The Denver Broncos have added a new weapon to their receiving corps, signing former Cleveland Browns wide receiver Michael Woods II after an impressive showing at the team's rookie minicamp.
Held from May 8-10, the minicamp gave the Broncos a chance to evaluate their draft picks and undrafted free agents, but also brought in several veterans on a tryout basis. Woods made the most of his opportunity, earning a contract and a spot on the 90-man roster.
A sixth-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, Woods played college ball at Arkansas and Oklahoma before spending two seasons in Cleveland. During that time, he caught 12 passes for 110 yards. After being waived by the Browns last July due to an injury settlement, he spent about a month on the Green Bay Packers' practice squad.
At 6-foot-1, Woods now becomes the 13th wide receiver on Denver's roster. That number might have been the team's goal all along, especially after rookie free agent Sean Brown from Charlotte had his initial agreement fall through due to a lingering foot injury.
During his college career, Woods was a productive pass-catcher, hauling in 118 receptions for 1,648 yards and 12 touchdowns. While the Broncos are deep at wide receiver, making the climb up the depth chart a challenge this preseason, he could be a prime candidate for the practice squad where the team can continue to develop his skills.
In addition to Woods, the Broncos also signed former Henderson State defensive back Paul Manning. The Division II standout brings good size at 6-foot-1 and joins a talented secondary that's considered one of the best in the NFL.
With these additions, Denver will need to release two players to get back to the 90-man roster limit. But for now, the team has added some intriguing depth that could pay dividends down the road.
