Which undrafted free agents could make a splash for the Denver Broncos this summer? We take a look through five of the top names to watch.
The Denver Broncos have a longstanding tradition of outstanding undrafted free agents, almost every single year and regardless of the overall roster depth.
Even some of the best rosters in recent memory have had undrafted free agents earn their way to a roster spot, including the 2013 and 2014 rosters which included undrafted rookies CJ Anderson and Shaquil Barrett, respectively.
You never know which players are going to go on to have massive roles on championship-contending teams. Former undrafted free agents Rod Smith and Chris Harris Jr. are prime examples of that.
Which five Denver Broncos undrafted free agents could make a splash in 2022? Let’s have a look at five top candidates.
Denver Broncos stud UDFA no. 5: Ja’Quan McMillian, CB, East Carolina
One of the first undrafted players that needs to be discussed is a player the Denver Broncos had to the team facility before the NFL Draft, and that’s East Carolina All-American Ja’Quan McMillian.
McMillian lacks overall size and athletic twitch, but his productivity for the Pirates is undeniable.
Last season alone:
- 56 total tackles
- 4 tackles for loss
- 5 interceptions
- 16 passes broken up
- 1 forced fumble
- 2 fumble recoveries
Essentially, when the ball was in play, McMillian was around it.
Because of his lack of ideal size and overall athleticism, it stands to reason that McMillian’s best transition to the NFL is going to be as a slot player.
The inside-outside versatility will help McMillian, an AP All-American and coveted undrafted player, at least crack a practice squad.
His pre-draft metrics are not unlike those of Chris Harris Jr. back in the 2011 NFL Draft. That’s not to say that McMillian is destined for the same greatness we saw from Harris, but he can carve out a role quickly if he can prove himself worthy in the slot.
The Broncos did sign veteran K’Waun Williams and they obviously have high hopes for Damarri Mathis and Faion Hicks, two of their draft picks, but the door is open for McMillian.