With The First Pick
Fansided

Broncos: 3 2020 NFL Draft UDFAs who could make roster

By Patrick Chiotti

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 25: Head coach Vic Fangio of the Denver Broncos speaks to the media at the Indiana Convention Center on February 25, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) *** Local Capture *** Vic Fangio
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 25: Head coach Vic Fangio of the Denver Broncos speaks to the media at the Indiana Convention Center on February 25, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) *** Local Capture *** Vic Fangio /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 4
Next
WINSTON SALEM, NORTH CAROLINA – NOVEMBER 02: Essang Bassey #21 of the Wake Forest Demon Deacons after a fumble recovery in the first quarter during their game against the North Carolina State Wolfpack at BB&T Field on November 02, 2019 in Winston Salem, North Carolina. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)
WINSTON SALEM, NORTH CAROLINA – NOVEMBER 02: Essang Bassey #21 of the Wake Forest Demon Deacons after a fumble recovery in the first quarter during their game against the North Carolina State Wolfpack at BB&T Field on November 02, 2019 in Winston Salem, North Carolina. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images) /

player. Scouting Report. CB. 1. Pick Analysis. Wake Forest. Essang Bassey. 45

The Broncos didn’t have the best cornerback room in the NFL last season, but the team was still able to make do with what they had. Chris Harris is now with the division rival Chargers and the team replaced him with former Jaguars cornerback A.J. Bouye. The team also drafted Iowa cornerback Michael Ojemudia in the third round of the draft and he could see significant time in his rookie season, as he fits Vic Fangio’s defensive system well.

More from With the First Pick

With questions still surrounding 2019 free agent Bryce Callahan and former third-rounder Isaac Yiadom, the cornerback position still has some spots up for grab even with De’Vante Bausby and Devontae Harris returning.

Enter rookie Essang Bassey, who surprisingly went undrafted out of Wake Forest. Bassey had an impressive career at Wake Forest, tallying 50 pass breakups in his career. He shows great ball skills and route recognition. However, Bassey’s size can leave him getting overpowered by ball carriers and outplayed by bigger receivers. Bassey’s skillset translates him better as a slot cornerback in the NFL, which could be just what the Broncos are looking for.

Several analysts have compared him to former Broncos cornerback Chris Harris, Jr., who started his career in Denver as an undrafted slot cornerback and eventually became one of the NFL’s top cover corners. Bassey’s skillset could end up landing him a spot on the opening day roster, but he’ll need to show that he can have a more physical style of play in the big leagues.

Home/Denver Broncos