Adding physical, high-motor players, the Broncos tabbed Arizona State inside linebacker Josh Barrett and Arkansas fullback Peyton Hillis with their final picks in the 2008 NFL Draft, both coming in the seventh round.
Barrett, 6-2 and 223 pounds, notched 38 tackles in 2007, with one interception, seven pass deflections and one fumble recovery (in a victory over Colorado).
Getting the call from the Broncos did not come as a surprise, Barrett said.
“In the last few months I’ve had good conversations with the Broncos,” he said. “It’s an amazing opportunity. I can’t wait to get there.”
Hillis, 6-1 and 240 pounds, was listed as the top fullback prospect in the draft by some publications. Although his primary responsibility at Arkansas was blocking for first-round draft choices Darren McFadden and Felix Jones, Hillis rushed for 327 yards and two touchdowns in 2007 and showed the ability to catch the ball out of the backfield – leading the team with 49 catches, for 537 yards and five touchdowns.
Clocked at 4.56, Hillis was moved around in the backfield and in the slot, filling several roles.
“It was pretty much a week-to-week deal,” Hillis said. “If they needed somebody, it was me. I’m willing to play anything (for the Broncos). I’m just anxious to play.”
