Denver Broncos getting to know NFL Draft sleepers

2016 NFL Draft: The Denver Broncos are familiarizing themselves with some of the draft’s top sleeper prospects from smaller schools…

It’s not just the players like Jeff Heuerman who go from winning the college football National Championship straight to the Denver Broncos and winning the Super Bowl. Some players who make significant contributions in this league come from smaller, lesser known schools.

The Denver Broncos and their scouts are familiarizing themselves as best they can with some of the better ones.

Per reports from Aaron Wilson, the Broncos are keeping a close eye on Norfolk State (VA) linebacker Deon King, and they even put him through a pre-draft workout…

King has been a tackling machine at Norfolk State the past four years, racking up 372 tackles, 52.5 for loss, and 22 sacks. At just 6-0 and 218 pounds, King faces the challenge of overcoming a general lack of size as he transitions to the NFL, and at that size, he also ran just under 4.7 in the 40-yard dash.

Teams aren’t ignoring what they saw on tape, however. He’s getting a strong look and deservedly so.

The Broncos will also be hosting a local prospect pro day on April 12th, and Sioux Falls Cougars defensive back John Tidwell will be in attendance.

Tidwell had an incredibly productive career for the Cougars — and just a side note, this is my hometown school and alma mater — where he picked off 12 passes and racked up 213 total tackles in four seasons as a starter. The two-time team captain was also an excellent punt returner, returning three for touchdowns in his career.

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At 6-0 and 190 pounds, Tidwell has good size for a cornerback and could help out on special teams as well. He’ll be a strong candidate for one of the Broncos’ later round picks or a priority UDFA pickup. He has some top notch skills.

The Broncos were also in attendance for the pro day of Arkansas State utility man J.D. McKissic, who is a wide receiver and punt returner.

He finished his senior season with over 100 all purpose yards per game, and averaged 26.5 yards per kick return. The Broncos have an opening for a punt and kick returner with Omar Bolden departed, even though they brought back slot receiver Jordan Norwood.

These sleepers are players to keep an eye on as we approach the draft, all of them as possible late-round, UDFA additions.