The Denver Broncos are reporting to training camp with a rookie class that national draft pundits have completely written off. Coming off a dominant 14-3 run, the team had to sit out the first two rounds, finally picking defensive tackle Tyler Onyedim at No. 66 overall. But while draft analysts shrug, 9NEWS Broncos insider Mike Klis warns against sleeping on this under-the-radar class.
Klis points out that Onyedim is Denver’s lowest-drafted headliner since 1995. But that 1995 class holds legendary status in Mile High history. Working with limited capital that year, the Broncos found Georgia running back Terrell Davis in the sixth round. Davis went on to power Denver to two Lombardi trophies and earn a gold jacket in Canton. The message is clear: draft pedigree doesn't dictate NFL impact.
"Pedigree is cheap in July. Roster spots are earned on the grass."
Beyond Onyedim, this draft class features some serious training camp sleepers. Hard-nosed running back Jonah Coleman is built for a downhill run game, while athletic tight ends Justin Joly and Dallen Bentley add much-needed mismatch ability to the passing attack. Defensively, safety Miles Scott and linebacker Red Murdoch will have to make their mark on special teams early.
Keep a close eye on the undrafted free-agent pool, too. Linebacker Taurean York and offensive lineman Tyler Miller have the collegiate tape and high football IQ to push for a spot on the final 53-man roster. In Denver, surviving the roster cuts has always been about production, not draft position. The battle begins next week.
