CHICAGO — As undrafted safety Jamal Carter jumped on a botched snap late in the first quarter of Thursday’s game against the Bears, C.J. Anderson was watching from the sideline.
The Broncos’ defensive starters were also off the field. They’d been off the field since a pick-six on the first series of the game.
But while some tune out when the first team exits, Anderson pays more attention.
If anyone understands the value of a late-game preseason snap, it’s the former undrafted Cal Bear. And he also knows that if there’s one place a college free agent is going to get a look, it’s in Denver. In 12 of the previous 13 seasons, at least one undrafted player has made the Broncos’ opening-day roster.
“Whether it’s offense or defense, I try to help them as much as I can,” Anderson said. “Of course, on the defensive side, I leave a lot of that to Chris [Harris Jr.], but on my end, I try to let them know that you’re only going to get so many opportunities.
“I tell them that if any organization is going to give that undrafted rookie a chance, it’s definitely this one.”