Unleashing Potential: Thomas Incoom’s Impact on the Broncos’ Edge
Since assuming the role of general manager, George Paton has prioritized bolstering the Denver Broncos’ pass rush, drafting a new edge rusher every year. This strategic focus underscores Paton’s commitment to building a championship-caliber roster capable of challenging elite NFL quarterbacks.
In 2021, Paton selected Baron Browning and Jonathan Cooper from Ohio State. The following year, he added Oklahoma standout Nik Bonitto in the second round. The 2023 draft saw the acquisition of versatile defender Drew Sanders, while Jonah Ellis from Utah joined in the most recent draft. These players, excluding Sanders due to injury, are slated to form the core edge rushers for the Broncos in the upcoming 2024 season. However, there remains an open spot for a promising talent who can contribute on special teams as well.
Last season, undrafted rookie free agent Thomas Incoom emerged as a surprise candidate for this role. Now, the question arises: can Incoom secure the fifth edge rusher position on the Broncos’ final 53-man roster in 2024? Let’s delve into his prospects.
Player Profile
Age: 25 | Experience: Second Year | College: Central Michigan
Height: 6’2” | Weight: 262 pounds | Bench Press: 23 reps | Arm Length: 33-1/4”
Vertical Jump: 30-1/2” inches | 40-yard dash: 4.66 seconds
2023 Statistics: 4 games in a reserve role with 20 defensive snaps and 35 special teams snaps.
Thomas Incoom with the Denver Broncos
Despite going undrafted, Thomas Incoom garnered attention from respected draft analysts like Dane Brugler, who graded him as an early-to-mid Day 3 prospect. He showcased impressive productivity as a pass rusher at Central Michigan, tallying 85 tackles, 15.5 sacks, and 27.5 tackles for loss over two seasons at the FBS level. His standout performance during his senior year, which included 11.5 sacks and first-team honors in the MAC, underscored his potential.
While lacking top-tier athleticism, Incoom’s tape reveals a relentless motor and physicality reminiscent of former Bronco Shaquil Barrett, another undrafted success story in the NFL. While matching Barrett’s career trajectory may be ambitious, Incoom has demonstrated the capacity to thrive as a backup and role player in the league.
Final Thoughts
Cooper, Browning, Bonitto, and Ellis are locks for the Broncos’ top four edge rusher spots. This leaves Incoom contending with Ronnie Perkins, Durrell Nchami, Deondrea Tillman, and Jaylon Allen for the final roster position. Given his promising debut season and the team’s positive impressions, Incoom appears well-positioned to secure the fifth edge rusher role. Nonetheless, surprises can arise during training camp, potentially altering this outlook.
Presently, Incoom stands as the frontrunner for the fifth spot, with a fallback option of joining the practice squad if necessary. However, the competitive landscape of the pass rush in the NFL means risking losing him to another team should he not make the final roster.