CSU Star Kapri Bibbs Faces Uphill Battle to Make the Denver Broncos

Nov 30, 2013; Fort Collins, CO, USA; Colorado State Rams running back Kapri Bibbs (5) carries for a gain in the third quarter against the Air Force Falcons at Hughes Stadium. The Rams defeated the Falcons 58-13. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Many Denver Broncos’ fans were excited when former Colorado State running back, Kapri Bibbs signed as an undrafted free agent. Even if some of those fans were not CSU fans, it’s still easy to root for the local kid playing for the local professional team. I’m not going to lie, as a CSU alum; I was just as excited when Bibbs signed with the Broncos.

However great stories don’t always have great endings and this one may not. Before I continue, it’s important to note that the Broncos have yet to play a preseason game and there is still time for Bibbs to make an impression. He will have to if he has any shot at making the final roster.

The reality is that Bibbs should still be in Fort Collins and just walking off of the practice field following the second day of camp. He had a great season for the Rams in 2013 but it was a mistake to declare for the draft. Bibbs was an unknown before last season and putting up huge numbers in the Mountain West Conference just does not carry much weight with NFL teams. Had Bibbs returned to school and duplicated those numbers, then he would have been in a much better position going into the 2015 draft.

We can’t go back in time, though, so let’s examine where Bibbs is with the Broncos. After starting quickly in the offseason workouts and mini-camps, Bibbs has struggled in training camp. There are various reports from those who at Dove Valley everyday that Bibbs is well behind the other rookie free agents. Those reports are backed up by the depth chart that was just released on Sunday.

Fellow rookies Juwan Thompson and Brennan Clay have both been more impressive through two weeks of camp. Those three are likely competing for one spot and Bibbs is behind both of them heading into Thursday’s game versus the Seattle Seahawks.

All hope is not lost, however. If Bibbs plays well in the preseason and makes a few plays, then he can easily jump back into the conversation. If Bibbs is going to make the final roster then there a few things he must show over the next few weeks.

• Special teams: Even if Bibbs makes the team, the odds are he won’t carry the ball much. He must make an impact on special teams. If you see him making tackles and blocking well on special teams, then his chances increase greatly. The greatest running back in Broncos history, Terrell Davis, initially got noticed because of a stellar play on special teams. It can happen.
• Blocking: When he is in the game, Bibbs must show he can pick up the blitz and carry out blocking assignments.
• Take advantage of carries: It’s likely that Bibbs won’t get more than four or five carries per game; he must do something with those limited opportunities.

It’s true the Broncos are very young at the running back position but that does not mean there is not talent. Despite his recent set back with an appendectomy, Montee Ball has had a solid camp and will be the starter on opening night.

Ronnie Hillman is having his best camp as a professional and while his play must carry over to the preseason games, he has all but locked up a spot as a change of pace back. The Broncos love second year back CJ Anderson and view him as a guy who can spell Ball, and be very effective in short yardage situations.

That most likely leaves one spot for one of the undrafted free agents. The good news for Bibbs and his fans is that the worst case scenario probably involves the practice squad. I have no doubt that the Broncos like his talent and want to see if he can develop, and that makes him a perfect candidate for the practice squad.

The four preseason games will tell the story of where Bibbs ends up in 2014 but right now, it’s an uphill battle.