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.

The Denver Broncos have updated their depth chart for outside linebackers (OLB) following the selection of Alabama's Que Robinson in the fourth round of the NFL draft. While Robinson is expected to compete for a rotational role, his background as a four-core special teams player suggests he may spend more time contributing as a special teams asset under coordinator Darren Rizzi. The Broncos return their top four pass rushers, making it a challenge for new players to crack into the established rotation.

The projected OLB depth chart lists Jonathon Cooper at OLB1, followed by Nik Bonitto, Jonah Elliss, Dondrea Tillman, and Que Robinson at OLB5. Andrew Farmer remains a probable practice squad candidate as the team anticipates carrying five OLBs on the 53-man roster for the upcoming season.

The Denver Broncos are actively searching for talent from the United Football League (UFL) following the conclusion of their recent draft and undrafted free agency signings. This initiative is in line with their history of scouting UFL players, notably signing Dondrea Tillman last year, who made a significant impact with five sacks in his rookie season. Broncos GM George Paton emphasizes the continuous effort to enhance the roster, suggesting a proactive approach to player acquisitions even as the offseason progresses.

With the UFL championship game scheduled for June 14, the Broncos are poised to add more depth to their roster as players from the league become available post-season. The team's scouting efforts will be crucial in identifying and securing players who can contribute to their success moving forward.