Broncos roster 2017: Dante Barnett

Today’s Denver Broncos roster player we’ll break down hails from Tulsa, Oklahoma and was a 6-year player at Kansas State.

Dante Barnett started with the Wildcats in 2011 with a redshirt year, and found his way into the starting lineup late in 2012 due to an injury. His sophomore year, 2013, he started at free safety and led the team with four interceptions, notching defensive MVP honors in K. State’s bowl game.

2014 was an even better year for the, now, Junior safety as he finished the year second on the team in tackles (77) and second on the team in interceptions (3), earning him Second Team All Big-12 honors.

2015 he sustained a season ending injury early on in the year, breaking his collarbone. As this was his Senior season, he was granted a medical hardship waiver from the NCAA and played another full season in 2016 at free safety.

However, Barnett had suffered another injury to his shoulder during the 2016 season which required surgery in January. This likely played a part in him being undrafted.

The Good:

Flies around the line of scrimmage and shows a great nose for the football. Had a good game against Stanford and brought down Christian McCaffrey for a loss several times.

Good length and height at 6’1”.

Three-time team captain which is a school record for Kansas State.

The Bad:

Barnett was not invited to the combine and was not a prominent prospect from Kansas State so there is little information out about his Pro Day numbers.

At 193 lbs, he is pretty slight for an NFL safety, especially with the aggressive style in which he plays.

Two shoulder injuries in college raise some health concerns and is likely the reason he was not drafted.

Quotable:

When asked about playing in Denver:

“I think it’s a great opportunity,” Barnett said. “They have one of the best defenses over the last couple years in the NFL. Somebody in my position, they take pride in the secondary and I think they’ve led the NFL is passing yards (allowed) the past two years. Going into a system that great, is amazing.”

“From talking to a couple of players, they say I’ll have my fair chance of making the team,” Barnett said. “I have a good shot. I’m just excited and ready for the opportunity.”

When asked about going undrafted:

“It puts the chip on my shoulder,” Barnett said. “I think like most players in a certain situation, I’ve always had a chip on my shoulder. I’ve had to prove people wrong or give a name for myself. I feel like I came to college and not many had high hopes for me. I came to college and made a name for myself. I feel like going to the next level is nothing new for me to go and prove myself.”

For those who want to check out Barnett’s tape, here are a few games via Draftbreakdown.com.

Status:

Coming in as an undrafted free agent trying to crack the roster on this talented defense is always a tough task. Denver also just drafted two young safeties last year, but apparently want some depth/competition around that spot as they signed four undrafted free agent safeties.

This also makes Barnett’s task tougher as he has to stand out from a now crowded safety group.