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Broncos undrafted free agent spotlight on OL Michael Niese

By Travis Wakeman

Oct 2, 2021; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Temple Owls offensive lineman Michael Niese (57) blocks Memphis Tigers defensive lineman Maurice White (4) in the first half at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 2, 2021; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Temple Owls offensive lineman Michael Niese (57) blocks Memphis Tigers defensive lineman Maurice White (4) in the first half at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-USA TODAY Sports /
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Following the 2022 NFL Draft, the Denver Broncos signed Temple offensive lineman Michael Niese as an undrafted free agent. 

The Broncos were expected to address the offensive line in the draft but chose to select only one offensive lineman (Luke Wattenberg) late in the draft before signing two as undrafted rookies. Michael Niese was one of those.

Name: Michael Niese

Height: 6-foot-5

Weight: 295 pounds

School: Temple

Niese started his college playing career at Dayton before transferring to Temple in 2020. He played tackle for the Owls but projects best as a guard at the next level. He is a technical offensive lineman who will win with body mechanics and leverage in the NFL but he will need to add a bit more strength to be effective enough to have a lasting career.

He has good size and his versatility may be his best asset. A player who can come off the bench and line up at more than one spot along the offensive line is something no coach will overlook. There will be plenty of competition in front of him, however.

Chances of making the final 53-man roster (1-10 scale): 2

The Broncos have a deep group of offensive linemen which includes some experienced veterans behind the perceived starters such as Tom Compton. There are also younger players such as Netane Muti and Quinn Meinerz that could be huge pieces of the team’s future.

This season, teams will be able to keep 16 players on the practice squad which gives a guy like Niese a very high chance of at least doing that. Between active roster and practice squad, teams are going to keep 10-12 offensive linemen on the full team and perhaps even more.

Niese has the kind of ability to stick around a team for years as a rotational guy after a stint or two on the practice squad, similar to how a guy like Quinn Bailey has been part of the team since 2019.

Without an outstanding summer, Niese won’t be considered for a spot on the 53-man roster but he should have a terrific chance of being a practice squad guy with high upside.

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