Mile High Sports

5 rookies who came up big in Broncos vs. Bears

The Broncos got their first live-action look at the 2017 rookie class on Thursday when Denver took on the Chicago Bears in the preseason opener.

For many rookies the preseason brings their only real chance to see significant time on the playing field, while it gives others a chance to show they belong in the starting lineup.

We asked the crew at Mile High Sports AM 1340 | FM 104.7 which rookies impressed the most in Denver’s 24-17 victory.

Sean Walsh – Walsh & McBride, M-F 2p-4p

De’Angelo Henderson – RB

The rookie had the most electrifying play of the game, breaking a 41-yard run for a touchdown that proved to be the game-winner. More impressive was the fact that the run came on third-and-22. Most impressive was that it came after he had runs of 11 and 13 yards negated by offensive holding earlier in the day. Henderson showed the same breakout speed and ankle-breaking agility in game action that he’s been displaying throughout training camp.

Benny Bash – The Big Show, M-F Noon-2p

Garett Bolles – OT

There was some question heading into camp whether the first-round pick would be ready for the speed of the NFL game after playing just one season at the Division I level. Those doubts started to fade during camp, as Bolles was named the starter for the preseason opener. They have been nearly completely erased after a strong showing against the Bears.

TJ McBride – Walsh & McBride, M-F 2p-4p

Jamal Carter – S

Carter moved his name to the top of the list of possible undrafted free agents to make the roster in 2017 with an impressive performance Thursday night. The former Miami Hurricane has been asked to play a hybrid safety/linebacker role and used the flexibility of that position to make plays in both the running and passing game. His fumble recovery was the icing on the cake.

Kent Erickson – The Big Show, M-F Noon-2p

Isaiah McKenzie – WR/PR

The wide receiver out of Georgia was targeted just once by fellow rookie Kyle Sloter, but it resulted in the longest play of the game. McKenzie slipped past coverage and was wide open when Sloter hit him in stride on the way to the end zone for a 47-yard touchdown to tie the game.

Joe Williams – The Big Show, M-F Noon-2p

Mitch Trubisky – QB

Okay, so Trubisky plays for the Bears. But the No. 2 overall pick in the 2017 draft proved why it was worth the draft ransom Chicago gave up to acquire him. He was 18-for-25 for 166 yards and a touchdown, looking every bit the part of the franchise quarterback the Bears drafted him to be.

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