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Denver Broncos undrafted S Orion Stewart highlights

By Sayre Bedinger

Dec 27, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Baylor Bears safety Orion Stewart (28) is upended as he returns a fourth quarter fumble against the Boise State Broncos during the Cactus Bowl at Chase Field. Baylor defeated Boise State 31-12. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 27, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Baylor Bears safety Orion Stewart (28) is upended as he returns a fourth quarter fumble against the Boise State Broncos during the Cactus Bowl at Chase Field. Baylor defeated Boise State 31-12. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Denver Broncos gave a hefty signing bonus to undrafted safety Orion Stewart. What kind of skills does he bring to the table?

The Denver Broncos waited until after the 2017 NFL Draft to make moves for some depth at the safety position, and they spent a pretty penny to get some of what they believe the top players available at that position. We have already taken closer looks at Jamal Carter and Dante Barnett, and today we’re going to look at Baylor’s Orion Stewart.

While Miami’s Jamal Carter received $20,000 in total guarantees from the Broncos (the highest in a long time), Stewart received the highest signing bonus at $12,500 that the Broncos have given since 2014.

The player that particular bonus was given to — wide receiver/return specialist Isaiah Burse — wound up making the team in 2014 and is still in the league.

Stewart’s signing bonus didn’t come without merit. Though his game is clearly not without flaw, Stewart intercepted 12 passes in his Baylor career (six this past season) and was a three-time All-Big 12 safety.

In addition to picking off a bunch of passes, Stewart racked up 261 tackles in 49 games. His ability to work downfield and play the run wasn’t anything to write home about, but he made some big splash plays at times for the Bears.

Watching Stewart play at Baylor, it’s clear he has a nose for the football. Many times when you see a collegiate safety — especially one in the Big 12 — you tend to wonder if high interception numbers are due simply to errant passes or tipped balls, but Stewart proved he has excellent ball skills.

Stewart showed he has good enough size (6-0, 203 pounds), speed (4.58 40 yard dash) and explosiveness (37-inch vertical jump) at the Baylor pro day after not getting invited to the Scouting Combine.

He has the versatility to play multiple positions in the defensive backfield, including both free and strong safety and nickel cornerback. He excelled most playing a zone safety role for the Bears.

The Broncos clearly think Stewart can at least compete for a practice squad position given the type of bonus they gave him, and perhaps he can reach his potential playing in one of the best secondary groups in the league.

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