Story by
Broncos roster: OLB Dondrea Tillman (No. 92) might play more in 2026
- Story by
- Broncos roster: OLB Dondrea Tillman (No. 92) might play more in 2026
Broncos Wire 's 91-man offseason roster series continues today with a look at third-year linebacker Dondrea Tillman , No. 92.
Before the Broncos : Tillman (6-3, 270 pounds) played Division II college football with the Indiana University of Pennsylvania Crimson Hawks. Tillman earned back-to-back All-PSAC West honors after totaling 21 sacks in his final two seasons. Two years after graduating from college, Tillman broke out in The Spring League in 2021.
Advertisement
Following his performance in The Spring League, Tillman was picked by the Birmingham Stallions in the third round of the 2022 USFL draft. Tillman made 92 total tackles (51 solo, 41 assisted) and 8.5 sacks during his three years (2022-24) with the Stallions. He won three straight titles with Birmingham — two in the USFL and one in the UFL.
Broncos tenure: Tillman was signed by the Denver Broncos following his strong performance in the UFL. Tillman rose through the ranks and made the 53-man roster in 2024, making 23 total tackles (13 solo, 10 assisted, five tackles for loss) and five sacks in 17 games. Tillman became the first Broncos rookie since Von Miller to record a sack in three straight games, and the first undrafted rookie in franchise history to accomplish that feat, according to the Broncos' official website. Tillman earned another year of playing time, and made the most of it. In 17 regular season games, Tillman made 41 total tackles (13 solo, 28 assisted, three tackles for loss), recorded four sacks, and intercepted two passes. Broncos coach Sean Payton joked that Tillman moved so well off the turnovers that he could possibly have an offensive package . Tillman added nine tackles during the 2025 postseason.
Chances to make the 53-man roster: Near-lock as a rotational pass-rusher. Tillman has proved himself to be a valuable under-the-radar signing since 2024. With Jonathon Cooper 's status in limbo , there is a very open competition on the edge across from Nik Bonitto . Tillman and Jonah Elliss could be in a two-man competition for the starting job. Whoever isn't named the starter could be a very big rotational piece in defensive coordinator Vance Joseph's scheme.
Social: Follow Broncos Wire on Facebook and Twitter/X ! Did you know: These 25 celebrities are Broncos fans .
This article originally appeared on Broncos Wire: Broncos roster: OLB Dondrea Tillman (No. 92) might play more in 2026
