Broncos 2019 UDFA thread

[VonDoom]

I was out with the family, so I didn't start this. I'll try to post what I find below - not official until the Broncos say it is, but these are all over Twitter

[VonDoom]

Benjamin Solak
‏ @BenjaminSolak
1h1 hour ago

Source: Samford EDGE Ahmad Gooden is signing with the #Broncos


Tom Pelissero
‏Verified account @TomPelissero
1h1 hour ago

Boise State QB Brett Rypien -- Mark's nephew -- is signing with the #Broncos, source said.


Kansas Football
‏Verified account @KU_Football
1h1 hour ago

The Mayor is heading to Denver!

Congrats to @JoeDineen18 on joining the @Broncos!

#NFLJayhawks


Jerry DiPaola
‏Verified account @JDiPaola_Trib
1h1 hour ago

Not long after the end of the draft, Pitt fullback and all-around tough guy George Aston agrees to join Broncos as an drafted free agent.


Mike Klis
‏Verified account @MikeKlis
58m58 minutes ago

Broncos signing Wyoming TE Austin Fort as undrafted FA per source. #9sports


Nicki Jhabvala
‏Verified account @NickiJhabvala
24m24 minutes ago

Arkansas OT Brian Wallace is signing with the Broncos as a UDFA, source confirmed.

[VonDoom]

Legwold has a couple of others I didn't see in a quick scan:

Broncos president of football operations/general manager John Elway said Saturday night he expected the team to sign between "15 to 17'' undrafted free agents. Some of those already committed to the Broncos are: Boise St. QB Brett Rypien, Kansas LB Joe Dineen, Wyoming TE Austin Fort, East Central WR/returner Trinity Benson, Tulane OL John Leglue and Pitt FB George Aston.

[VonDoom]

https://twitter.com/jaredstanger/status/1122289244553105409?s=21

Washington DT

[Northman]

Shazam will be happy both with Lock and Rypien.

[G_Money]

Joe Dineen is... well, if you love Josey Jewell, you'll like Joe Dineen. I like hard-nosed guys w good instincts. He's just not quick. But if there's a role for Jewell, then there's a role for a backup who plays a lot like Jewell, so we'll see. PS guy to begin with maybe, but he's a football-first guy for sure.

Leglue is a multi-position backup grab. I'm not sure he can really play tackle in the NFL but he has played everywhere in college so he's got that versatility you need from a backup. Might as well get him in and see what he's got.

Trinity Benson is Denver's annual stab at return man competition - which they should do annually - and apparently we added Malik Reed too? Reed is a DE out of Nevada who is built like a LB but doesn't really play LB. He's another sack dude though. I remember him beating the crap out of Air Force earlier this year, but I can't call that a benchmark for NFL success. Gotta keep the pass rusher pipeline stocked w developmental dudes tho.

[G_Money]

Oh shit, WR Kelvin McKnight? Now THAT'S interesting. McKnight is... well, he smashed up FSU this year playing for tiny Samford, I know that. He's a little dude, but isn't just a slot guy and has a good catch radius simply because his hands are made of stick-um.

I would have taken him over Denver's actual 6th rounder, much like w Lindsay last year. McKnight should be fun to watch as he tries to make this squad. We're gonna add all the tiny killers to this team.

[Nomad]

Shazam will be happy both with Lock and Rypien.

I don't believe that I've ever watched a game of either of these QBs, or that I can recall.

[Northman]

I don't believe that I've ever watched a game of either of these QBs, or that I can recall.

Ive seen a little of both, Rypien didnt fare well against UVA's defense but he can make some good passes. Lock i saw a little less of but of the couple of games i saw he seems to have some great skill. I dont think Rypien will outplay Lock but he may find a job elsewhere although as a late round pick he has a higher hill to climb.

Does anyone know where Zaccheaus from UVA ended up?

[Northman]

Nevermind i see that the Falcons signed him. He is an explosive player.

[Nomad]

Ive seen a little of both, Rypien didnt fare well against UVA's defense but he can make some good passes. Lock i saw a little less of but of the couple of games i saw he seems to have some great skill. I dont think Rypien will outplay Lock but he may find a job elsewhere although as a late round pick he has a higher hill to climb.

Does anyone know where Zaccheaus from UVA ended up?

Lock is the same age as my oldest son. Lock's number gonna be #3?

[Northman]

Lock is the same age as my oldest son. Lock's number gonna be #3?

No idea to be honest. Probably.

[HORSEPOWER 56]

Jaylen Johnson, DE, Washington. Signed as a UDFA per twitter

[G_Money]

Josh Watson, LB from CSU too.

[G_Money]

Picked up Alijah Holder also, CB from Stanford. He might make a PS - he's a very willing defender against both the run and the pass with good size. Sort of a tweener CB/S for me, but that actually has value as a backup. Might be the kind of guy you task with short field RB coverage in dime, or playing Cover 3.

[Spiritguy]

Didn't see this one yet. Lists him as a LB :D

https://twitter.com/NevadaFootball/status/1122304215118950400

[Spiritguy]

So it looks like this is where we stand so far.

Samford EDGE Ahmad Gooden
Boise State QB Brett Rypien
Kansas ILB JoeDineen
Pitt FB George Aston
Wyoming TE Austin Fort
Arkansas OT Brian Wallace
East Central WR/returner Trinity Benson
Tulane OL John Leglue
Washington DT/DE Jaylen Johnson
Samford WR Kelvin McKnight
CSU LB Josh Watson
Stanford CB/S Alijah Holder
Nevada LB Malik Reed

[VonDoom]

If those are all right, that’s 13. Elway said we would add 15-17 FA so we’re nearly there

[VonDoom]

https://twitter.com/byjonheath/status/1122324106114940928?s=21

[VonDoom]

https://twitter.com/jjohnke/status/1122297191882604544?s=21

[VonDoom]

Conflicting reports on Malik Reed - some have him with us, some with the Jets

[Spiritguy]

I think we're good on Reed. The tweet is from his college. :D

[OrangeHoof]

So we get a blocker named Leglue and a corner named Holder. I suspect we'll see more flags thrown this summer.

[Simple Jaded]

Colby Wadman is #3.

[Northman]

Picked up Alijah Holder also, CB from Stanford. He might make a PS - he's a very willing defender against both the run and the pass with good size. Sort of a tweener CB/S for me, but that actually has value as a backup. Might be the kind of guy you task with short field RB coverage in dime, or playing Cover 3.

Thats actually good news, i had him in a couple of my mocks.

[VonDoom]

https://twitter.com/j_mcbridebaxter/status/1122347523866152960?s=21

[sneakers]

Camp fodder

[Cugel]

Camp fodder

Not necessarily. There's certainly an opening all along the OL for a player who impresses Munchak. So, it's quite possible that he makes the roster. Depends entirely on him.

But, whenever you have a new head coach, new OL coach, new OC, there's plenty of opportunity for a player to impress the new coaches, who come in with no existing expectations. Everybody is making a job interview.

All the new coach knows is "you guys got my predecessor fired."(if they were here last year). "I don't have any loyalty to any of you. I didn't draft you. I don't have any history with you. You will have to prove yourself to me."

[iLands]

Highlights are Rypien, Dineen, McKnight, and Holder. I expect them all to at least make the PS if not 53.

I expect Rypien to be the third qb carried if we carry one. Good chance he beats out Lock as the backup if it’s a fair QB Competition there. Nonzero chance he’s our future QB as well. Some were intensely high on him - at the metrics that best predict QB success at the next level, he was behind only Murray and Haskins. Just isn’t a super toolsy guy.

Dineen led the nation in solo tackle market share which is the most important metric for projecting LBs. Unfortunately, he wasn’t at the combine and got hurt during his pro day. He’s slow and lacks athleticism which kept him from really popping up boards. His production metrics are beyond elite. Expect him to push the other LBs hard.

McKnight is a lucky guy. There was a huge hole in this offense - the Shanahan/Scangarello system needs a vertical slot receiver. Think their use of Marquise Goodwin. His only competition for the role is Langley. Good chance he sticks around for the defined role he has.

Most exciting is Alijah Holder - two knocks on him - speed and injury history. Despite this, he legitimately projects as a cornerback that starts 64 or more games in the NFL - he hits every production and athletic threshold. Believe it or not, if you use production and athletic metrics to sort positions into teirs, he is a top tier cornerback in this draft along with plenty of the familiar names you know. He has pro bowl upside with proper utilization. Over the moon with this one.

Rypien and Holder are the CJ Anderson/Phil Lindsay/CHJ of this UDFA class.

[FanInAZ]

Camp fodder

Rod Smith was an UDFA :nod:

I can't say for sure, but I believe as many as about a half a dozen UDFAs make the opening day roster for per team.

[Northman]

Still wish we would have picked up Zaccheaus.

[Simple Jaded]

The Rypien hype has already started, Barf.

[Hawgdriver]

The Rypien hype has already started, Barf.

might help
tvqlt7OWTOk

[Jsteve01]

The Rypien hype has already started, Barf.

Would have loved Tyree. He would fit the room better

[Simple Jaded]

Would have loved Tyree. He would fit the room better

I like his attitude too.

[Elevation inc]

The Rypien hype has already started, Barf.

Meh he is a TS upgrade. You could probably win some games here and there with him, but he isn't the face of a franchise type in my opinion. That being said it would be great if we could develop him into a solid number 2 behind Lock, when Flacco leaves. Or at least flip him for a pick like we did Trevor. Would mean the QB position is solidified and cost effective and we can focus on surrounding talent.

[TXBRONC]

Meh he is a TS upgrade. You could probably win some games here and there with him, but he isn't the face of a franchise type in my opinion. That being said it would be great if we could develop him into a solid number 2 behind Lock, when Flacco leaves. Or at least flip him for a pick like we did Trevor. Would mean the QB position is solidified and cost effective and we can focus on surrounding talent.


To be fair, we did win some games here and there with Siemian. Anyway, it would be great if Rypien can develop into a solid back, and while it is long shot atp, but he developed into something more he could be used a trade chip.

[Hawgdriver]

If either Lock or Rypien (hell, Flacco) can exceed Siemian's result, which was nearly identical to Keenum's result as several here predicted, that is great for the Broncos. We could use some elite QB play.

Which is why I'm glad Flacco is going 16-0 this season.

[TXBRONC]

If either Lock or Rypien (hell, Flacco) can exceed Siemian's result, which was nearly identical to Keenum's result as several here predicted, that is great for the Broncos. We could use some elite QB play.

Which is why I'm glad Flacco is going 16-0 this season.

I do like your positive thinking. :nod:

[Shazam!]

Let us hope Risner is an anchor on an OLine that will help Denver QBs not worrying about getting killed every drop back. This is what killed TS IMO

[TXBRONC]

Let us hope Risner is an anchor on an OLine that will help Denver QBs not worrying about getting killed every drop back. This is what killed TS IMO

Nah, Siemian just wasn't starting quarterback material.

[Northman]

Im sure the line was some of the problem but yea Siemian simply wasnt a franchise QB. Solid backup though.

[TXBRONC]

Im sure the line was some of the problem but yea Siemian simply wasnt a franchise QB. Solid backup though.

Agreed.

[VonDoom]

Official transactions so far - more coming if our list is right:

https://twitter.com/nickijhabvala/status/1123340617805774848?s=21

[BroncoJoe]

Curious Rypien isn't on that list. Is it not official?

[Cugel]

Almost every year, at least 1 undrafted player makes the 53 man roster. This year it could easily be more, as there are opening for backups at ILB and T and G, and CB. It will be fun to see which Phillip Lindsey emerges this year.

[VonDoom]

Curious Rypien isn't on that list. Is it not official?

Guessing they’re working out signing bonus and stuff. Everyone has reported he’s in

[VonDoom]

https://twitter.com/ryan_crozier/status/1123369577000382464?s=21

[Denver Native (Carol)]

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — The Broncos have signed 10 college free agents to their roster, the team announced Tuesday.

Denver signed Arizona State offensive lineman Quinn Bailey, East Central wide receiver Trinity Benson, Kansas linebacker Joe Dineen, Wyoming tight end Austin Fort, Samford defensive lineman Ahmad Gooden, Florida Tech wide receiver Romell Guerrier, West Georgia running back Devontae Jackson, Washington defensive lineman Jaylen Johnson, Tulane offensive lineman John Leglue and Arkansas offensive lineman Brian Wallace.

In 14 of the last 15 seasons, at least one college free agent has made Denver's active roster out of training camp. Last season, both running back Phillip Lindsay and linebacker Alexander Johnson made the team's roster.

rest - https://www.denverbroncos.com/news/broncos-sign-10-college-free-agents

[Hawgdriver]

Almost every year, at least 1 undrafted player makes the 53 man roster. This year it could easily be more, as there are opening for backups at ILB and T and G, and CB. It will be fun to see which Phillip Lindsey emerges this year.

Which years did it not happen?

[Jsteve01]

that is so weird. Because even Brett Rypien posted that he was signing with the Broncos. But this article makes no mention of him

[Spiritguy]

There has been some talk about Rypien getting 100K to sign. This might give some insight. 100K would be pretty high.


teams will all have the same limit on the amount of money they can spend for signing bonuses – in 2018, that number was set at $98,340

How Much Money Do Undrafted Free Agents Make?

It was pointed out above that teams have a set amount they can give to undrafted free agents as signing bonuses, but offers can be made to players in a number of ways. Specifically, a team can opt to offer a higher guaranteed base salary while making the signing bonus smaller and will essentially have the chance to add more players.

Over the years we’ve seen undrafted free agents receive offers with guarantees from $5,000 up to $25,000. As NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero (https://twitter.com/TomPelissero/status/859040418754953217) revealed in 2017, a few players received over $30,000 while KD Cannon was given $45,000 in guaranteed money by the San Francisco 49ers.

Found this bit about PS players interesting too.


As Todd Haislop of Sporting News (https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/nfl-practice-squad-salary-minimum-pay-how-much-2018-rules/1ogcj7f2emewr13zm4jrd0s45k) details, the NFL’s Collective Bargaining Agreement has set it up so that the minimum salary for practice squad players increases each season. From 2012 on, the minimum weekly pay for players has increased by $300-$400 each year.


Practice squad players are paid on a weekly basis, and after the pay was set at $7,600 per week in 2018, that number is up to $8,000 this year and $8,400 in 2020.
https://heavy.com/sports/2019/04/nfl-draft-undrafted-free-agents-salaries-contracts/

[VonDoom]

Here are the rest of the guys, including Rypien. We waived Garrett Grayson and Chad Hansen to fit them in

https://twitter.com/mikeklis/status/1124046416928813058?s=21

[Shazam!]

Here are the rest of the guys, including Rypien. We waived Garrett Grayson and Chad Hansen to fit them in

https://twitter.com/mikeklis/status/1124046416928813058?s=21

Hogan gonna do a fainting goat and will be gone ASAP too the minute Rypien and Lock show some of their stuff.

[Simple Jaded]

If we’re being honest Rypien has nothing on Hogan and Grayson, if he outplays Lock and beats him out what have the Broncos really gained?

[Cugel]

Which years did it not happen?


In 14 of the last 15 seasons, at least one college free agent has made Denver's active roster out of training camp. Last season, both running back Phillip Lindsay and linebacker Alexander Johnson made the team's roster.

A couple of years ago I think there was nobody. That was probably a mistake, considering Elway's drafting horrors between 2014 and 2018.

[Cugel]

If we’re being honest Rypien has nothing on Hogan and Grayson, if he outplays Lock and beats him out what have the Broncos really gained?

Well, as a rookie, he'd be a lot cheaper than HOgan. He just re-signed for $3m this year.

[BroncoJoe]

Well, as a rookie, he'd be a lot cheaper than HOgan. He just re-signed for $3m this year.

No he didn't.

[Freyaka]

No he didn't.

You're both technically right.

HE DID sign a deal that could be worth UP TO $3mil, however, his cap hit is $1.29Mil, cutting him would net us 300k in dead money. It's not a $3mil deal, but it could be worth that to him if he makes the team.

https://broncoswire.usatoday.com/2019/03/27/denver-broncos-news-kevin-hogan-contract-details/

[BroncoJoe]

You're both technically right.

HE DID sign a deal that could be worth UP TO $3mil, however, his cap hit is $1.29Mil, cutting him would net us 300k in dead money. It's not a $3mil deal, but it could be worth that to him if he makes the team.

https://broncoswire.usatoday.com/2019/03/27/denver-broncos-news-kevin-hogan-contract-details/

It wasn't anywhere near a $3M deal.


his career earnings could jump to $3,039,856.

[Freyaka]

It wasn't anywhere near a $3M deal.

I stand corrected, I misread it as well.

[BroncoJoe]

I stand corrected, I misread it as well.

Lesson learned:

Never agree with or defend Cugel.

[Freyaka]

Lesson learned:

Never agree with or defend Cugel.

9 times out of 10 I do not...the one time I borderline did, this is what it gets me.

[CoachChaz]

$300k signing bonus, $900k base salary, $1.29m cap hit. If we cut him, only the $300k counts toward the cap.

[Poet]

Lesson learned:

Never agree with or defend Cugel.

No one is always wrong. I mean that. I agree with some things that people radically different in thinking believe.

[Simple Jaded]

$300k signing bonus, $900k base salary, $1.29m cap hit. If we cut him, only the $300k counts toward the cap.

Not worth the dead money, he needs to make the 53.

[iLands]

The bonus for Holder is reassuring to my initial read. Thrilled.