Tag: Roster Series

Broncos roster series: No. 99, DE Zach Allen

Following a five-sack campaign in Year 1, Broncos defensive end Zach Allen looks to build on that total this fall.

Broncos Wire’s 90-man offseason roster series concludes today with a look at sixth-year defensive lineman Zach Allen, No. 99.

Before the Broncos: Allen (6-5, 285 pounds) entered the league as a third-round pick out of Boston College with the Arizona Cardinals in 2019. He played four games as a rookie before suffering a season-ending neck injury. Allen returned to play 13 games in 2020, including seven starts.

Allen later emerged as a full-time starter in 2021. In his final two seasons with the Cardinals from 2021-2022, Allen totaled 34 quarterback hits, 9.5 sacks, 12 pass breakups and one interception.

Broncos tenure: Allen signed with Denver last year, reuniting with Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph, who held that same role in Arizona from 2019-2022. In his first season in Denver, Allen recorded 60 tackles, 24 quarterback hits, five sacks, one pass breakup and one forced fumble in 17 games.

Chances to make the 53-man roster: Lock. Allen is set to lead the team’s defensive line again this fall as one of Joseph’s starting defensive ends.

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Broncos roster series: No. 98, DE John Franklin-Myers

After totaling 61 QB hits and 17.5 sacks in four years with the Jets, DE John Franklin-Myers joined the Broncos this spring.

Broncos Wire’s 90-man offseason roster series continues today with a look at seventh-year defensive lineman John Franklin-Myers, No. 98.

Before the Broncos: Franklin-Myers (6-4, 288 pounds) entered the league as a fourth-round pick out of Stephen F. Austin State University with the Los Angeles Rams in 2018. He dressed for all 16 games as a rookie and totaled two sacks, but the Rams moved on ahead of the 2019 season.

The New York Jets then claimed JFM off waivers in 2019 and he went on to play four seasons in New York. JFM totaled 125 tackles, 61 quarterback hits, 17.5 sacks, seven pass breakups, one interception and one forced fumble in 65 games (52 starts) with the Jets.

Broncos tenure: Denver traded a 2026 sixth-round draft pick to New York in exchange for Franklin-Myers this spring.

Chances to make the 53-man roster: Lock. After trading for him and acquiring a $5 million cap hit, the Broncos aren’t going to cut JFM this year. He seems poised to start at defensive end across from Zach Allen in 2024.

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Broncos roster series: No. 97, DL Malcolm Roach

After posting the best run-stop percentage (17.4%) in the NFL last year (per PFF), Malcolm Roach signed with the Broncos.

Broncos Wire’s 90-man offseason roster series continues today with a look at fifth-year defensive lineman Malcolm Roach, No. 97.

Before the Broncos: Roach (6-3, 290 pounds) entered the league as an undrafted free agent out of Texas with the New Orleans Saints in 2020. He dressed for nine games as a rookie, totaling 16 tackles. Roach was healthy for seven games in his second season and he recorded his first career interception that year.

Over the last two seasons, Roach played in 25 games with the Saints, totaling 64 tackles, three quarterback hits, three pass breakups and one sack.

Broncos tenure: Denver signed Roach to a two-year deal this spring. He should provide a boost to the defense after posting the best run-stop percentage (17.4%) in the NFL last year, according to PFF.

Chances to make the 53-man roster: Near lock. It would be a big surprise if Roach does not end up on the active roster. He’s not a favorite to start, but Roach should be a key part of the defensive line rotation in 2024.

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Broncos roster series: No. 92, OLB Dondrea Tillman

After winning three straight titles with the Birmingham Stallions, edge defender Dondrea Tillman signed with the Broncos this spring.

Broncos Wire’s 90-man offseason roster series continues today with a look at first-year defensive lineman Dondrea Tillman, No. 92.

Before the Broncos: Tillman (6-3, 270 pounds) played Division II college football with the IUP Crimson Hawks, earning consecutive All-PSAC West honors after totaling 21 sacks in his final two seasons. Two years after graduating from college, Tillman stood out in The Spring League in 2021.

Following his performance in The Spring League, Tillman was picked by the Birmingham Stallions in the third round of the 2022 USFL draft. He went on to win three straight titles in the Stallions, two in the USFL and one in the newly formed UFL this spring. Playing as a defensive lineman, he totaled 54 tackles, five sacks, eight quarterback hits, 21 tackles behind the line of scrimmage and 41 QB hurries this spring.

Broncos tenure: Denver signed Tillman to a three-year, $2.84 million contract after the UFL season. He’s transitioning to outside linebacker in the team’s base 3-4 defense.

Chances to make the 53-man roster: Longshot. Tillman will face an uphill battle to make the active roster at a crowded position, but he should be a top candidate for the practice squad in 2024.

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Broncos roster series: No. 16, WR Troy Franklin

In two years playing with QB Bo Nix, WR Troy Franklin totaled 142 receptions for 2,274 yards and 23 touchdowns with the Ducks.

Broncos Wire’s 90-man offseason roster series continues today with a look at rookie wide receiver Troy Franklin, No. 16.

Before the Broncos: Franklin (6-3, 180 pounds) played college football at Oregon, overlapping with quarterback Bo Nix from 2022-2023. Franklin earned first-team All-Pac-12 recognition last fall and second-team All-American honors after hauling in 81 receptions for 1,383 yards and 14 touchdowns. In two seasons playing with Nix, Franklin totaled 142 receptions for 2,274 yards and 23 touchdowns. After an impressive campaign with the Ducks last fall, Franklin ran a 40-yard dash in 4.41 seconds at the NFL combine this spring.

Broncos tenure: Denver picked Franklin in the fourth round of this year’s NFL draft, reuniting him with Nix. Franklin will make his pro debut when the Broncos kickoff preseason on Aug. 11 against the Indianapolis Colts.

Chances to make the 53-man roster: Lock. Franklin will definitely make the team, but how big of a role he has in Year 1 remains to be seen.

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Broncos roster series: No. 96, DL Eyioma Uwazurike (suspended)

Eyioma Uwazurike remains suspended, but if the NFL lifts his ban, Uwazurike could have a real chance to make the Broncos’ 53-man roster.

Broncos Wire’s 90-man offseason roster series continues today with a look at second-year defensive lineman Eyioma Uwazurike, No. 96.

Before the Broncos: Uwazurike (6-6, 320 pounds) played college football at Iowa State from 2016-2021, earning first-team All-Big 12 recognition in his final season. He totaled 144 tackles and 15 sacks in five years (60 games) with the Cyclones.

Broncos tenure: Denver picked Uwazurike in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL draft. He dressed for eight games as rookie, totaling 17 tackles, two quarterback hits and one pass breakup on 165 snaps.

Last summer, the NFL suspended Uwazurike indefinitely for gambling, including placing wagers on Broncos games. Criminal charges in Iowa have since been dropped and the Arapahoe County DA will not file charges against him. That seemingly clears the way for Uwazurike to have his suspension lifted, but the NFL has not made a decision as of the time of publication.

Chances to make the 53-man roster: Uncertain. For now, Uwazurike remains on the club’s reserve/suspended by the commissioner list. If the suspension is lifted, Uwazurike would have a decent chance to make the team this summer. The fact that the Broncos have not released him thus far suggests Uwazurike could have a future in Denver post-suspension.

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Broncos roster series: No. 96, LB Andre Smith

Broncos fifth-year linebacker Andre Smith will attempt to make the 53-man roster this summer as a special teams contributor.

Broncos Wire’s 90-man offseason roster series continues today with a look at fifth-year inside linebacker Andre Smith, No. 96.

Before the Broncos: Smith (6-0, 240 pounds) entered the league as a seventh-round pick out of UNC with the Carolina Panthers in 2018. He spent two years with the Panthers, playing primarily as a special teams player.

Smith went on to have stints with the Buffalo Bills and Tennessee Titans before joining the Atlanta Falcons in 2023. He played a career-high 112 snaps on defense with the Falcons last fall after playing exclusively as a special teams player from 2021-2022 with the Bills and Titans.

Smith totaled 19 tackles, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery and one pass breakup in 11 games (one start) in Atlanta last season.

Broncos tenure: Denver signed Smith in June after he tried out at minicamp. He joined an ILB depth chart that includes Alex Singleton, Cody Barton, Jonas Griffith and Justin Strnad.

Chances to make the 53-man roster: Toss up. Smith’s special teams experience will undoubtedly help his chances of making the team. It will be a numbers game for the Broncos as they determine how many ILBs to carry on the active roster this summer. Smith’s chances seem to be 50-50.

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Broncos roster series: No. 95, DL Elijah Garcia

After dressing for just three games last season, Broncos DL Elijah Garcia will aim to win a bigger role in 2024.

Broncos Wire’s 90-man offseason roster series continues today with a look at second-year* defensive lineman Elijah Garcia, No. 95.

Before the Broncos: Garcia (6-5, 302 pounds) played college football at Rice, earning first-team All-Conference USA recognition in 2021. Following a redshirt freshman season and an extra year of eligibility gained from COVID-19, Garcia spent six years with the Owls. In his final season, Garcia totaled 67 tackles, 33 pressures, nine quarterback hits and five sacks.

After going undrafted in 2022, Garcia signed with the Los Angeles Rams as a college free agent. He began his rookie season on L.A.’s practice squad.

Broncos tenure: Denver signed Garcia off the Rams’ practice squad in December of his first season. He played in two games to close out the year, recording one tackle. Garcia made the active roster in 2023 but was only active for three games, totaling four tackles and one sack on 31 snaps.

*Though he has been in the NFL since 2022, Garcia is listed as a “second-year player” because he only has one accrued season (which is at least six games on the active roster or reserve list in the same season).

Chances to make the 53-man roster: Toss up. Garcia’s chances of making the active roster might depend on the status of Eyioma Uwazurike. Garcia’s competition for a spot on the final 53 will include Matt Henningsen and Angelo Blackson.

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Broncos roster series: No. 94, DL Jordan Jackson

After spending last season on the practice squad, Broncos DL Jordan Jackson will aim to make some noise at training camp.

Broncos Wire’s 90-man offseason roster series continues today with a look at first-year* defensive lineman Jordan Jackson, No. 94.

Before the Broncos: Jackson (6-4, 294 pounds) played college football for the Air Force Falcons. He totaled 29.5 tackles behind the line of scrimmage during his time with the Falcons, tied for eighth-most in academy history. He earned second-team all-conference recognition two times with the Air Force before entering the NFL draft in 2022.

The New Orleans Saints picked Jackson in the sixth round of the draft in 2022 and he spent his rookie season on their practice squad.

Broncos tenure: Denver signed Jackson in 2023 and he spent the entire season on the team’s practice squad. He is yet to appear in a regular season game in the NFL.

*Though he has been in the league since 2022, the NFL lists Jackson as a “first-year player” because he does not have an “accrued season,” which is at least six games on the active roster or reserve in the same season.

Chances to make the 53-man roster: Long shot. Jackson is competing in a crowded defensive line room. His best chance to stick around in 2024 will likely be on the practice squad.

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Broncos roster series: No. 93, defensive lineman D.J. Jones

Entering his third year with the Broncos, defensive lineman D.J. Jones is poised to have a key role in Vance Joseph’s scheme this fall.

Broncos Wire’s 90-man offseason roster series continues today with a look at eighth-year defensive lineman D.J. Jones, No. 93.

Before the Broncos: Jones (6-0, 305 pounds) entered the league as a sixth-round pick out of Ole Miss with the San Francisco 49ers in 2017. After spending his first two seasons as a rotational defensive lineman, Jones emerged as a starter in 2019, a role he held for three years. In five total seasons with the 49ers, Jones recorded 126 tackles (23 behind the line), nine quarterback hits, seven sacks, three forced fumbles and three pass breakups in 61 games (46 starts).

Broncos tenure: Denver signed Jones to a three-year, $30 million deal in 2022. He totaled 34 tackles, six pass breakups, four QB hits and two sacks in his first season with the Broncos. Last year, Jones recorded 46 tackles, four QB hits, three forced fumbles and two sacks.

Chances to make the 53-man roster: Lock. Barring an unexpected trade, Jones seems to be a lock to make Denver’s active roster. He is one of the best defensive linemen on the team and a key part of Vance Joseph’s rotation. Jones will look to have a strong 2024 campaign before becoming a 30-year-old free agent in 2025.

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