5 Hidden Gems Denver Broncos Should Have Noticed at 2016 NFL Scouting Combine
The 2016 NFL Scouting Combine is underway this week in Indianapolis. While there is a ton of big-name talent on display at the combine, there are also players who can be labeled “hidden gems” during this process. Their talent is perhaps better than some think, and these players could pay huge dividends for any team that selects them on the final day of the draft.
Under the guidance of general manager John Elway, the Denver Broncos have done a fantastic job of securing talent from the later rounds—or undrafted free-agent pool. Guys like linebacker Danny Trevathan (2012, sixth round), defensive end Malik Jackson (2012, fifth round), cornerback Chris Harris Jr. (undrafted, 2011) and running back C.J. Anderson (undrafted, 2013) have been major reasons for the Broncos' success under Elway.
As a Super Bowl champion player and now a Super Bowl champion executive, Elway knows what it takes to win it all—and that includes important late-round acquisitions.
“Those late-round guys are important because they can play huge roles for us,” Elway said at the combine.
This year, there are some interesting late-round players the Broncos could be considering for their team. These prospects may not go off the board on day one or day two of the draft, but they are players who could develop into quality contributors—maybe even starters or stars—in the NFL.
Here are five hidden gems the Broncos should have noticed at the combine.
Vernon Adams, QB, Oregon
1 of 5
In 2012 the Broncos had a chance to take a shorter running quarterback in Russell Wilson. Instead, they decided to select Brock Osweiler in the second round and let Wilson pass. This year, the Broncos have a chance at another playmaking, running (but diminutive) quarterback.
Oregon’s Vernon Adams is only 5’11”, 195 pounds, but he plays with a big heart and can be labeled a “gamer” due to his style of play. Adams had a good week of practice earlier this year at the East-West Shrine Game, and he came through with a strong performance in the actual game.
While he’s a short quarterback, Adams is incredibly athletic and can make plays with his feet while keeping his eyes downfield. He started his college career at Eastern Washington, but transferred to play for the Oregon Ducks in 2015. Adams could execute the bootlegs and roll outs of the Gary Kubiak system, and if nothing is open downfield, he could pick up first downs with his legs.
He may turn out more like the less-successful Seneca Wallace (another Seattle-drafted QB) than Russell Wilson, but Adams proved on film at two colleges and during the Shrine Game that he warrants a look in the NFL. NFLDraftScout.com rates the young quarterback as a seventh-round pick or undrafted free agent.
K.J. Dillon, S, West Virginia
2 of 5
The Broncos are always going to be looking for intimidating players on the defensive side of the ball. The strength of the team is on the defensive side of the ball, and they want to stay strong with good additions to the defense through the draft. That’s why K.J. Dillon from West Virginia could be a late-round target of the Broncos.
Dillon arrives at the ball with natural violence, and he does not shy away from any matchup on the field. Over the last two seasons, Dillon had 20 pass breakups and five interceptions. He’s been tested often, and Dillon has responded positively. Even when he gets burned, Dillon does not lose confidence and comes back to make big plays.
His coverage ability does need some work, as Dillon will take time to turn and run with receivers who get by him. Earlier this year during the week of practice for the 2016 Reese’s Senior Bowl, Dillon did a good job of showing up around the football. He has a knack of finding the ball, and he plays with a lot of energy on the field.
The Broncos need safety depth, and Dillon could fit what they need. It wouldn’t be a surprise for them to consider Dillon if he’s on the board during the final day of the draft. NFLDraftScout.com has Dillon graded as a fifth-round pick.
Nelson Spruce, WR, Colorado
3 of 5
Late in the draft, the Broncos could have an opportunity to add more depth to the wide receiver position and add a player who could be their lead return man on special teams.
Nelson Spruce made big plays right down the road from Denver in Boulder during his college career for the Buffaloes. He could be snared by the Broncos to make plays in the Mile High City.
While not exactly a burner, Spruce does a great job of getting open with incredibly crisp route-running ability. He’s always reminded me of Wes Welker with the way that he plays on the field. Spruce is not afraid to go over the middle, and he can make difficult catches seem routine.
Spruce was unable to participate in the East-West Shrine Game earlier this year due to a minor foot injury. He didn’t want to further the injury, so he decided to wait and further recover.
The team may or may not bring back free agent WR Jordan Norwood this offseason. Losing Norwood could open up a spot for a rookie like Spruce.
NFLDraftScout.com has a seventh-round grade on Spruce. According to Spruce, he did have a brief interview with the Broncos at the combine.
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Javon Hargrave, DT, South Carolina State
4 of 5
With the possibility of losing defensive end Malik Jackson in free agency, the Broncos should be targeting players on the defensive line at the combine. There are some prospects who come from small-school programs and have big-time NFL careers.
Could South Carolina State’s Javon Hargrave be the next one?
Over the last two years, Hargrave had 29.5 sacks and tied the FCS single-game sack record with six sacks against Bethune-Cookman. At 6’1”, 309 pounds, Hargrave’s natural skill set seems to be a bit unusual. Even though he’s a big man, Hargrave can push inside and create pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
Hargrave did a good job during the week of practice for the East-West Shrine Game earlier this year. He showed that against better competition, his skill set wasn’t lost. In the middle of a 3-4 defense, Hargrave would be an interesting nose tackle—or at least a part-time player who could play on passing downs.
The Broncos may not be able to keep Jackson in free agency. This defensive line class is deep and talented, so it’s not outlandish to expect the Broncos to pluck some of the talent therein. Hargrave is unlikely to have a premium price tag, but his upside might be great—and maybe even higher than what Jackson could bring.
NFLDraftScout.com has Hargrave rated as a fourth-round pick, but there’s a chance he could rise up the draft board with a good showing at the combine and at his pro day.
Willie Beavers, OT, Western Michigan
5 of 5
The Broncos have done a good job of harvesting talent from the Senior Bowl, and there may be a mid-round gem for their offensive line who participated in that game earlier this year. Willie Beavers, from Western Michigan, looked good at the Senior Bowl practices, and that must have gotten attention from the scouting community.
He’s a violent player with the athletic ability to mirror pass-rushers around the edge. With his natural athleticism, Beavers has the ability to work well in combo blocks, too. He can get off the line of scrimmage quickly, and Beavers does not reach for linebackers at the second level.
Beavers lined up at tackle in college, but he’s capable of playing inside at guard, as well. That versatility will only help his draft stock.
The Broncos may spend more than one pick on their offensive line. After spending two picks on the offensive line last year, we could see the team once again go after talent up front in this year’s draft. NFLDraftScout.com ranks Beavers as a fourth- or fifth-round pick at this time.
Elway likes the talent in place, but he’s looking to improve. “We've got some young pieces there that are good, but we need to add to that and see if we can get better there.”
All quotes and injury/practice observations obtained firsthand. Record/statistical information via the Broncos' media department unless otherwise noted. Advanced stats via ESPN's employees-only database.
Contract and salary-cap information provided by Spotrac. Transaction history provided by Pro Sports Transactions. Draft grades courtesy of NFLDraftScout.com.
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