Broncos Wire’s 90-man offseason roster series continues today with a look at rookie wide receiver Jalen Virgil, No. 17.
Before the Broncos: Virgil (6-1, 210 pounds) appeared in 61 total games in his collegiate career for the Appalachian State Mountaineers. An all-around talent, Virgil caught passes, rushed as a utility back and returned kicks, making him comparable to San Francisco 49ers utility man Deebo Samuel.
His college stats as a receiver total 98 receptions for 1,436 yards, 11 touchdowns and 14.7 yards per catch. As a rusher, Virgil carried the ball 16 times for 55 yards and one touchdown. As a returner, Virgil was on the other end of 38 kicks, good for 1,142 yards and three touchdowns with a collegiate average of 30.1 yards per return.
In 2021, Virgil ranked seventh nationally and second in school history in single-season kickoff return yards (781). After the 2021 campaign, Virgil was named an All Sun Belt second-team player.
Virgil was not just a talent on the football field — he was also a member of the Mountaineers track team, running the 100 meters in 10.29 seconds at the 2018 Sun Belt Championships, which was good enough for second place.
Broncos tenure: After going undrafted in April, Virgil signed with Denver as a college free agent. He’ll make his Bronco debut during preseason.
Chances to make the 53-man roster: The Broncos certainly made special teams a position of emphasis during the offseason. If Virgil can displace fellow rookie Montrell Washington as the team’s projected return man, he may have a shot at the 53-man roster.
With his talents as a rusher, receiver and returner, Virgil may have the skills to stay on board as a utility man. If he doesn’t end up on the active roster, Virgil would be an excellent candidate for the practice squad in Year 1.
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