Farmer signed to the Broncos practice squad last year and will try to get a roster spot on special teams this season.
As the Denver Broncos continue their ascent to contender, roster spots are tougher and tougher to land.
That makes the competition for those spots even greater. One of the best ways for players on the proverbial roster bubble to stand out is on special teams. It’s also one of the best ways for teams on the bubble to give themselves a better chance to compete. The better the special teams are, the better the offense and defense will be ... hopefully.
One of the players on the bubble for Denver this season is Andrew Farmer.
Signed to the Broncos practice squad last September, he completed the 2024 season on the special teams. Prior to coming to Denver, Farmer signed as an undrafted free agent from Lane College with the Los Angeles Chargers in 2023. Farmer appeared in eight games and logged three tackles (1 solo) across 108 defensive and special teams snaps played in 2023. He then spent training camp with the Chargers last season before coming to Denver.
Now, Farmer will look to jump off the Broncos practice squad to earn a roster spot this season.
Age: 25 | Experience: Second year | College: Lane College | Height: 6’4” | Weight: 250 pounds
As outside linebacker (edge), teams can never have enough. Based on the current state of the Denver defense, it’s highly unlikely Farmer will get a sniff at outside this season.
The most likely scenario for Farmer to crack the 53-man game-day roster is on special teams. He has experience when it comes to NFL special teams when he was with the Chargers. Farmer can also use last season on the Broncos practice squad to his advantage since he’s worked with the coaches over the last year. Those coaches will have told him what he needs to work on and what he must do to get a spot on the roster.
In college, Farmer was dominant and productive. Based on various reports, he physically overpowered just about anyone who lined up across from him.
Farmer can use that as he builds on what he did on Denver’s practice squad last season.
Show up and show out on special teams, and Farmer will put himself in prime position to make the roster.
The best way for a player on the bubble to make a name for himself is on special teams. Do anything and everything possible to stand out. Do that in training camp and the preseason, and players force coaches and the front office to make a decision.
Players like Farmer want to make that decision as tough as possible. It’s highly unlikely he’ll get a spot on this loaded and talented defense. For Farmer to make the leap from practice squad to 53-man roster will happen if he excels on...