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Former Denver Broncos draft picks to play in developmental Spring League

By Sayre Bedinger

Aug 6, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos defensive back Josh Furman (41) participates in a drill during training camp at the UCHealth Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 6, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos defensive back Josh Furman (41) participates in a drill during training camp at the UCHealth Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports /
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A couple of former Denver Broncos draft picks — Quanterus Smith and Joshua Furman — are participating in the developmental Spring League this month…

The NFL does not have an official developmental league after the disbanding of NFL Europe, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t any options for players out there. One interesting option is a fairly new one, and a couple of former Denver Broncos draft picks are participating.

It’s called The Spring League, and it’s based out of West Virginia. They describe themselves this way:

"The Spring League was created in early 2016 to serve as an instructional league and developmental platform for professional football talent. All teams conduct practices and “live” exhibition games that are played in accordance to NFL rules. Our teaching staffs are composed exclusively of individuals with NFL coaching experience. On field practices and games are supplemented with classroom instruction and film study."

There are a number of very interesting players on the roster for the 2017 league, including some former Denver Broncos draft picks.

Quanterus Smith, a fifth round pick in the Broncos’ 2013 draft class, is participating among the defensive linemen and Joshua Furman, a safety out of Oklahoma State and 2015 seventh round pick, is also part of the league.

Former Broncos tight end Mannaseh Garner is also participating in the league.

Some other notable players on this list are former NFL stars Kellen Winslow Jr. and Greg Hardy. When I saw the name Kellen Winslow Jr., I had to pick my jaw up off my desk. Winslow, however, is still just 33 years of age and if he’s healthy, is probably still a pretty darn good athlete.

Other interesting names drawing some attention in this league are running backs Ahmad Bradshaw and Ben Tate, but all eyes are probably on the controversial Greg Hardy. Hardy is out of the NFL for a number of reasons right now, but it would only take one team to  give him another shot.

This Spring League will be fascinating to watch, and we’ll try and keep you updated as far as the former Broncos players are concerned.

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