Ja'quan McMillian Picked Off Josh Allen, And The NFC West Is Already Facing A New Threat
Okay, Seattle, let's talk about our rivals in the AFC West for a minute, because something big is brewing that absolutely impacts our Hawks in the NFC West. We're talking about the Denver Broncos, who just had three veteran undrafted players highlighted by Pro Football Focus' Daire Carragher on his All-Undrafted Team of 2026. This isn't just some feel-good story for them, this is about serious talent making huge waves for a team we'll be lining up against eventually!
The Broncos' Undrafted Goldmine Continues
Look, we all know the Broncos have a wild history with undrafted guys, right? We're talking multiple Pro Bowlers, All-Pros, even World Champions over the years. PFF's Carragher clearly sees that trend continuing into the 2026 season, and it's something to keep an eye on. For 21 of the past 22 seasons, an undrafted rookie has actually made their 53-man roster out of camp. That's insane!
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Two of the guys getting recognition are Dondrea Tillman and their linebacker, Singleton. Tillman's journey was anything but easy, coming from the UFL's Birmingham Stallions. He's played just 747 defensive snaps but has still racked up 49 pressures and nine sacks in a rotational role. That's production! It's no wonder the Broncos are still scouting the UFL hard, signing reigning Offensive Player of the Year Hakeem Butler and his St. Louis Battlehawks teammate Sean Fresch Jr., a corner and returner, just a couple weeks back.
Then there's Singleton. Carragher pointed out that this guy is 32 years old and still playing his best football. The Broncos just re-signed him for another two years, so he's not going anywhere. It just goes to show you, these guys are finding talent where others aren't, and it's paying off.
McMillian's Ballhawking Prowess is a Problem
But the real headline, the one that should make every Hawks fan raise an eyebrow, is Ja'quan McMillian. Carragher called out his "signature moment" when he intercepted Josh Allen to seal Denver's AFC Championship Game victory. Whoa! Talk about making a play when it matters most.
And let me tell you, this dude is an absolute ballhawk. Beyond his coverage, he's a serious threat as a blitzer, generating eight pressures and four sacks on just 40 pass-rush opportunities last season. On a Broncos defense that honestly struggled to take the ball away in 2025, with only 14 takeaways as a team, McMillian's fingerprints were on five of them! And get this, that doesn't even count the epic game-sealing interception Carragher mentioned, which actually happened in overtime of the divisional round of the playoffs. This guy is a playmaker, plain and simple.
What This Means for Our Hawks
So, what's the takeaway, Seattle? It's simple: our division, the NFC West, needs to be ready. When the Broncos roll into Lumen Field or we head to Mile High, these undrafted vets aren't just roster fillers. Guys like McMillian are difference-makers, capable of swinging games with a single play. Mike Macdonald and the coaching staff are definitely going to have their work cut out for them, prepping for a team that keeps unearthing these hidden gems. We gotta be sharp from day one, because the competition is already getting tougher out there!
This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.