Broncos Add Massive DL to Rookie Camp From NFL's IPP Program
As part of the NFL's International Player Pathway Program, the Denver Broncos have added defensive lineman Haggai Chisom Ndubuisi. A better way of saying it is that Ndubuisi has been 'allocated' to the Broncos.
The International Player Pathway is a program that seeks to open up opportunities for international athletes to compete in the NFL. The ultimate goal is for one of these athletes to make an NFL roster.
So who is Ndubuisi?
He's a 6-foot-7, 323-pound former offensive tackle who began his football career in 2017. He spent time as an offensive tackle with the Arizona Cardinals last year. Coincidentally, he started his football career the same year the International Player Pathway Program began.
Ndubuisi will compete during the Broncos' rookie minicamp next week. And since he's not under contract, he will not count toward the Broncos' 90-player offseason roster limit.
"This is … a dream come true and also a sign of hope that the best is yet to come," Ndubuisi said via the team website.
11 prospects from Africa, Australia, Europe, and North America are participating in the 2023 IPP program. Oddly, most of them have been 'allocated' to teams in the AFC West and NFC North.
Ndubuisi will serve as defensive line depth, and with his size, he'd be quite the impediment in the middle of the line of scrimmage for opposing quarterbacks to throw over. That is, if he can manage to make the roster.
While Ndubuisi faces long odds, it is the NFL, and we've seen some really cool stories take shape. Landing in Denver was fortuitous for Ndubuisi, as the Broncos have a stellar track record of previously unheralded and underrated prospects maximizing an opportunity to not only make the roster but go on to earn NFL accolades.
Denver's rookie minicamp will feature a host of tryout-level attendees, including a few XFL players and a former Highlands Ranch quarterback.
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