The Denver Broncos are looking at all their possibilities before the draft.
They may start using an unusual source for new players, which has become more popular recently.
“A well-known Welsh rugby player, Louis Rees-Zammit, who is part of the International Player Pathway Program, is visiting the #Broncos today and tomorrow, according to a source,”Chiefs NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported on X on March 25. “He was with the # last week. There have been a few former rugby players who became NFL players, but most of them were punters.Browns and #Jets.”
Rees-Zammit is looking to take a less common route.
The NFL has released a
list of players invited to take part in the 2024 International Pathway Program. It includes another rugby player, Harry Mallinder (kicker/punter). The list also indicates that Rees-Zammit is seen as a running back and wide receiver prospect. “I would love to return kicks,” Rees-Zammit said,
according to WalesOnline.co’s Glen Williams on January 19. “That is something I love to do in rugby. In terms of a position, in rugby I want the ball at all times. So, I think it would be somewhere on the offence, running back, receiver, a bit of a hybrid. Whatever I get told, I will do. “This couldn’t have come at a better time for me, especially as I’m pretty much the same age as players coming out of college so I have time to learn the game and learn those skills.”
Broncos Could Tap Into NFL’s Budding International Pipeline
Wales’ right wing Louis Rees-Zammit.
GettyThe NFL International Pathway Program
started in 2017 . It has helped kick-start careers for players likePhiladelphia Eagles Jordan Mailata left tackle Las Vegas Raiders and Jakob Johnson fullback , and others.This season, the NFL has given teams a 17th spot on the practice squad for international players.
Rees-Zammit, 23, announced he was leaving Gloucester of the Rugby union in January.
He was going to be selected for the Welsh roster for the
Six Nations Championship , which starts at the end of March 30 with a game between Rees-Zammit’s native Wales and the country he played in, England.After four years in pro rugby, Rees-Zammit couldn’t pass on the chance to play in the NFL.
“I have had the incredible honor of playing rugby for my country which, as a proud Welshman, I’ve never taken for granted,” Rees-Zammit said,
according to the Associated Press’ Steve Douglas on January 16. “However, I believe that this is the right time for me to realize another professional goal of playing American football in the U.S. Those opportunities don’t come around very often.”
The Broncos are already dealing with the Chiefs, Browns and Jets. But Rapoport updated the list to include an NFC rival while noting that Rees-Zammit has hired representation.
“Louis Rees-Zammit, who is visiting the #Chiefs today and the #
Thursday, has hired Kim Miale of Roc Nation to represent him,”Packers Rapoport reported on March 26, including a statement from the prospect about “bridging the game between the agency’s branches. Broncos Attend Potential Day 2 Draft Pick’s Pro Day
Malachi Corley, who wears the number 11 for the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers.
GettyOne thing that defines Rees-Zammit is his speed. The Broncos stuck to that theme by scouting the wide receiver from Western Kentucky.
Malachi Corley according to Jim Nagy, who is the Senior Bowl Executive Director’s pro day, on March 25. Corley, who is 5-foot-11 and a senior, ran in the “mid-4.4 range” as stated by Nagy. Nagy also mentioned that Keary Colbert, the Broncos wide receivers coach, was present at the workout.
Corley might be considered by the Broncos on Day 2 of the draft, which starts on April 25.
The Denver Broncos are being very detailed in their preparations for the 2024 draft, also exploring the NFL’s International Pathway Program.
