National Football League

Elway: Broncos searching for returners with versatility

Published Apr. 27, 2015 3:41 p.m. ET

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The offense is changing. The quarterback is aging. And John Elway knows any little roster advantage he can get for Gary Kubiak in his first year will help.

That's why the Broncos' general manager says he's looking to add a return man who can flip field position for Peyton Manning while contributing on offense or defense.

"That is the ideal situation," Elway told reporters. "To just have a roster spot that is eaten up by a returner is a little bit tough, even though we’ve done that the last couple of years. We’d rather have it the other way."

One such player might already be on the team. Third-year defensive back Omar Bolden came on strong as a kick returner last season, notching two bring-backs of 40-plus yards in the final two weeks of the regular season.

Punt returner remains a more pressing issue. Bubba Caldwell was a fair-catch machine and Denver ended the season as one of only four teams without a punt return of over 22 yards in 2014.

Losing in the playoffs to Indianapolis only highlighted the issue. So when this weekend's draft rolls along, Denver might keep an eye on players like Kansas State's Tyler Lockett (above) or Utah's Kaelin Clay -- both of whom could give Elway the positional versatility he's seeking this season.

(h/t ESPN)

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