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Denver Broncos: Three underrated backup players on defense

By Sayre Bedinger

DENVER, CO - DECEMBER 15: Denver Broncos defensive players celebrate after a second quarter turnover on a defensive back Dymonte Thomas #35 interception during a game against the Cleveland Browns at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on December 15, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - DECEMBER 15: Denver Broncos defensive players celebrate after a second quarter turnover on a defensive back Dymonte Thomas #35 interception during a game against the Cleveland Browns at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on December 15, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images) /
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Dymonte Thomas
DENVER, CO – DECEMBER 15: Defensive back Dymonte Thomas #35 of the Denver Broncos intercepts a pass by quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns in the second quarter of a game at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on December 15, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images) /

1. Dymonte Thomas, safety

The Broncos originally signed Dymonte Thomas as an undrafted free agent out of Michigan in 2017.

By most accounts, Thomas had a modest career with the Wolverines in which he didn’t start regularly until he was a senior.

Thomas was truly the next in line for a defense that was cranking out one strong starter seemingly at every position after another.

When a talented athlete doesn’t get a ton of starting experience in college, you have to look at a few things to determine whether they can translate to the NFL level.

1. Do they have any standout traits?
2. Can they play special teams?
3. Are they good teammates?

Thomas’ standout traits are speed (4.50 in the 40 at 6-2, 200 pounds) and quickness (6.89 in the three-cone drill) along with 10 broken up passes on 29 passes into his coverage in 2017.

Although his college career didn’t perhaps warrant a draft choice, Thomas had standout traits, special teams experience, and waited his turn to start for three years at Michigan.

He made a huge play in a close game for the Broncos against the Browns this past season.

https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1074134072471969792

Thomas has likely earned a more prominent role in the Denver defense, and although at this particular point in time it probably won’t be as a starter, he’s going to be able to come off the sideline and make an impact on games with his speed, quickness, and ball skills.

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