Broncos Waive Solomon Patton; Sign “The Gronk of the Bronx”

On Friday, the Denver Broncos announced that they waived WR Solomon Patton. Per the team’s official website:

The Broncos signed TE Dan Light on Friday, waiving WR Solomon Patton to make room for him on the roster.

Light, a 6-foot-5, 265-pound product of Fordham University, had a tryout with the Broncos on Friday before signing. He also was invited to the Chiefs’ rookie minicamp on a tryout basis in May.

Patton had been working on kickoff and punt returns, as well as at wide receiver. He muffed one of his He was claimed off waivers from Tampa Bay in May.

Nicknamed “The Gronk of the Bronx,” Light racked up nine touchdowns and 1,494 yards on 177 receptions during his four years at Fordham. During his junior season, he led all FCS tight ends with 66 receptions.

Light’s draft prospects took a hit when he tore his anterior cruciate ligament last Nov. 22 in the Rams’ 42-31 loss at Army, but he had recovered enough to receive the tryout from the Chiefs nearly four months ago after he went undrafted.

Light is 6’5, 250, and he passes the eyeball test for sure. From a draftinsider.com scouting report:

Height: 6-4
Weight: 260
40: 4.78
Positive: Nice-sized tight end with a well-rounded game. Displays a sense of timing and good eye/hand coordination. Gets high in a crowd to come away with the difficult reception. Plays with quickness. Consistently extends his hands and makes receptions away from his frame. Stays square as a blocker, works to get a pad on defenders and disrupts their angle of attack. Effective blocking in motion or down the field.
Negative: For the most part does not display naturally soft hands. One-speed tight end who will struggle to get downfield separation. Lacks dominant blocking strength.
Analysis: White was effective in all areas at Fordham and has the size as well as pass catching skill to hang on as a third tight end at the next level.
If his injury is healed, he could prove to be a decent player. He is coming to the team late in the process however, so his best case scenario is likely on the practice squad. Still, he seems like he would have been drafted, due to his physical traits and production, if not for injury.
The Patton release is not surprising. Whenever you, as a player, are a kick return specialist who can’t cleanly return punts, your chances at making a team are slim. Still, I wish him the best of luck with his next team.

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Leo Duke

My twitter's @Leo_Elway. 17 year old Broncos fan, representing in PA. Email me at leoelway@gmail.com, or shoot me a tweet if you have any football questions.