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Denver Broncos: 3 UDFAs who could have instant impact

By Sayre Bedinger

STILLWATER, OK - SEPTEMBER 15: Quarterback Brett Rypien #4 of the Boise State Broncos looks to throw against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at Boone Pickens Stadium on September 15, 2018 in Stillwater, Oklahoma. The Cowboys defeated the Broncos 44-21. (Photo by Brett Deering/Getty Images)
STILLWATER, OK - SEPTEMBER 15: Quarterback Brett Rypien #4 of the Boise State Broncos looks to throw against the Oklahoma State Cowboys at Boone Pickens Stadium on September 15, 2018 in Stillwater, Oklahoma. The Cowboys defeated the Broncos 44-21. (Photo by Brett Deering/Getty Images) /
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PULLMAN, WA – SEPTEMBER 23: James Williams #32 of the Washington State Cougars carries the ball against the Nevada Wolf Pack in the first half at Martin Stadium on September 23, 2017 in Pullman, Washington. (Photo by William Mancebo/Getty Images)
PULLMAN, WA – SEPTEMBER 23: James Williams #32 of the Washington State Cougars carries the ball against the Nevada Wolf Pack in the first half at Martin Stadium on September 23, 2017 in Pullman, Washington. (Photo by William Mancebo/Getty Images) /

Back in 2014, the Denver Broncos unearthed a gem from the Mountain West conference in defensive player of the year Shaquil Barrett.

After one year on the practice squad and four years of playing a key role on the best defense in Broncos history as well as a key role on special teams, Barrett bolted from Denver and out of Von Miller’s shadow for a free agent deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Five years after Barrett initially signed with Denver, could Malik Reed effectively replace him as the team’s gem off the edge from the Mountain West?

It’s possible.

Like Barrett, Reed didn’t test overly well prior to the 2019 NFL Draft, which is one of the reasons he fell out completely.

Also like Barrett, Reed knew how to fill up the stat sheet in college.

He finished his career with the Wolfpack — where he was named team MVP in 2018 — with 203 career tackles, 38.5 tackles for loss, 22 sacks, and a whopping 11 forced fumbles.

Reed played all over the defensive formation at Nevada, and I think he can do the same in the NFL. He’s not a traditional edge player, but has played both defensive end and off-ball linebacker. I think he can float around in Denver, play some special teams, and make an impact with his playmaking ability.

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