Broncos offseason roster: No. 96, DL Eyioma Uwazurike

After limited playing time as a rookie in 2022, Broncos defensive lineman Eyioma Uwazurike will aim to win a bigger role this summer.

Broncos Wire’s 90-man offseason roster series continues today with a look at second-year defensive lineman Eyioma Uwazurike, No. 96.

Before the Broncos: Uwazurike (6-6, 320 pounds) spent five years at Iowa State, totaling 146 tackles (34.5 behind the line), 15 sacks, three pass breakups, two fumble recoveries and one defensive touchdown in 55 games. Coaches voted Uwazurike to the All-Big 12 First-Team in 2021.

Broncos tenure: After a productive tenure with the Cyclones, Uwazurike was selected by Denver in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL draft. He struggled to win playing time as a rookie and was inactive for nine games last fall. In the eight games he did play, Uwazurike totaled 17 tackles, two quarterback hits and one pass breakup.

Chances to make the 53-man roster: Following the departure of DeShawn Williams this offseason, Uwazurike is likely a lock to make the team, and he’ll even get an opportunity to compete for a starting spot. Uwazurike seems like a longshot to win a Week 1 starting job, but if he takes a step forward in Year 2, the defensive lineman could be a player to watch for this summer.

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