Scouting reports on the Broncos seven undrafted free agents

On Sunday, the Broncos agreed to terms with seven college free agents, president of football operations / general manager John Elway announced. Since Elway has taken over the team (2011), the Broncos have found a college free agent who has made the 53-man roster in every year except for 2016.

Players like Chris Harris Jr, C.J. Anderson, Shaquil Barrett, Phillip Lindsay and others have found their way into the league – and onto stardom – from the priority free agents the Broncos were able to sign. The team is famous for finding quality talent from the ranks of the college free agents after the draft.

Who are the players this year, and are any of them going to make the 53-man roster in 2020? Let’s take a look.

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Essang Bassey | DB | Wake Forest

There is no defensive back who has played more snaps (2,806) or batted away more passes (35) than Bassey during the last two years. He is an instinctive player who is feisty on the field. His aggression can be used against him as he will overrun plays and bite too hard on play fakes at times.

Chances to Make the 53-Man Roster: It’s better than some would think. Part of it is Bassey’s skill set and availability, but a lot of it would be the Broncos lack of depth at corner. He’s a player to watch in training camp.

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LeVante Bellamy | RB | Western Michigan

Bellamy is built a lot like Phillip Lindsay, and he runs like him too. He is a smaller back who has no problem running in between the tackles. Bellamy was a standout at the Shrine Bowl earlier this year and I believe his pass-protection ability is underrated. He is also a good receiving option out of the backfield.

Chances to Make the 53-Man Roster: I’d put my chips on Bellamy to make the team. Unlike other smaller backs who have tried to make it with the roster (Devontae Jackson, etc), Bellamy has a three-down skill set. Also, Bellmay got the most signing bonus of any PFA for the Broncos this year ($25,000) and got a contract with $35,000 guaranteed. That’s a strong sign the team likes him.

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Douglas Coleman III | S | Texas Tech

Coleman only played safety one year, his senior season, at Texas Tech. In that one year, Coleman had a whopping nine interceptions. A converted cornerback, Coleman is a playmaker who knows how to bait a quarterback into a throw and close on the ball quickly. He could be an answer for the team losing Will Parks this offseason in free agency.

Chances to Make the 53-Man Roster: His versatile skill set and ability to play either corner or safety could really help his chances. Coleman should at least make the practice squad.

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Kendall Hinton | WR | Wake Forest

A prep quarterback, Hinton began his college career playing the position for three seasons. During the last two seasons, he transitioned to wide receiver and brings a lot of football intelligence to the field. He’s a slot receiver who knows how to find a soft spot in a zone. Hinton will be a quarterback’s best friend by coming back to the ball and squaring his shoulders to the line of scrimmage regularly.

Chances to Make the 53-Man Roster: The team is jam-packed at the wide receiver position, limiting the chances that Hinton makes the team. He’ll work to make the practice squad. He was signed with a $10,000 bonus and a contract with $5,000 in guarantees.

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Zimari Manning | WR | Tartleton State

Manning knows how to find the end zone, leading all of college football (FBS, FCS, Division III) in touchdowns last year. In 2019, Manning snared 68 receptions for a school-record 1,462 yards and 22 touchdowns. Watching him on film, one has to take the level of competition into account. However, Manning has a clear ability to understand angles and can pull away from defenders.

Chances to Make the 53-Man Roster: Manning got a $12,500 signing bonus which is a sign the team believes in his skill set. As aforementioned, the wide receiver position is jammed to the brim, so getting Manning on the final roster is difficult.

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Riley Neal | QB | Vanderbilt

Neal spent four seasons at Ball State before moving to Vanderbilt as a graduate transfer for the 2019 season. He struggled with the higher level of competition in the SEC, but there are some things to like about his skill set. He’s tall (6-foot-6) and can zip the ball all over the field. He mainly works short-to-intermediate routes and doesn’t like to attack a defense vertically.

Chances to Make the 53-Man Roster: He’s highly unlikely to make the team as the Broncos may only carry two quarterbacks. Neal is a camp arm for the Broncos.

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Hunter Watts | OT | Central Arkansas

The main thing that stands out about Watts is his size. He measures in at 6-foot-8 and 325 pounds. Watts is a mountain of a man who has better athleticism than you would think for someone that big. He’s agile and got better during his four years in college.

Chances to Make the 53-Man Roster: Needless to say, there’s not a lot of Central Arkansas film floating around. I doubt Watts makes the team, but will need to see what he looks like up close and in person when camp opens up.

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