In a move that caught many off guard, the Denver Broncos have signed one of the most polarizing undrafted free agents in the 2025 NFL class—former Georgia and Jacksonville State offensive lineman Clay Webb. Once considered a blue-chip prospect, Webb’s fall from grace came not due to talent, but controversy—and now, the Broncos are taking a calculated gamble.
From Five-Star Recruit to Undrafted Free Agent
Clay Webb’s football résumé is impressive. A former five-star recruit out of high school, he initially joined the Georgia Bulldogs before transferring to Jacksonville State, where he developed into an All-Conference interior lineman. His on-field performance was strong enough to earn him an invitation to both the Senior Bowl and the NFL Scouting Combine. Dane Brugler of The Athletic ranked him as the 15th-best guard in the 2025 draft class, praising Webb’s play strength and consistency in both tape and live competition.
But none of that was enough to get his name called during the seven rounds of the draft.
The Shadow of a Legal Case
What derailed Webb’s draft stock wasn’t a lack of ability—it was a clouded off-field past. Webb is currently involved in a federal lawsuit stemming from a bullying incident in 2018. While the incident dates back several years, its severity was enough to keep NFL teams away during the draft. For most organizations, especially ones typically risk-averse like the Broncos, signing a player with such baggage is rare.
That’s why this move raised eyebrows. Denver, known in recent years for leaning toward character and culture fits, appears to be shifting its approach—at least in this instance.
A Risk with Potential Reward
NFL front offices often talk about “second chances” and “fresh starts,” but they usually come after a player has proven himself both talented and trustworthy over time. For Webb, the Broncos seem to believe that time—and perhaps personal growth—has shifted the narrative enough to warrant an opportunity. Whether or not he visited the team during the pre-draft process is unclear, but Denver’s front office clearly saw enough in him to offer a contract as a priority UDFA.
If Webb can stay focused and handle the scrutiny that comes with his signing, he has the tools to earn a roster spot. Brugler noted that while his technique occasionally falters, his core strength and ability to execute a variety of run-blocking schemes make him a valuable depth piece, particularly if he can prove versatility at both guard and center.
A Test for Denver’s Locker Room Culture
This signing may ultimately be about more than football. It’s a test of the Broncos’ leadership structure—both in the front office and locker room. Can they support a player with a checkered past while maintaining team culture and integrity? Will this move be seen as a savvy risk or a step too far?
Time—and Webb’s actions moving forward—will tell.
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