Their attempts may involve tapping into an unorthodox pipeline, although one that has gained prominence in recent years.
“This is a fun one: Welsh rugby star Louis Rees-Zammit, one of the more high-profile international names in the International Player Pathway Program, is visiting the #Broncos today and the #Chiefs tomorrow, source said,” a report from the NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport on March 25. “He spent last week with the #Browns and #Jets.”
Several former rugby players have made the move to the NFL, however the most have been punters.
Rees-Zammit is looking for a less traveled path.
The NFL has revealed the complete list of players invited to participate in the 2024 International Pathway Program. Harry Mallinder, a rugby player, was also present. The list also includes Rees-Zammit as a running back and wide receiver potential.
“I would love to return kicks,” Rees-Zammit told WalesOnline.co’s Glen Williams on January 19. “That is something I enjoy doing in rugby. In terms of position, in rugby I want to have the ball at all times. So, I believe it would be on offense, as a running back or receiver, or a hybrid. Whatever I am instructed, I shall do.
“This couldn’t have come at a better time for me, especially as I’m pretty much the same age as players coming out of college so I have time to learn the game and learn those skills.”
Broncos might tap into the NFL’s budding international pipeline.
The NFL International Pathway Program started in 2017. It has helped launch the careers of players such as Philadelphia Eagles left tackle Jordan Mailata and Las Vegas Raiders fullback Jakob Johnson, among others.
This season, the NFL allocated a 17th position on the practice squad to overseas players.
Rees-Zammit, 23, confirmed his departure from rugby union club Gloucester in January.
He was poised to be included to the Welsh Six Nations Championship squad. The tournament began on March 30 with a battle between Rees-Zammit’s native Wales and England, where he previously played.
After four years of professional rugby, Rees-Zammit couldn’t pass up the chance to play in the NFL.
“I have had the incredible honor of playing rugby for my country, which, as a proud Welshman, I’ve never taken for granted,” Rees-Zammit told the Associated Press’ Steve Douglas on January 16.
“However, I believe that it is the appropriate time for me to pursue another professional goal: playing American football in the United States. “Those opportunities do not come around very often.”
The Broncos are already competing against the Chiefs, Browns, and Jets. However, Rapoport amended the list to add an NFC opponent, saying that Rees-Zammit has hired representation.
“Louis Rees-Zammit, who is visiting the #Chiefs today and the #Packers Thursday, has hired Kim Miale of Roc Nation to represent him,” Rapoport reported on March 26, citing the prospect’s statement about “bridging the game between the agency’s branches.”
Broncos Attend Potential Day 2 Draft Pick’s Pro Day
One of Rees-Zammit’s distinguishing characteristics is his speed. The Broncos continued that theme by attending Western Kentucky wide receiver Malachi Corley’s pro day on March 25, according to Senior Bowl Executive Director Jim Nagy.
Corley, a 5-foot-11 senior, raced in the “mid-4.4 range” according to Nagy. Nagy also mentioned that Broncos wide receivers coach Keary Colbert attended the exercise.
Corley might be an option for the Broncos on Day 2 of the draft, which starts on April 25.
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