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Broncos host Local Pro Day, John Elway and Vic Fangio in attendance.

Did local prospects elevate their stock while at Dove Valley? The Denver Broncos were on hand, so we’ll just have to see in two weeks.

The Denver Broncos understand that talent can come from anywhere. Look no further than former and current players including Rod Smith, Steve Watson, and most notably Phillip Lindsay. With major events like the NFL Scouting Combine, and Collegiate Pro Days, some players can get camouflaged or lost in the multitude of evaluations. But local pro days held by NFL teams offer front office staff and coaches the opportunity to evaluate talent that is relatively close.

Yesterday, General Manager John Elway and Head Coach Vic Fangio evaluated players at UCHealth Training Center’s Pat Bowlen Fieldhouse. Players in attendance represented, Colorado, Colorado State, Wyoming, Colorado State - Pueblo, Air Force, Forts Hayes State, Colorado Mesa, and Colorado School of Mines.

Broncos GM John Elway observing drills.
Luke Patterson / Mile High Report

Prospective Offensive Players from Broncos Local Pro Day:

Nico Evans (Running Back) Wyoming:

Josh Galemore / Star Tribune

Nico Evans (Los Angeles, CA) put on a show for the Broncos coaching staff. He clearly demonstrated his agility and footwork in multiple drills. He had great hustle in every drill featuring power and balance. He also showcased crisp route running ability, and great reception skills. While being known for his ability to break tackles, he will need to work on lowering pad level and using leverage. During his first 3 years at Wyoming, he was a starter on all special teams units, proving to be a valuable member of his team. During his collegiate career, Evans averaged 6.0 yards per carry and amassed 1433 rushing yards.

Kyle Evans (Running Back) Colorado:

Matthew Stockman / Getty Images

Kyle Evans (San Jose, CA) has the potential to be an explosive playmaker on special teams. While measuring in at 5’7” 180 pounds there are many questions regarding his size and frame. But these concerns have never discouraged Evans, who was the heir to former Buffs teammate Phillip Lindsay. During running back drills, Evans demonstrated remarkable speed and agility. He has the potential to be dangerous in open field and can make defenders miss. However, it is critical that he work on route running and catching. During his career at Colorado, Evans never fumbled on offense or special teams, and scored 7 touchdowns amassing for 792 total yards.

Prospective Defensive Players from Broncos Local Pro Day:

Andrew Wingard (Safety) Wyoming

Josh Galemore / Star Tribune

Andrew Wingard (Arvada, CO) was the 2014 Colorado Gatorade Player of the Year. While recruited to multiple college programs, he chose to attend Wyoming to play under Head Coach Craig Bohl who coached his father at Nebraska. While at the NFL Combine many scouts were disappointed with his bench press reps (9). However, he appeared to make up some lost ground running a 4.56 40 yard dash. Wingard is a fundamentally strong, tackling machine that can play strong or free safety. During drills, he demonstrated quick back peddling transitions, and smooth foot work. Wingard also showcased athletic jumping, catching, and the ability to receive punts / kicks. At Wyoming, he recorded a total of 454 tackles (solo and assist), 4 sacks, 10 interceptions, and 5 forced fumbles. However, his size is cause for concern at 6’0”, 209 lbs. He must improve man to man coverage, and has a tendency to bite during play action passes. Wingard appeared to be the most talented player during the local pro day. Some scouts project that he will be drafted in the 6th or 7th round.

Evan Worthington (Safety) Colorado

University of Colorado Athletics

Evan Worthington (Aurora, CO) was an honorable mention All Pac 12 selection as a senior, and attended this year’s NFL Scouting Combine. An effective tackler, Worthington is considered NFL ready in terms of physicality and size. A sought after prospect, he has the ability to play man to man, slot, or deep safety. His effort and explosiveness were very evident during multiple drills. During drills, Worthington didn’t transition as smoothly from backpedal to sprint as others. As NFL.com points out, there have been questions about his work ethic in the past, but he certainly put in good work during the local pro day. While at Colorado, he amassed a total of 128 tackles, 2 sacks, and 4 interceptions. Worthington is currently projected as a 6th round pick. When asked if former Colorado Buffs teammate Phillip Lindsay had any advice, he said “I just talked to him today at the facility, and he told us to keep working, it’s going to be tough, but keep working through it.”

By evaluating the local pro day, the Denver Broncos Front Office and Coaching Staff are reinforcing that all options are on the table prior to the NFL Draft.

Luke Patterson / Mile High Report