Aussie beast eyes NFL history after landing Broncos deal … and Australian punter joins……

Australian Thomas Yassmin has signed a three-year rookie contract with the Denver Broncos after missing out on selection in the 2024 NFL Draft, and is hoping to make history by becoming the first Australian tight end to play in the NFL.

The Broncos did not select a tight-end in the Draft but immediately picked up Yassmin as an undrafted free agent, with the 23-year-old hoping to become the first Australian to feature in the NFL in a ‘skilled position’ since Jarryd Hayne in 2015 – unlike Jordan Mailata or punters including 2024 Draft pick Tory Taylor.

Yassmin was a schoolboy rugby union star at Scots College and represented the Australian schoolboy team, and was also widely in demand from NRL teams before courageously making the move to play college football in the states.

The 6’5”, 251-pound beast (198 centimetres, 114 kilograms) had a breakout season for the Utah Utes in 2022, catching six touchdowns including one in the famed Rose Bowl.

The Australian was ranked as a top-20 tight end prior to the NFL Draft, but suffered a season-ending shoulder injury just three games into his final college year.

Nevertheless, there was plenty of interest in the Australian with as many as 10 teams reportedly keen to sign him and three holding conversations with him on the day he opted for the Broncos, per ESPN and The Daily Telegraph.

The main competition at tight end for Yassmin at Denver will be Adam Trautman, who played under coach Sean Payton while at the Saints before later being brought over to the Broncos, and Greg Dulcich – a talented pass catcher who has had a bad run with injuries since being drafted in 2022.

But the relative lack of depth at the position means Yassmin is a serious chance of earning his place on the 53-player roster – and making history as Australia’s first tight end to feature in the NFL.

Yassmin is the second Australian tight end currently on an NFL roster, after International Player Pathway prospect Patrick Murtagh inked a deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars a few weeks ago.

Meanwhile, Texas A&M punter Nik Constantinou, another graduate of Australia’s Prokick academy, has also signed with the Broncos as an undrafted free agent.

For the most part, the NFL Draft is a gamble, meaning there are no guarantees. However, that uncertainty creates a stage for prospects without the highest expectations to emerge.

With that in mind, here are four “projects” from the 2024 NFL Draft that could develop into stars.

Troy Franklin, wide receiver (Oregon): A total of 35 wideouts heard their names called during the 2024 NFL Draft. Perhaps lost in the shuffle, Franklin was the 18th WR off the board, going to the Denver Broncos in the fourth round (No. 102).

At 6-foot-1 and 176 pounds, Franklin lacks the size and strength of some of the players chosen before and after him in Detroit. However, his attributes otherwise offer up captivating possibilities.

In 2023, Franklin finished among the NCAA leaders in receiving yards (sixth, 1,383) and touchdowns (third, 14). Furthermore, boasting one of the top 40-yard-dash times (4.41) at the scouting combine, he’s an explosive depth threat who could evolve into one of the league’s top playmakers if everything works out right.

Jalyx Hunt, linebacker (Houston Christian): A converted safety, Hunt feasted on lesser competition in the Southland Conference but impressed enough to earn an invite to the Senior Bowl before being selected in the third round (No. 94) by the Philadelphia Eagles. However, his transition from secondary to edge rusher and playing for a smaller school raise questions about his effectiveness at the pro level.

Over two seasons as a linebacker and defensive end for the Huskies, Hunt recorded 133 tackles (20.5 for loss) and 13.5 sacks while forcing five fumbles. Those are impressive numbers on the surface, but he’ll have to prove he can replicate them at the pro level.

However, if given the chance to earn a role in the Eagles rotation, there’s reason to believe he can only get better from here. At 6-foot-4 and 248 pounds, with a 4.64 40-yard dash time, Hunt has the ideal size and speed to be an effective player on the end.

Austin Booker, Edge (Kansas): The Chicago Bears selected the former Jayhawk in the fifth round (No. 144), which might be a tremendous value. Some draft pundits gave Booker as high as a third-round grade, but he ultimately fell to Chicago due to concerns over his consistency and experience.

Booker played sparingly in college, amassing only 505 defensive snaps over 18 games with Minnesota and Kansas. However, despite his limited usage, he flashed intriguing ability with the Jayhawks.

The lengthy edge-rusher (6-foot-6) recorded 56 tackles (12 for loss) and eight sacks in 12 games with Kansas. If Booker can add strength and improve his technique, blossoming into a top defensive player isn’t out of the question.

Travis Clayton, offensive lineman (England): Selected in the seventh round (No. 221) by the Buffalo Bills, Clayton, a former Rugby player, might be the longest shot of the group to emerge as an impact player. Still, even though he’s never played competitive football, his traits make him an intriguing prospect.

Clayton was selected as part of the International Player Pathway program and has impressive athletic instincts that could translate well to the NFL. At6-foot-7 and 300 pounds, and with impressive speed (4.79 40-yard dash time), the 23-year-old also has the build to be an effective offensive lineman.

If the Bills can mold Clayton’s unique blend of attributes, it wouldn’t be the first time a player with no football experience emerged as a difference maker. In the 2018 draft, the Philadelphia Eagles selected Australian rugby player Jordan Mailata with pick No. 233. In September, he’ll begin his fourth season as the team’s starting left tackle.