Undrafted free agent Marques Cox brings size, length, and experience to the Broncos. Will he make the roster?
Marques Cox is a large man.
When it comes to offensive linemen, that’s a nice quality to possess. Cox also brings a lot of experience to the Denver Broncos offensive line. He redshirted for Northern Illinois in 2018, but between that program and Kentucky, played in 61 games with 59 starts over his collegiate career. He does lack good footwork and body control, plus other areas he’ll need to improve if he wants to stick around this season.
Currently pegged as a tackle, the undrafted free agent from Kentucky will look to take advantage of his opportunity and find his way on the roster despite not being taken in the NFL Draft.
Player Profile
Age: 25 | Experience: Rookie | College: Kentucky | Height: 6’5” | Weight: 312 pounds
Arm Length: 34-2/8” | Hand Size: 9-1/8” | Broad: 10’8” | Vertical: 29-1/2” | Bench: 23 reps
40-yard dash: 5.26 seconds | 3-Cone: 8.07 seconds | 20-Yard Shuttle: 4.90 seconds
Marques Cox’s 2025 outlook with the Broncos
The one thing that Cox has going for him is the lack of depth Denver has at offensive tackle. Aside from Garett Bolles and Mike McGlinchey, the cabinets are pretty much bare.
That’s where Cox can come in and earn his spot.
Cox spent the last two seasons in Lexington playing for Kentucky as the anchor of the Wildcats offensive line. The left tackle started 25 games and allowed seven sacks for the SEC team in those two seasons.
Prior to transferring to Kentucky in 2023, Cox played for Northern Illinois. It was there, at least according to Pro Football Focus, that Cox allowed three sacks on over 1,000 snaps. He also earned multiple All-MAC designations during his time there and was considered to be a key reason their rushing attack was so dominant.
That being said, for Cox to stick with the Broncos, he has some work to do.
According to Lance Zierlein in his Draft profile on Cox:
“Cox is a well-seasoned player after seven years in college. He has adequate size and good length, but his footwork and body control can be a mess at times. Cox lacks the fluidity and slide quickness to protect his outside edge against speed rushers. Teams could consider bumping him inside to guard, but he also lacks the core strength to mix it up against defensive tackles.”
The good news for Cox is he’s not expected to become an NFL starter right now. He has time to develop and learn over the next few months. Heck, even as an undrafted free agent, he could use the whole season.
Final thoughts
Cox is an interesting prospect, especially since the Broncos don’t have much at offensive tackle behind their two starters.
He needs to become a sponge, absorb the coaching on the field and in the meeting room, ask questions, and work his butt off every day. Improve the areas of his game and sharpen his strengths.
It’s highly unlikely, at least at this point, that Cox makes the 53-man roster. The most likely scenario for the undrafted free agent is that he gets on the practice squad, learns the NFL ropes, and at least keeps his goal alive.