When Solomon Patton was ditched by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in May, the Broncos pounced on him like a quick snap after a hard count.
Patton, a wide receiver and returner, got a phone call the next day from Denver. The and told him to plan for training camp.
And with the Broncos’ top two receivers out or in limited action, Patton is working just as quickly trying to move up the depth chart.
The 5-foot-9 former Florida standout on Friday snagged two long, impressive catches on go routes, one from quarterback Zac Dysert, the other from Trevor Siemian. The catches were two of the Broncos’ biggest highlights.
“I’m not the biggest, but I definitely use my speed to my advantage and try to make plays I know my body can do, some special plays,” Patton said. “I came out with a great attitude. I told myself I’d give it my all. I try to do that every day, but today, I let it all out.”
With Demaryius Thomas still getting in football shape and Emmanuel Sanders out with a hamstring injury, the other receivers got a bigger opportunity.
Bennie Fowler caught a keen fade from Brock Osweiler. Peyton Manning connected with Jordan Norwood and Cody Latimer on two quick plays.
Patton grabbed the longest hauls.
“He’s done that a couple days,” Denver coach Gary Kubiak said of Patton. “If he can make plays as a wideout, it’ll make him even more valuable to making this team.”
Patton also got significant punt return duty Friday. He’s likely Isaiah Burse’s main competition for the punt and kickoff return jobs.
“I’ve got speed, that’s really all I need,” Patton said. “And some hands. I should be fine.”
Nick Groke: ngroke@denverpost.com or twitter.com/nickgroke
