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Dante Barnett highlights: Denver Broncos undrafted free agent

By Sayre Bedinger

Nov 19, 2016; Waco, TX, USA; Kansas State Wildcats defensive back Dante Barnett (22) is tackled by Baylor Bears tight end Jordan Feuerbacher (85) after making the interception during a game at McLane Stadium. Kansas State won 42-21. Mandatory Credit: Ray Carlin-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 19, 2016; Waco, TX, USA; Kansas State Wildcats defensive back Dante Barnett (22) is tackled by Baylor Bears tight end Jordan Feuerbacher (85) after making the interception during a game at McLane Stadium. Kansas State won 42-21. Mandatory Credit: Ray Carlin-USA TODAY Sports /
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It should come as no surprise to anyone, but John Elway has done it again on the UDFA market. Here are highlights of Kansas St. safety Dante Barnett…

It should shock no one that upon further review, the Denver Broncos’ undrafted free agent class is filled with intriguing players that have a chance of sticking one way or another. The Broncos have one of the best scouting departments in the NFL, especially when it comes to finding players that can contribute after going undrafted.

One player that has had a very tough road to the NFL is Kansas State safety Dante Barnett, who is wearing jersey no. 2 with the Broncos.

Barnett was once lightly recruited coming out of high school in Tulsa, OK, a two-star prospect who had offers from Kansas State, Utah, and Weber State. He ended up at Kansas State where he redshirted as a freshman, and then made an immediate impact in 2012.

As a sophomore in 2013, he racked up 75 tackles and four interceptions, showing off his ability in coverage and in run support. In 2014, he had 77 tackles, three interceptions, and another eight pass breakups.

Things were looking up for Barnett, who was likely on a trajectory to be a top 100-150 selection before going down with a season-ending injury in the first game of the 2015 season. Instead of heading to the NFL coming off of a major shoulder injury, Barnett applied for (and was granted) a sixth year of eligibility at K-State.

In 2016, he had 67 tackles and an interception to go along with 3.5 tackles for loss, a sack, and three pass breakups.

Here’s a great, in-depth look at Barnett’s journey at Kansas State…

It wasn’t the type of production Kansas State fans had come to know and love from the three-time team captain, but it was a solid return to the field. Here he is getting a TFL on Christian McCaffrey:

I’m not trying to overreact here or anything, but Barnett doesn’t look like a college free agent from that highlight reel. Of course, that’s why they call them ‘highlights’, but his style both as a team leader and on the field as a player are exactly the traits that successful undrafted players have in the NFL.

Barnett jumps off the tape in a number of ways, and is definitely a player to monitor this offseason. He’s got a chip on his shoulder and the Broncos know you can never have too many playmakers on the back end or too much help on special teams.

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