Jonh Elway and the Broncos kept their strong draft rolling on Saturday with the selections of linebacker Justin Strnad out of Wake Forest, and guard Netane Muti out of Fresno State.
Justin Strnad is an athletic, rangy linebacker that made 225 total tackles over his final three seasons with the Demon Deacons. He was easily on pace to have his best season yet in 2019, with 69 tackles and 5.5 tackles for loss through seven games, but he suffered a ruptured bicep against Florida State, that plunged his draft stock and cut his season short.
With their selection of Strnad, the Broncos are hoping they’re selecting Alexander Johnson’s running mate of the future inside. He’ll start off his career on the bench, behind Todd Davis and potentially even Josey Jewell, but should instantly prove to be a productive contributor on special teams. If he’s able to recover from the bicep injury, the Broncos just landed a third or fourth round talent at the back of round five.
Netane Muti is another developmental, injury case with tons of upside at a position of relative need. He bullied opposing defensive linemen throughout his college career with the unbelievable strength and power he possesses.
One could argue he’s the strongest player in the draft, which he backing up by tallying 44 reps on the bench press at the combine, the fourth-most ever. The concern with Muti that led to him falling to Round 6 is injury, as he missed 21 of his team’s 26 games over his final two seasons.
Muti should start off his career as a high-end backup guard behind Dalton Risner and Graham Glasgow, but don’t be surprised if Muti pushes Risner to tackle sooner rather than later. For that matter, don’t be surprised if the Broncos kick Muti outside and try him at tackle, despite his shorter arm length.
