You can do everything right and still not make it.
It’s the reality of the NFL, a league some of its players dub the not-for-long league. A reality that current Broncos nose tackle Mike Purcell may soon see actualize. The seven-year veteran might not end up making the Broncos’ 53-man roster, but if it’s up to newly-hired coach Nathaniel Hackett (it is to a degree), then Purcell isn’t going anywhere.
At least for next season. After trading for Russell Wilson, the Broncos’ Super Bowl window is wide open. A hypothetical window earmarked by Tipico Sportsbook‘s seventh-best Super Bowl odds. That said — in a league predicated on roughly 140 traffic accident collisions per game between both teams — keeping Purcell in tow may be worth the production, while healthy, he can offer in a pinch. That over saving a few measly million dollars, in the eyes of billionaire owners. In other words, the Broncos don’t necessarily need to create cap space for any pressing roster need or to sign their rookies.
Broncos GM George Paton has the final say. But for now, Hackett loves him some Purcell. “First and foremost, as a veteran, the guy is unbelievable,” Hackett said last month. “Just as a man, he’s played a long time in this league. He’s fought through a lot; he’s been very productive and he’s a very big human being in the middle.
“When he gets a chance to go one-on-one with the center and someone is trying to get after him, he gets a lot of push through the middle, which is awesome…. He’s doing a great job and he brings so much just from his leadership, his experience and his strength in stopping [offenses] in the middle.”
Purcell’s progress in training camp will be a storyline to watch. For now, he has the respect of newly-hired coach Hackett. Elsewhere, Purcell’s teammate Pat Surtain is aiming to build on his strong first season.
Follow the Broncos Wire Podcast:
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts