The Denver Broncos rookie draft class is the most extensive group of players Sean Payton has had since taking the reins as the head coach in Denver. They got their first chance to shine in the preseason opener on Sunday.
Denver Broncos rookie class impactful in debut vs. Indianapolis Colts
All eyes were on the Denver Broncos and rookie quarterback Bo Nix during Sunday’s preseason win against the Indianapolis Colts. How did the rookie class look overall?
Bo Nix showcases promise in first appearance
Broncos fans are mostly excited after Nix’s preseason debut. He methodically moved them down the field various times, with four of his five overall drives leading to points scored. On top of that, his 15-of-21 efficiency, quick delivery, mobility, and smart decision-making were on display.
Sure there are some areas of his game he can continue to improve on mechanically, but film breakdowns like Tim Jenkins showcase him doing things that the Broncos have had at quarterback in years. It’s a promising start.
Nix will start against the Green Bay Packers this week for Week 2 of the NFL preseason.
Jonah Elliss impressive in debut
Jonah Elliss was a menace in his NFL debut. He played in 22 snaps against the Colts and finished the game with two tackles, a sack, and a handful of pressures.
The rookie edge rusher also helped force a turnover with a pressure look right before halftime that led to Keidron Smith intercepting a pass. If you want to run the film back, you’ll see Elliss’ high motor and relentless effort on every snap he’s on the field. He did a great job of tracking Kedon Slovis on one rep all the way down the line of scrimmage off of a stunt play and forced him out of bounds short of picking up the first down. His ability to set the edge and keep contain was another thing that stood out.
Really liked what I saw from Broncos rookie OLB Jonah Elliss. Does an amazing job tracking down the line of scrimmage – doesn’t get caught trailing. pic.twitter.com/aXhQWS1sMJ
— Cody Roark (@CodyRoarkNFL) August 12, 2024
Troy Franklin not where he needs to be yet
Troy Franklin has found himself in a unique position despite his draft positioning. He’s not where the Broncos need him to be yet offensively and that isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but it has shown up in the amount of overall reps he’s received. Franklin saw one target in Sunday’s win and no catches, despite being on the field for 22 snaps. He didn’t see a single snap on special teams which is an area he can help the team considering their overall depth at wide receiver.
Franklin will be a player to watch this week against the Green Bay Packers where he’ll more than likely receive more snaps.
Kris Abrams-Draine getting more comfortable
The Denver Broncos rookie class is seeing more contributions from top to bottom on offense and defense, and Kris Abrams-Draine is making the climb as training camp has progressed.
He’s demonstrably more confident on the field and with the defensive scheme than he previously was in the spring during minicamp. Abrams-Draine technique is a strong suit of his.
#Broncos rookie CB Kris Abrams-Draine has made big strides from the spring to now. Good coverage here on the outside. pic.twitter.com/1Qe3UKHhkr
— Cody Roark (@CodyRoarkNFL) August 12, 2024
He played a game-high 33 snaps (63%) in Sunday’s game against the Colts and finished with one tackle, one pass defended, and intercepted a two-point conversion attempt and returned it for a solid gain. He’s not afraid to come up and assist in the run, which is a good sign. Abrams-Draine could put Tremon Smith’s roster status in question if he excels on special teams as well, playing 13 snaps on that side of the ball on Sunday.
Audric Estime will be a dynamic element of the offense
There is a lot to like about Audric Estime and the dynamic he’ll bring to the table for the Broncos this year. The rookie running back saw 18 snaps on offense and eight snaps on special teams. Of his 18 snaps, he had three catches out of the backfield for 13 yards, 10 carries for 31 yards and a touchdown. The one negative about his performance in the sample size he saw on Sunday was his fumble that was returned for a touchdown.
Ball security is paramount for Payton and that will have to be something that gets cleaned up. Other than that, Estime should be an impactful player on short yardage situations or even in the goal line.
Nick Gargiulo is an unknown
Offensive lineman Nick Gargiulo has been a complete mystery throughout training camp. Early on, he suffered some sort of injury that’s been undisclosed but has been at practice working in individual period with Zach Strief before heading off to the side field. At this point, all signs point to him being a potential practice squad signing after the preseason.
Devaughn Vele is further along than anybody expected
Devaughn Vele has been one of the most exciting young players in this year’s draft class. Despite being a little bit older for a rookie at 26 years of age, Vele has quickly picked up everything Payton and Keary Colbert want him to. He had one catch during Sunday’s win but drew two pass interference calls and had a terrific block/pick that prevented a linebacker from getting in position on a wheel route by Jaleel McLaughlin.
He played 29 reps in Sunday’s game and will likely see more this week as the Denver Broncos host the Green Bay Packers.