Saturday marked the end of the 2024 NFL draft where zero Memphis Tigers heard their name called for the second time in as many years.
Shortly after the draft, the best prospect out of Bluff City, Blake Watson, found his way to Denver on a sizeable deal. The other Tiger with the best pro outlook is OLB Jaylon Allen, who also signed with Denver. Here’s the rundown on how he fits with the Broncos.
Jaylon Allen (OLB) Signs With Denver
Allen, a six-year player for the Tigers, signed a one-year deal with a $10,000 signing bonus and 110,000 guaranteed dollars to join Blake Watson in Denver. He also had offers from the Carolina Panthers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Las Vegas Raiders. Fun fact of note: Former Memphis assistant strength and conditioning coach Sammy Joseph is the younger brother of Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph. Sammy likely put in a good word for Allen.
The connection to Joseph, the six-figure guaranteed contract, and the other suitors leads me to believe that the Broncos undoubtedly hold Allen in high regard. I like his chances to make the roster. Here’s the outlook on the Broncos edge rusher depth chart for the 2024 season. Note that Allen’s versatility as an edge rusher or an outside linebacker gives him a better chance to make the roster.
- Baron Browning – A young edge rusher who has improved every year of his short career. (9.5 career sacks)
- Nik Bonnito – A very similar story to Browning. (9.5 career sacks)
- Jonathan Cooper – A former late-round pick who just had a breakout year with 8.5 sacks.
- Jonah Ellis – Third-round pick in 2024 out of Utah. Very productive college career but lacks the athletic upside Allen has.
- Ronnie Perkins – Former third-round pick for the Patriots who couldn’t find the field. Also didn’t find the field for the Broncos in 2023.
- Jaylon Allen – This is indeed a lot of projection but with a good minicamp and preseason, I can see Allen working his way onto the roster with immediate special teams value. Expect him to have a chance to grow into playing time.
Other Tigers With Opportunities
The only other Tiger to sign a deal so far is receiver Joe Scates who signed with Ryan Silverfield’s hometown team the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Jaguars selected Brian Thomas Jr., an explosive playmaker from LSU, with their first-round selection. Outside of Thomas Jr. and a few others, the Jaguars have limited receiver depth. With a good preseason and minicamp, there should be optimism around Scates making the final roster.
The final Tiger we have news on is the Canadian linebacker Geoff Cantin-Arku. He received and accepted a rookie minicamp invite from the Miami Dolphins. The Dolphins are littered with depth and talent in both their edge rush and linebacker rooms leaving little room for error for Cantin-Arku if he hopes to make the roster. Worst case scenario, he gets valuable experience to boost his pro career.
Other Tigers Waiting on Calls
The full list of players who attended the Tigers pro day (*represents signed or invited):
- OLB Jaylon Allen*
- K Reid Bauer
- DB Simeon Blair
- OLB Geoffery Cantin-Arku*
- WR Tauskie Dove
- DL Josh Ellison
- DB Malik Feaster
- DL Andres Fox
- DL Jaylen Joyner
- IOL Jacob Likes
- OL Terrance McClain
- DB Joe Norwood
- WR Joseph Scates*
- RB Blake Watson*
All of these guys have a future in pro football, whether that be in the NFL. FCF, CFL, or the now local USFL.
Furthermore, guys who I would look out for to get opportunities in the NFL preseason are Jacob Likes, Terrance McClain, and Simeon Blair.
