The Denver Broncos traded their second-round pick to draft Tyler Onyedim from Texas A&M Aggies. This move sets up a special reunion. Onyedim is moving to Denver to play alongside former teammate Eyioma "Enyi" Uwazurike, and he is already elated.

The 66th overall selection, Onyedim and Uwazurike, are not actually related. Yet the two share a bond so strong they call each other brothers. Onyedim expressed his excitement about joining his ‘big brother’ in the pros.

“That’s big brother,” Onyedim said of Uwazurike. “That’s my dog. He’s going to be in my wedding; I’m going to be in his wedding. That’s my big brother. I’m happy to be back.”

The two first crossed paths at Iowa State Cyclones football, where they were teammates during the 2021 season. It marked Onyedim’s first year in college and Uwazurike’s final season before entering the NFL. Even after Onyedim transferred to Texas A&M Aggies football for the 2025 season, the pair remained very close.

Before the draft, Onyedim had a pre-draft conversation with Broncos' defensive line coach Jamar Cain, where he shared his excitement to be reunited with Uwazurike.

"He said he really liked my play [and] he really liked the player I was," Onyedim explained. "I feel like my contact went really, really good. I love the defensive line. I love my boy ‘Enyi,' I told him all that, and he knew what it is. I’m excited to be with my dog." 

Though this moment might be emotional for the two players, they will compete for a position in the defensive line.

Tyler Onyedim Faces Competition for Spot on Broncos' Defensive Line

Onyedim walks into the pros after gathering experience in both Iowa State and Texas A&M defensive schemes. Film study by the Texas A&M Aggies football emphasized the defensive tackle’s ability to pressure the quarterback, a quality that also stands out to Sean Payton during player evaluations.

The Broncos still need to replace John Franklin-Myers in the starting lineup. But along with his talents, Onyedim will be facing tough competition.

He will be fighting against veteran defensive linemen Malcolm Roach and Uwazurike. Both of them played well for the Broncos last season. So, Denver rewarded Roach a new deal midway through the year, while Uwazurike is entering a pivotal contract year.

The veterans are likely to get the first preference at the starting job, though 2025 third-rounder Sai’vion Jones remains part of the long-term picture. Even after limited action as a rookie, Denver continues to value his development as an interior pass rusher.

Share your thoughts on the competition Tyler Onyedim will be facing in Denver.

Read more at Denver Broncos Community.

Written by

Aaindri Thakuri

Edited by

Soheli Tarafdar