Broncos acquire former second-round pick from the Patriots
Aug 30, 2019, 9:47 AM
The roster shuffling has begun, as the Broncos try to finalize their final 53. After last night’s preseason finale against the Cardinals, the next task for John Elway and Company is to pare down the roster from 87 to the group that will be making the trip to Oakland for the season opener. They began the process by adding a player.
Source: #Patriots CB Duke Dawson was traded to the #Broncos. A former second rounder.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 30, 2019
Dawson was the 56th overall pick in 2018 and was highly coveted at the time, as the Patriots traded away a fourth-round pick to move up seven spots to draft him. But after getting injured during training camp, the cornerback out of Florida never made it onto the field for New England.
This season, he was projected to be a cutdown casualty. Thus, the Patriots were happy to get anything in exchange for a player that simply didn’t work out.
Confirming Broncos have acquired CB Duke Dawson from Patriots. Hearing swap of late-round picks. #9sports
— Mike Klis (@MikeKlis) August 30, 2019
During the preseason, Dawson has recorded three tackles and an interception, showing that he’s recovered from the hamstring injury that landed him on injured reserve a year ago and ultimately buried him on the depth chart. Now, he’ll have a chance to compete for a roster spot in Denver.
Currently, Isaac Yiadom and De’Vante Bausby as listed as second-team cornerbacks for the Broncos. Yiadom seems like a lock for the roster, while Bausby was a feel-story waiting to happen, going from the now-defunct AAF to an NFL roster. The acquisition of Dawson could change that narrative, however, as the final group of defensive backs will almost assuredly include the former second-round pick.