Two undrafted starters on defense for the Broncos have distinguished themselves as top players at their positions: inside linebacker Alex Singleton and slot cornerback Ja’Quan McMillian. In addition, edge rusher Dondrea Tillman has become a key contributor in the unit. All three earned spots on the Pro Football Focus All-UDFA Team for the 2026 season, underscoring the substantial impact that UDFAs can have when given the opportunity and development.
Locker-room and front-office strategies often hinge on evaluating players beyond traditional draft pedigrees. The Broncos’ approach paid off in a notable way at inside linebacker. After attempts to secure an elite option through free agency with a multi-year contract for another player did not yield the hoped-for results, the team found a productive answer within its own fold. In March, they rewarded Singleton with a two-year, $15 million contract, a substantial extension that reflects the value he has provided across his time with Denver. Singleton has developed into a steady presence, contributing consistently in run defense and tackling. Over three full seasons with the Broncos—discounting an injury-shortened 2024 campaign—Singleton has averaged roughly 152 tackles per season when healthy.
The Steelers’ and Broncos’ success with UDFAs at linebacker highlights a broader trend: undrafted players, especially at the linebacker position, have shown the ability to start and contribute meaningfully. In recent seasons, a notable number of linebackers who entered the league undrafted have started games, and a sizable share of tackles have been logged by players who signed their first NFL contracts after the draft. Singleton’s sustained production, coupled with his age-defying performance, has helped solidify his role as a reliable starter and leader on the Broncos’ defense.
Ja’Quan McMillian has also emerged as a standout, particularly in high-leverage moments during the postseason. After a breakout performance in the AFC playoffs, including a pivotal interception in a key victory, he demonstrated versatility and playmaking ability that extended beyond coverage. McMillian joined the team on a modest 2026 free-agent tender, but his on-field performance suggests he is positioned to command a lucrative contract either with Denver or another organization that values his coverage skills and his ability to generate pressure from the slot. In 2026, he was able to make significant impact while also outperforming a first-round rookie who was in the mix at the position, underscoring the potential for UDFA players to outperform higher-drafted peers.
Dondrea Tillman’s path to the NFL has been unconventional. Despite limited snaps in the league, Tillman has shown a high-impact profile when on the field, delivering pressures and sacks in a rotational role. The opportunity for Tillman to see an expanded role could increase in 2026, especially if teammates face off-field issues or suspensions that may open additional opportunities. Tillman’s unique ascent—going from a UFL product to NFL contributor—highlights how persistence, combined with the right system and coaching, can unlock a player’s potential.
The Broncos’ success with UDFAs underscores a broader lesson for teams evaluating talent: the draft is not the sole pathway to a productive lineup. Proper scouting, development, and the ability to integrate players into a system that maximizes their strengths can yield significant returns. When a franchise identifies undrafted players who fit its scheme and culture, those players can become long-term contributors and even franchise cornerstones.
Teams can take several actionable steps from this example:
– Prioritize versatile players who can contribute in multiple roles, especially on defense where scheme flexibility is highly valuable.
– Invest in development and coaching focus for UDFAs, ensuring they receive opportunities to learn, adapt, and refine their techniques.
– Create clear pathways for players to ascend from rotational roles to starting responsibilities, with measurable benchmarks and performance incentives.
– Monitor the roster for situations that may create additional opportunities for depth players to earn more significant roles, including potential changes in opposing rosters or internal discipline-related absences.
The Broncos’ experience demonstrates that undrafted players can reach elite levels, even at positions that demand high football IQ, speed, and adaptability. With the right environment, a UDFA’s impact can be amplified, contributing to one of the league’s most dynamic defenses. As the 2026 season unfolds, Singleton, McMillian, and Tillman will likely remain focal points for a defense that has proven successful in identifying and developing talent beyond the draft.
In summary, the Broncos’ 2026 defense has shown that the door remains open for undrafted players to rise to prominence. With strategic roster management and continued development, UDFA contributors can become foundational pieces, delivering value that often surpasses expectations and reshaping how teams approach talent acquisition and player development.
