Miami Hurricanes guard Venzell Boulware going to rookie minicamp with Denver Broncos

MIAMI, FL - NOVEMBER 03: Travis Homer #24 of the Miami Hurricanes celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown in the first half against the Duke Blue Devils at Hard Rock Stadium on November 3, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL - NOVEMBER 03: Travis Homer #24 of the Miami Hurricanes celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown in the first half against the Duke Blue Devils at Hard Rock Stadium on November 3, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)

Venzell Boulware who played in all 13 games and started six at guard in his only season with the Miami Hurricanes announced on Twitter on Monday that he is going to rookie minicamp with the Denver Broncos.

Venzell Boulware began his collegiate career with the Tennessee Volunteers before joining the Miami Hurricanes as a graduate transfer in 2018. Boulware had decided to forego his final season of eligibility remaining to enter the NFL Draft. It was not a surprise that Boulware was undrafted.

Boulware joins a Broncos organization two-deep across the offensive line. Their only draft pick up front was Kansas State offensive tackle Dalton Risner. Boulware joins four other offensive linemen trying to make the Denver roster as undrafted free agents. The Broncos have had unprecedented success with UFAs.

Denver is the only team since 2011 to produce three Pro-Bowl players who were signed as undrafted free agents. Cornerback Chris Harris and running backs C.J. Anderson and Philip Lindsay all earned Pro-Bowl invites as undrafted free agents with the Broncos.

Lindsay did so last season after leading Denver in rushing yards and yards from scrimmage. Denver is very diligent with their approach to signing undrafted free agents. Boulware will face tough competition to make the Broncos roster. It’s clear that John Elway and the Denver staff is committed to upgrading their offensive line.

Elway was quoted in the Denver Post discussing the Broncos strategy regarding undrafted free agents, or what he referred to as CFAs.

"“Not only do we spend the time on the front (draft) board, but the pro department does a great job on the back board (for undrafted free agents…When it’s time to say, ‘Go and sign some CFAs,’ we know what we want and we go and try to get those guys that we want.”"

Boulware tweeted his appreciation of the opportunity to try out for the Broncos. That’s all the players want. The majority, at least publically, don’t get caught up on not getting drafted or being unhappy with where they were drafted. Getting an opportunity to make an NFL roster is the chance to realize life long dreams.

Boulware spoke with the website The Grind about his journey to the NFL and what he learned with the Miami Hurricanes. Starting in the Pinstripe Bowl and taking what he learned at Miami were highlights of his one year in Coral Gables. Boulware decided to forego his final year of eligibility to help his family financially.

"“Being able to start a bowl game was big for me because that was the first bowl game I ever started. I was able to show my versatility all season. We struggled offensively, but I was still able to grow as a player. Moving forward, I’ll be able to take all the lessons I learned with me to the next level.I still had another season of eligibility left, but I felt it was time for me to take the next step. The financial struggle back home is real and I have my degree. I don’t want to be a burden on my family. It’s time for me to help out.There was also a big coaching turnover at Miami with a new staff coming in and there was a lot going on with that.”"

Boulware’s interview with The Grind was published the first day of the NFL Draft. He continued to elaborate on his process of getting ready for the NFL Draft. Without being invited to the NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Boulware stressed the importance of Miami’s Pro Day.

"“If you don’t get invited to the combine, you basically have one day, your school’s pro day, to audition and showcase what you can do. Our pro day was in late March, which was later than a lot of other schools. I couldn’t wait to show the scouts and team execs, in person, what type of player and person I am.Whoever drafts me or gives me a shot as a free agent camp invitee is going to get an extremely intelligent and versatile player that’s hungry and wants to impose his will on his opponents. I’m excited to show my value and prove that I can contribute to an NFL team.”"

Boulware was one of 14 players who graduated college but decided to forego remaining eligibility and went undrafted. Other notable players on that list are Buffalo quarterback Tyree Jackson and Duke linebacker Joe Giles-Harris.

Boulware is one of nine Miami Hurricanes players that will get a chance to make an NFL roster this summer. He heads to the Mile High City to join former Miami safety, Jamal Carter. Carter is entering his third season with the Broncos after leading them in tackles in 2016.

Schedule

Schedule