3 under the radar players you need to know in Denver Broncos’ training camp

May 13, 2022; Englewood, CO, USA; Denver Bronco cornerback Damarri Mathis (27) during rookie mini camp drills at UCHealth Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
May 13, 2022; Englewood, CO, USA; Denver Bronco cornerback Damarri Mathis (27) during rookie mini camp drills at UCHealth Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /
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Denver Broncos, Kana'i Mauga
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 06: Kana’i Mauga #26 of the USC Trojans defends against a pass play during the second half of a game against the Washington State Cougars at Los Angeles Coliseum on December 06, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /

Denver Broncos player under-the-radar: Kana’i Mauga, LB

Of course, you can’t have an under-the-radar list without acknowledging one undrafted free agent, this is where inside linebacker Kana’I Mauga comes into play.

The 245-pound linebacker out of USC brings raw ability and high potential as one of those undrafted rookies who can continue the Denver Broncos tradition of players becoming stars despite not being drafted.

In 38 games played as a Trojan, the 6’2″ linebacker totaled 205 tackles, five sacks, three interceptions, six pass deflections, and two forced fumbles.

The linebacker position has usually been consistent for Denver throughout the years, but last season sang a different tune.

The loss of Von Miller via trade also took away the vocal locker room leader for the linebacker core, creating an entirely new dynamic to what was.

Mauga comes in benefiting from a new-look defense under the guidance of recently hired DC Ejiro Evero, giving the USC linebacker a fresh look with the rest of the Broncos linebacker core.

Mauga’s biggest knock is his coverage, getting exposed by certain routes that prevent him from taking that next step at the college level.

A little tune-up and learning how to stay hip to hip despite who’s running the route could be game-changing for the Hawaii native.