Jan 2, 2015; Tempe, AZ, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys linebacker Josh Furman (14) celebrates a play in the first quarter against the Washington Huskies in the 2015 Cactus Bowl at Sun Devil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
The NFL Draft began two weeks ago and the Denver Broncos have almost half of their rookie class locked up with contracts. Josh Furman was the last player selected by the Broncos, but becomes the fourth player to sign.
According to Aaron Wilson of The Baltimore Sun, the Broncos and Josh Furman agreed to a four year deal worth a little over two million dollars, which includes a signing bonus ranging over $50,000.
Broncos sign Josh Furman (Old Mill) to four-year, $2.332 million deal http://t.co/4FZ9O8ZICp
— Baltimore Sun Sports (@BaltSunSports) May 15, 2015
This signing makes the fourth Broncos draft pick in less than 48 hours to sign with the team. It is very obvious John Elway and company plan to get all the players signed as soon as possible. Last year, the Broncos signed all six of their draft picks by June 10th. The fact that the Broncos have four of the nine rookies already under contract speaks volumes.
Josh Furman was a safety for the Oklahoma State Cowboys. He transferred their from Michigan after three years in college and was granted automatic eligibility because he had already graduated. He is a former linebacker converted to safety, which is a somewhat big jump. He has the speed of a safety and has the hard hitting power of a linebacker. It might be saying too much that he is another version of T.J. Ward, but I’ll keep from refraining that comparison until he is on an NFL level.
During his last season at Oklahoma State, Josh Furman recorded 64 tackles, seven sacks, and an interception. The Broncos figure to use him similar to what T.J. Ward is used to once he is ready to become a starter, and that is to line up as a sub linebacker from the safety position.
Josh Furman figures to start off as a special teams player, but do not be surprised if in a few years we see him on the field on defense in a few years. This kid has got a lot of upside and talent. Welcome to Broncos Country Josh Furman.