2024 NFL Draft: Taking an in-depth look at the Denver Broncos 14 undrafted rookies

Taking an in-depth look at the 14 undrafted free agents the Denver Broncos signed to their roster.

While the Denver Broncos have yet to announce their 2024 undrafted free agent class officially, 9NEWS Denver’s Broncos insider Mike Klis has the list of 13 players the team signed. The class is headlined by Memphis running back Blake Watson and Wyoming offensive tackle Frank Crum both of whom have a good shot of making the team. The Broncos have a good track record with undrafted free agents and history tells us that at least one of these 14 players will end up making the team.

Last season, four undrafted rookies, tackle Alex Palczewski, running back Jaleel McLaughlin, tight end Nate Adkins, and edge rusher Thomas Incoom made the 53-man roster out of camp.

So let us take an in-depth look at these 14 undrafted free agents and which ones have the best shot at making the Broncos 53-man roster this year.

Memphis RB Blake Watson – 5-9, 200 pounds

The Broncos gave Memphis running back Blake Watson a $25k signing bonus and a $255k salary guarantee for a total of $275k in guaranteed money. This will be among the highest deals an undrafted free agent will get sources tell Klis.

Watson is a player who probably should have been drafted and now has a pretty good shot at making the Broncos 53-man roster.

He measured at 5-9, 200 pounds at his Pro Day, ran a 4.40 40-time, had a 41.5-inch vertical jump, and a 11’3” broad jump. These are impressive numbers and show off how explosive he is.

During his career at Memphis, he had 3,296 yards rushing, averaged 5.6 yards per carry, and had 28 rushing touchdowns. He was a weapon in the passing game too as he hauled in 113 career receptions for 928 yards and 6 touchdown receptions.

The Athletic’s Dane Brugler had a 6th-7th round grade on Watson and ranked him as his 19th-best back in the 2024 NFL Draft.

A one-year starter at Memphis, Watson was the feature back in offensive coordinator Tim Cramsey’s zone-based run scheme. A high school wide receiver, he transitioned to running back at Old Dominion and led the AAC in offensive scrimmage yards per game (125.5) after transferring to Memphis for the 2023 season. An outstanding screen receiver, Watson is at his best out in space, where he does a great job feeling the flow of the pursuit to set up cutbacks (he and Bucky Irving were the only two FBS running backs with 50-plus catches in 2023). He is competitive but not powerful as a runner, and he’s much better outside than inside. Overall, Watson might not have a featured role in the NFL, but his run balance and patient instincts make him a slippery threat with the ball in his hands. Despite his inconsistencies as a pass blocker, he projects best as a third-down back.

If he can stay healthy throughout the offseason program, training camp, and the preseason, I believe he has a good shot at making the Broncos 53-man roster.

Wyoming OT Frank Crum – 6-8, 313 pounds

The Broncos went another year without drafting an offensive tackle but they did an intriguing undrafted free agent at the position. Wyoming’s Frank Crum, like Blake Watson, received a $25k signing bonus and a $255k salary guarantee for a total of $275k in guaranteed money. Klis notes these guarantees are higher than what 6th and 7th rounders receive in their rookie deals.

Crum played in a total of 57 games while at Wyoming which included 49 starts. He played 36 games at right tackle while he played 13 games at left tackle, all of which came this past season.

The Athletic’s Dane Brugler had Crum ranked as his 19th-best tackle in the draft and had a 6th-round grade on him. He ended up being a priority free agent for the Broncos which could end up being a steal for them.

A five-year starter at Wyoming, Crum lined up at left tackle in former offensive coordinator Tim Polasek’s scheme. The first third-generation player in the Cowboys football program, he started at right tackle for four seasons before moving to left tackle in 2023 (he led the offense in snaps played), finishing his career with 49 starts (he had four different offensive line coaches in six seasons). As a run blocker, “Frank the Tank” lives up to his nickname with his ability to fit and drive bodies to clear runways for the ball carrier. He was one of the better testers at the combine (ranked in the top three among all offensive linemen in the 40-yard and 10-yard dash), but his waist-bending will disrupt his balance in pass protection and his punch timing lacks consistency. Overall, Crum needs continued refinement with his technique to mask some of his deficiencies, but he plays quick, stout and experienced. He will compete for a reserve swing tackle role in the NFL.

His best traits are his size, length, and athleticism. His measurables come in at 6-8, 313 pounds while also having 34-inch arms. His RAS comes in at an impressive 9.83 while receiving elite grades at explosion and speed. Getting a large offensive tackle with this sort of athleticism is not easy to find so Crum is an interesting project for the Broncos.

Like Watson, he is among the highest-paid UDFA’s this year so that is often a good sign about their chances of making the team. Behind the Broncos starters, you have veteran Matt Peart who signed a one-year deal, and 2023 UDFA tackle Alex Palczewski who was a standout during training camp. These two will likely be Crum’s main competition for a spot on the 53-man roster but at the very least, he seems like a lock for a spot on the Broncos practice squad.

Air Force LB Alec Mock – 6-2, 238 pounds

The Broncos did not draft a linebacker but they did sign Air Force’s Alec Mock to a free agent deal.

There isn’t much out there on Mock, but he likely is a long shot to make the team and is fighting for a spot on the Broncos practice squad.

Heading into the OTA’s, He is behind Alex Singleton, Cody Barton, Jonas Griffith, and Justin Strnad and is competing with fellow undrafted rookie Levelle Bailey. If he can show out on special teams, he has a chance to stick around.

Nebraska DB Omar Brown – 6-0, 201 pounds

Brown had a top-30 visit with the Broncos and the visit must have gone well because they signed as an undrafted free agent and gave him $250k in guarantees. Now he joins a Broncos secondary with a shot to make the team.

The Broncos made some changes to their safety room this past year and now add Omar Brown to that group. After likely starters Brandon Jones and P.J. Locke, it is a bit up in the air. Caden Sterns has not been able to stay healthy, we did not see a lot of JL Skinner, Delarrin Turner-Yell is recovering from a knee injury and the rest are back of the 90-man roster players. So, Brown has a chance to earn himself a spot as a special teamer if he performs well and stays healthy.

The Athletic’s Dane Brugler graded safety Omar Brown as a priority free agent and that is what he ended up being for the Broncos.

Omar Brown grew up in the Minneapolis area. He lettered in basketball and football at Minneapolis North High, helping the latter team to the state title as a senior. A three-star recruit, he received just a few FCS scholarship offers and signed with Northern Iowa. He set the bar high with six interceptions as a true freshman corner, then entered the transfer portal after the 2021 season. He became Nebraska’s starting nickel in Tony White’s 3-3-5 scheme in 2023. Brown is a savvy cover man who plays on the balls of his feet and has the reactive athleticism to drive on throws. He tracks the ball well in the deep third of the field, but h e might not have ideal split-field range. He fills with a head of steam and looks to wrap-finish versus the run, but he needs to stay square at contact. Overall, Brown is smoother than he is explosive, but he has the eyes of a cornerback to quickly read and crowd receivers without drawing attent ion from officials.

He is a bit of a longshot to make the 53-man roster but there is an avenue there for him if he performs well this summer. At the very least, he appears to be a practice squad player for the Broncos this upcoming year.

Nebraska CB Quinton Newsome – 6-0, 185 pounds

Quinton Newsome is another player the Broncos had a pre-draft top-30 visit with and some who may figure into the Broncos’ future plans. Klis notes that Newsome likely would have been drafted if it were not for shoulder surgery he had back in December but should participate in OTA’s.

The Broncos have a lot of competition going on a corner behind Patrick Surtain II and Newsome figures to factor into that. They have 2023 third-round pick Riley Moss, 2022 fourth-round pick Damarri Mathis, rookie Kris Abrams-Draine, likely slot starter Ja’Quan McMillian, veteran Levi Wallace, Art Green, and a host of other back-of-the-roster players.

Like most of these guys, he is most likely a practice squad candidate, but with so much competition at corner, there is always a chance you can earn yourself a spot. Especially if you contribute on special teams as a defender with these new rules.

Memphis EDGE Jaylon Allen – 6-2, 245 pounds

According to reports, Allen is receiving a $10k signing bonus and $110k in guarantees from the Broncos and now join the Broncos edge group.

At best, Allen is fighting for a practice squad spot on the Broncos roster. They have a crowded edge room with Jonathon Cooper, Baron Browning, Nik Bonitto, rookie Jonah Elliss, Thomas Incoom, Ronnie Perkins, and potentially Drew Sanders and others so there are not many spots available. If he can stand out from the rest on the roster bubble on defense and special teams, he has a shot.

I am not sure if a practice squad spot is a guarantee for him because of the crowded room but we shall see how it plays out.

UTSA IDL Branden Matterson – 6-1, 296 pounds

The Broncos added UTSA defensive lineman Brandon Matterson and gave him a $8,500 signing bonus and a total of $30k in guarantees

The Broncos have made some much-needed major changes to their defensive line this offseason. They added run-stuffing specialist Malcolm Roach and veteran Angelo Blackson in free agency and traded for John Franklin-Myers during the draft. That’s adding to D.J. Jones and Zach Allen who are already on the roster, so spots on the roster are limited.

Matterson will need to have a strong summer to make the Broncos practice squad.

Fresno State LB, Levelle Bailey – 6-2, 227 pounds

The Broncos added linebacker Levelle Bailey as an undrafted free agent and gave him a $15k signing bonus with $125k guaranteed on his contract for a total guarantee of $140k.

According to Bailey’s agent, the Broncos were targeting an athletic linebacker and they identified Fresno State’s Levelle Bailey as a great fit.

He is behind Alex Singleton, Cody Barton, Jonas Griffith, and Justin Strnad and is competing with fellow undrafted rookie Alec Mock. If he can show out on special teams, he has a chance to stick around on the practice squad.

SMU DT Jordan Miller – 6-2, 304 pounds

The Broncos added SMU nose tackle Jordan Miller as an undrafted free agent and he is getting $15k in signing bonuses, and an additional $125k in guarantees for a total guarantee of $140k.

The Broncos have made some much-needed major changes to their defensive line this offseason. They added run-stuffing specialist Malcolm Roach and veteran Angelo Blackson in free agency and traded for John Franklin-Myers during the draft. That’s adding to D.J. Jones and Zach Allen who are already on the roster, so spots on the roster are limited.

Miller will need to have a strong summer to make the Broncos practice squad.

Washington State WR Lincoln Victor – 5’8, 178 pounds

The Broncos added the undersized but productive Lincoln Victor as a UDFA and are giving him a $5,000 signing bonus and a $20k contract guarantee for a total guarantee of $25k.

He is coming off a year where he caught 89 passes for 860 yards and 6 touchdowns. He is an undersized receiver who ran a 4.5 40-time, but he’s crafty enough that he can contribute as a slot player or return man.

I do not think he sticks on the roster strictly as a receiver, but I think we will see him get an opportunity as a returner during the summer and potentially stick on the practice squad.

Alabama State WR B.J. West

In Klis’s article, he lists Alabama State wide receiver B.J. West as one of the players the Broncos signed but I cannot find much on this player besides him being a returner.

His college profile at Alabama State lists him at 5-8, 142 pounds but I do not (hope not) think that’s updated. So, we shall see when the official announcement is made but he appears to be strictly a returner for the Broncos.

Georgia Tech TE Dylan Leonard – 6-5, 242 pounds

The Broncos did not draft any tight ends surprisingly but they did add two undrafted free agents, one being Georgia Tech tight end Dylan Leonard.

The big tight end is known for one thing, and that thing is blocking. He was not used much as a receiving threat at Georgia Tech, but he was used strictly as a blocker. This is a skill set that can carve you out an NFL career if you’re good at it and we know Sean Payton likes his blocking tight ends.

Last year they added Nate Adkins as a UDFA and he made the team so Leonard has a shot if he shows well as a blocker. I would assume practice squad is more likely for him but we shall see.

Utah TE Thomas Yassmin- 6-5, 245 pounds

The other tight end the Broncos added is Aussie-born player Thomas Yassmin who has a rugby background. He is more of a receiving threat at tight end and has had some impressive plays during his time at Utah.

He is an intriguing prospect who is also a bit of a project. He missed the final 8 games of this past season due to a season-ending injury but was coming off a promising 2022 season. In 2022, he had 13 receptions for 301 yards and 6 touchdowns. He finished his career with just 22 receptions for 396 yards and 7 touchdowns but the upside is there.

The Athletic’s Dane Brugler ranked as his 20th-best tight end in the draft and graded him as a priority free agent.

Thomas Yassmin was born and raised in Sydney, and he played rugby at The Scots College in New South Wales. He was noticed at a rugby camp and received a football scholarship offer to Utah. He started off on special teams (nine tackles on kick coverage) before working himself into the offensive mix and scoring six times on just 13 catchesin 2022. Injuries prevented a breakout 2023 season, however. A strong, athletic pass catcher, Yassmin has impressive body control in his routes, at the catch point and as a ball carrier, using natural balance (and his rugby background) to break tackles. As a blocker, he fits his hands and showcases toughness, but his strength is just average. Overall, Yassmin is still learning how to be precise with his footwork, but he has the ball skills and smooth moves to warrant a look.

Yassmin is a bit of a project but he’s an athletic tight end with run after the catch ability so I am intrigued to see how he progresses. The Broncos’ tight end room is a bit of a question mark with Greg Dulcich’s hamstrings continuing to fail him and Lucas Krull being a bit of a question mark. So, there is an opportunity for Yassmin to make some noise but he seems like a practice squad player who could develop into something down the road.

Purdue S Cam Allen – 6-1, 200 pounds

9NEWS Mike Klis may have posted prematurely because Purdue safety Cam Allen has reportedly signed as an undrafted free agent. He is a 6-1, 200-pound defensive back who will look to make the Broncos roster or practice squad.

The Broncos signed Brandon Jones and re-signed P.J. Locke during free agency while also releasing longtime safety Justin Simmons. So, the Broncos safety room will look a bit different this year. Behind them is the oft-injured Caden Sterns and 2023 sixth-round selection JL Skinner. Allen has a chance to make the team as a reserve/special teamer this summer but his best odds are to make the Broncos practice squad.