Brandon Powell Provides a Masterclass in How Depth Players Make an NFL Roster
Nicknamed Mighty Mouse, Brandon Powell has had to overcome some long odds to make it in the NFL.
The speedy receiver is just 5’8″, 188 pounds, which may bring back memories of someone like Darren Sproles or Wes Welker. Powell has bounced around the NFL since joining the league in 2018, putting in work for the Lions, Falcons, Bills, Dolphins, Rams, and, of course, the Vikings. He snatched away the WR5 job from a crowded WR room, a testament to his talent but also his work ethic and brains.
Not too long ago, Kevin O’Connell praised the depth receiver (someone he knows well given their shared time in LA). According to the head coach, Powell does an awful lot to help Minnesota: “Brandon Powell has had an excellent training camp, doing so many things that I don’t think people realize sometimes just all the different jobs he can do.”
In a single player, O’Connell sees an opportunity for multiple jobs to be done effectively. A head coach is going to have a difficult time parting with someone like that.
Brandon Powell and The Diversity of Skills
The 53-man roster had some surprises, one of which being the inclusion of both Jalen Reagor and Brandon Powell. To my mind, the former Ram had earned the WR5 spot, so I had him making the team instead of the former Eagle. Reagor ended up being cut to make room for Myles Gaskin, so Powell is officially the one being tasked with taking on the punt return and depth receiver job.
Sports Illustrated‘s Will Ragatz responds to development, drawing attention to everything that Powell offers given that Reagor has been cut and Kene Nwangwu has been kicked over to the IR:
Now, the SI writer goes on to adjust his claim in response to Kevin O’Connell suggesting it will be RB2 Ty Chandler who handles the kickoffs. Nevertheless, Ragatz makes a good point, and it’s an observation that echoes some of O’Connell’s thoughts about Powell. If for some reason Chandler falters, Powell will be ready to roll.
Someone like Justin Jefferson doesn’t need to worry about taking on those different jobs on specials. He offers so much value to the offense that it doesn’t even cross anyone’s mind as something that’s necessary.
For a depth option, though, the calculus is different.
Being a backup almost always means needing to help the special teams coordinator. A corner, safety, linebacker, tight end, or receiver who can’t join the fun on specials is going to have a very difficult time snatching one of the coveted 53 spots. Powell offers no such limitations.
In 2022, Powell put together 24 catches for 156 yards alongside 17 carries for 80 yards. He had 24 punt returns go for 177 yards for a 7.4 average. As a kickoff returner, Powell had 30 opportunities go for 605 yards and a 20.2-yard average.
Keeping track of all of that?
No one should be expecting him to be the centerpiece of the offense. Instead, Powell is going to get the occasional target and maybe even the occasional carry, pointing to a bit of a hybrid role. He’ll also be a key part of Matt Daniels’ specials units. When the ball is in the air, Powell does a nice job of staying poised and not fighting the football. Securing the ball is priority #1 for a returner; picking up yards afterwards is the next step, so we’ll see how he does once the Minnesota schedule begins on September 10th.
Brandon Powell, 27, signed a 1-year $1,232,500 deal during the offseason. If he continues to cultivate the diverse skill set that allowed him to make the roster in the first place, Powell may be able to extend his stay in Minnesota for the next little while.
Editor’s Note: Information from Pro Football Reference and Over the Cap helped with this piece.
