp body. He might make the practice squad, but I don’t expect much more.