The Denver Broncos seem to be entertaining an unconventional notion regarding a possible new addition to their roster.
One significant takeaway about the Denver Broncos this offseason is the transformative influence of Sean Payton on the team’s roster, promising a notable shift in the on-field product. This notion gains further support with the emergence of news regarding an unfamiliar player slated for a tryout with the team.
The Broncos are set to bring in Matthew Jester, a former Princeton defensive end, for their upcoming Minicamp. However, Jester won’t be assessed in his accustomed role as a tight end.
For those unacquainted with Payton, he frequently emphasizes the inclusion of a versatile “joker” position in his lineup—a player, typically a running back or tight end, deployed across various roles on the field, offering an athletic advantage.
The utilization of Taysom Hill with the New Orleans Saints exemplifies Payton’s concept. While it was initially presumed that tight end Greg Dulcich would fill this role for Payton upon arriving in Denver, injuries have hindered Dulcich’s progress. With no alternative tight end acquired in this year’s draft, the need for another player in this capacity arises.
So, where does Jester, a defensive end, fit into this scenario? The Broncos plan to experiment with him at fullback, a role he hasn’t played in college or the NFL. Jester went undrafted last season and joined the Los Angeles Rams.
Payton envisions Jester as a potential fullback and, possibly, as the designated “joker” in the roster. Given the modern game’s flexibility, a fullback can seamlessly transition into a tight end, occupying the hybrid or H-back position. Payton’s decision likely stems from Jester’s athleticism, despite not being regarded as a standout athlete based on existing footage.
Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing approximately 250 pounds, with a college record of 10.5 sacks, Jester lacks overt indicators of being a “freak athlete.” Nonetheless, Payton discerns potential in him, prompting this experimental shift. Consequently, Jester’s progress during the team’s rookie Minicamp, scheduled from May 10-12, emerges as a compelling narrative to monitor.
