Broncos roster series: No. 86, TE Thomas Yassmin

An Australian-born ex-rugby player, TE Thomas Yassmin would not count against the 16-player limit if he makes the Broncos’ practice squad.

Broncos Wire’s 90-man offseason roster series continues today with a look at rookie tight end Thomas Yassmin, No. 86.

Before the Broncos: Yassmin (6-5, 251 pounds) was born and raised in Australia, where he grew up playing rugby. He committed to Utah in 2018 and had a redshirt season, his first experience with American football. Yassmin went on to play primarily on special teams in 2019 and 2020, with the latter season shortened by COVID-19.

Yassmin posted the first catch of his college career in 2021, then he followed that up with 13 receptions for 301 yards and six touchdowns in 2022. Thanks to his redshirt freshman year and an extra year of eligibility from COVID-19, Yassmin returned for a sixth year in 2023. He hauled in eight receptions for 89 yards and one score through five games before suffering a season-ending injury last fall.

Broncos tenure: Denver signed Yassmin as a college free agent this spring. He joined the team as part of the NFL’s International Player Pathway program.

Chances to make the 53-man roster: Long shot. Yassmin is unlikely to make the active roster as a rookie, but each NFL team can carry an extra international player on the practice squad in 2024. That IPP rule makes Yassmin a very strong candidate for the practice squad.

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