As the NFL regular season hits the home stretch in mid-December, playoff-bound teams are making their final roster moves-searching for that one extra spark that could make all the difference in January. And in Denver, a team that’s already turned heads with a late-season surge, that spark might just come in the form of a familiar name from college football: Cody Schrader.
The Broncos, fresh off a playoff-clinching win over the Packers, made a notable move Monday evening, claiming Schrader off waivers from the Los Angeles Rams. The announcement came via the team’s official X account, along with news that safety Brandon Jones has been placed on injured reserve.
Now, for those who followed college football closely in 2023, Schrader’s name rings loud. The former Mizzou running back didn’t just lead the SEC in rushing-he dominated it.
In just two seasons with the Tigers, Schrader piled up 2,700 total yards and found the end zone 23 times. His 2023 campaign was particularly electric: 1,627 rushing yards, 14 touchdowns, and a unanimous first-team All-American nod to cap it off.
That kind of production doesn’t go unnoticed, and while he went undrafted in 2024, the Rams saw enough to bring him in as a UDFA.
Things didn’t quite click for Schrader in Los Angeles. Over two seasons, he struggled to find a consistent role in a crowded backfield. But now, with a fresh start in Denver and a postseason run on the horizon, the opportunity is there for him to contribute in a meaningful way.
This isn’t about Schrader stepping in as a savior-Denver’s offense has found its rhythm, and the run game has been doing its part. But in a league where depth is everything and injuries can shift the landscape in a heartbeat, adding a tough, downhill runner with a chip on his shoulder and a history of producing in big moments? That’s a smart move.
Schrader runs with purpose. He’s not the flashiest back, but he’s decisive, physical, and has shown he can carry a heavy workload when called upon. If the Broncos can tap into even a fraction of the player who tore through SEC defenses last year, they might’ve just added a valuable piece to their postseason puzzle.
With the playoffs looming and Denver gaining momentum at the right time, keep an eye on Schrader. He’s got something to prove-and now, he’s got the stage to do it.