Dallas spring football is paying dividends, turning USFL/UEFL standouts into NFL contributors. KaVontae Turpin and Brandon Aubrey have emerged as Pro Bowl-caliber talent in return and kicking roles, forming a dynamic Cowboys special-teams duo with two Pro Bowls between them.

Perrion Winfrey’s all-UFL season signals a viable path from spring football to the NFL, while Jalen Redmond and Dondrea Tillman illustrate the pipeline continuing. In Oxnard, Dallas stresses hydration as DeMarcus Lawrence departs for Seattle and Micah Parsons anchors the locker room, underscoring a spring-to-NFL talent pipeline that could influence the Cowboys’ fantasy and real-game upside.

Dondrea Tillman, the Denver Broncos' second-year outside linebacker wearing No. 92, aims to build on his promising 5-sack season. The 6'3", 270-pound Tillman has transitioned from Division II football to the professional level with notable success. Before joining the Broncos, he showcased his talent at IUP, where he earned consecutive All-PSAC West honors, amassing 21 sacks in his last two collegiate seasons. His performance in The Spring League in 2021 further boosted his profile, leading to his selection by the Birmingham Stallions in the third round of the USFL draft.

The Denver Broncos excelled in the 2024 NFL season, achieving a 10-7 record and securing a playoff berth, their first since 2015. The defense was a standout, ranking high in multiple statistical categories: eighth in takeaways (25), seventh in yards allowed per game (317.1), third in points allowed (18.3), and leading the league with 63 sacks.

Key defenders included safety Brandon Jones, who had an impressive Pro Football Focus grade of 84.8, while cornerback Pat Surtain II closely followed at 83.8. Other notable performances came from outside linebacker Nik Bonitto (78.7) and defensive lineman John Franklin-Myers (78.3). Meanwhile, the team had its struggles, with defensive end Jordan Jackson and linebacker Justin Strnad receiving significantly lower grades at 41.3 and 49.9, respectively. Overall, the defense's robust performance played a crucial role in the Broncos' success this season.

Dondrea Tillman’s journey from the Birmingham Stallions to the Denver Broncos exemplifies the relentless pursuit of NFL dreams. After winning a championship with the Stallions in 2022, Tillman quickly transitioned to the Broncos, where he played 13 games, contributing significantly to the defense. His determination saw him navigate two full seasons in one year, showcasing immense physical and mental resilience.

Similarly, Khalil Davis, a former sixth-round draft pick, also found success after his NFL opportunities dwindled. Joining the Stallions allowed him to showcase his talent, leading to a contract with the Houston Texans. Both players illustrate the commitment required to succeed in professional football, as they balance rigorous training and recovery while chasing their NFL aspirations.