Dante Barnett was picked up by the Denver Broncos as an Undrafted Free Agent, despite the often negative label, Barnett isn’t like most UDFAs…
The Denver Broncos have a tendency to snag some pretty special undrafted free agents, most notably Chris Harris Jr. However, the Broncos’ superstar cornerback indicated that he sees the same type of potential in rookie safety Dante Barnett.
Minus the Oklahoma roots, both Harris Jr. and Barnett have something in common. Both of them were undrafted heading in to the NFL. Uncertain on a career they had worked so hard for, Harris earned a roster spot in training camp.
Now, Barnett has the opportunity to do the same, but it won’t be easy. Barnett’s best option to make the team is on the practice squad barring an injury to a safety.
Making the practice squad isn’t a bad outcome, more-so it’s just the next step towards playing on Sundays. Barnett at 6’1″ and 185 pounds played safety at Kansas State where he accounted for 242 tackles, eight interceptions, and 16 passes defended.
Barnett on Tuesday received a ringing endorsement from Chris Harris Jr.
Per 9News’ Mike Klis on Twitter, Harris Jr. said “He caught my attention. He would be my undrafted sleeper.”
Despite being undrafted, Barnett caught the eye of Denver Broncos scouts which is why he received a phone call shortly after the draft that he would be heading to Denver for training camp.
Denver Broncos Undrafted Gems:
If history has shown us anything, it’s that the Broncos have great luck when it comes to undrafted free agents becoming pivotal players. For example there are several Broncos on the roster who were brought in as undrafted free agents.
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Bennie Fowler, Chris Harris Jr., Shaquil Barrett, CJ Anderson, and Juwan Thompson. All of these players were undrafted and all of these players now have a Super Bowl ring.
This is only revealing as to how good the Broncos scouting department truly is. Most NFL teams crave great first round talent, but they usually don’t live up to the hype in the NFL.
I find the value in undrafted gems being especially important when trying to build a championship roster and I believe John Elway would agree with me!
I’m excited to see Dante Barnett on the field in training camp and preseason. He reminds me a lot of Justin Simmons, however more athletic in my opinion.
Barnett will have his hands full towards earning a roster spot, but having Chris Harris Jr. admire your game should be a great confidence booster.