ENGLEWOOD, Colo — Rod Smith and Chris Harris Jr. were the best in the long history of Broncos’ undrafted players.
Denver could use another Smith and Harris in this year’s undrafted rookie class.
An undrafted rookie has made the Broncos’ season-opening roster in 19 of the past 20 seasons.
Four undrafted rookies made the Broncos’ initial 53-man cutdown last year: Running back Jaleel McLaughlin, tight end Nate Adkins, outside linebacker Thomas Incoom and offensive tackle Alex Palczewski, who was moved to injured reserve a day later with a knee injury.
There is not likely to be that many undrafted rookies on the season-opening, 53 this year, not if the Broncos stay healthy through training camp and the brass properly re-set their roster after finishing 2023 with their seventh consecutive losing record.
With rookies reporting to training camp on July 17, here’s a look at the remaining undrafted rookies on the Broncos’ current roster with their position, college, signing bonus and contract guarantee:
Blake Watson, RB, Memphis, $25,000/$275,000
He showed perimeter burst and long speed as a receiver out of the backfield during the Broncos’ offseason practices. At 5-feet, 9-inches and 195 pounds, Watson is an underdog to make the Broncos’ initial 53-man roster – as all undrafted rookies are.
Ordinarily, the Broncos keep three running backs on their roster. Fifth-round rookie Audric Estime and second-year back Jaleel McLaughlin would seem to be favorites for two spots. The other would likely go to either Javonte Williams or Samaje Perine.
Injuries have a way of factoring into running back competitions, though, so Watson must continue to run for a job.
Frank Crum, OT, Wyoming, $25,000/$275,000
A lifelong Cowboy from Laramie turned Bronco. This is a large man at 6-feet 7-inches and 315 pounds. Crum has two undrafted rookies from last year – Palczewski and Demontrey Jacobs – ahead of him. Veterans Quinn Bailey and Matt Peart head the competition for the No. 3 swing tackle behind starters Garett Bolles and Mike McGlinchey.
Omar Brown, S, Nebraska, $20,000/$245,000
After he had eight interceptions in three seasons at Northern Iowa, Brown played two seasons at Nebraska, starting as a fifth-year senior. Brown will compete with JL Skinner, Dellarin Turner-Yell and Caden Sterns for the No. 3 safety position behind starters Brandon Jones and P.J. Locke.
Turner-Yell and Sterns are coming off surgical-repaired injuries that sidelined them during the offseason so Brown will have a chance to make the 53.
Jordan Miller, DT, SMU, $15,000/$140,000
Miller created buzz among the Broncos’ football folks the way another undrafted rookie defensive tackle, P.J. Mustipher, excited them last year. Mustipher made the Broncos’ practice squad before he was signed away by New Orleans and played in the Saints’ final four games. He is now with the Eagles while his brother Sam Mustipher is a veteran center trying to make the Broncos’ season-opening roster.
The Broncos now have decent interior depth along their defensive front but if Miller doesn’t make the initial roster the team will try to slide him to their practice squad.
Levelle Bailey, ILB, Fresno State, $15,000/$140,000
Has a chance to make the 53-man roster via special teams but Bailey will also have an opportunity to shine at a position of uncertainty. Alex Singleton has one inside spot. The other will likely go to either veterans Cody Barton or Jonas Griffith.
Bailey is light at 6-feet, 2-inches, 225 pounds but his quickness helped him record three interceptions for Fresno State as a fifth-year senior last season.
Quinton Newsome, CB, Nebraska, $15,000/$100,000
There’s good depth at cornerback with Pat Surtain II, Riley Moss, Damarri Mathis, Levi Wallace, Ja’Quan McMillian and Kris Abrams-Draine. Practice squanders Art Green and Reese Taylor also return. Newsome is coming off shoulder surgery and could use a year on the practice squad.
Jaylon Allen, OLB, Memphis, $10,000/$120,000
Another good practice squad candidate. The Broncos have Jonathon Cooper, Baron Browning, Nik Bonitto and Jonah Ellis as their top four edge rushers. Durell Nchami and Incoom provide quality depth.
Thomas Yassmin, TE, Utah, $12,000/$47,000
An Australian-born product who gets an international roster exemption. Practice squad candidate.
Brandon Matterson, DT, UT-San Antonio, $8,500/$30,000
Has his college degree and had been working towards master’s when he signed with the Broncos. Came on in his sixth college season.
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