Denver Broncos

WR Bennie Fowler guarantees a roster spot with the Broncos

Published May. 19, 2015 4:10 p.m. ET

foxsports

Bennie Fowler used to be the top receiver on a Rose Bowl team.

Two years later, he's fighting for a job on the Broncos -- but he's optimistic that'll change soon.

"I'm definitely more comfortable this offseason, going into my second season with the team,'' said Fowler, one of only five practice squad players back with the team for 2015 camps. "I know I'm going to make the roster.''

That's easier said than done for a team as talented as the Broncos are, however. It doesn't help the former Michigan State Spartan's chances that the team just signed Solomon Patton, a receiver, to be the new return specialist. That's one fewer roster spot open to him.

Fowler picked this path, though. He chose to go to Denver as an UDFA because he said he wanted to learn from Peyton Manning. Instead, he had to learn for Peyton Manning -- as a member of the team's practice squad.

"It's basically like a redshirt year, but you can get called up at any time,'' Fowler said of his 2014 season. "The team is counting on you for the future or if anyone goes down. If any receiver goes down, I'm the next in line."

That next man up mentality can only help Fowler's case to stick with the team.

"The NFL is such a totally different level, the game is faster, and it's more complex," he said, "but I'm more comfortable and more familiar with everything, and I'm excited.''

(h/t MLive)