Broncos roster: OLB Dondrea Tillman (No. 92) looks to build on 5-sack season

From USFL Champion to Bronco Star: Dondrea Tillman's Ascent

Second-year outside linebacker looking to make even bigger impact in Denver.

Dondrea Tillman, the 92nd player on the Broncos' 90-man offseason roster, isn't your typical NFL prospect. This rising star carved his path to the big leagues through grit and dominance, starting at Division II before conquering both the USFL and UFL.

Tillman, a 6-3, 270-pound linebacker, made waves in college by racking up an impressive 21 sacks over his final two seasons with the IUP Crimson Hawks, earning back-to-back All-PSAC West honors. His success continued after graduation when he stole the show in The Spring League in 2021, leading to his selection in the third round of the 2022 USFL draft by the Birmingham Stallions.

Tillman's journey has been one of unparalleled achievement. He anchored the Stallions defense, securing three consecutive championships – two in the USFL and one in the UFL in spring 2024. As a defensive lineman, he recorded an impressive stat line: 54 tackles, five sacks, eight quarterback hits, 21 tackles behind the line of scrimmage, and 41 QB hurries.

His standout performances caught the eye of the Denver Broncos, who signed Tillman to a lucrative three-year deal following his UFL triumph. The Broncos' faith in Tillman proved justified as he delivered a quiet yet powerful season. In 12 games, including the playoffs, he registered 23 total tackles (13 solo, 10 assisted), five tackles for loss, and 5.0 sacks.

Now entering his second year with the team, Tillman is poised to build on his success. With opponents likely focusing on Denver's star-studded defensive line and rising star Nik Bonitto, Tillman has a golden opportunity to wreak havoc as a disruptive force. He also has the chance to guide fourth-round pick Que Robinson, further solidifying the Broncos' formidable defense.