After previously previewing what the best options in the NFL Draft were for the Denver Broncos, our analysts have re-convened to break down how the draft went for the team.
The Broncos have added a lot of exciting young talent, but who were their best and worst picks, and which rookie will be the most impactful in year one?
Here’s what our experts have to say:
What was the best pick of Denver’s draft?
Nicholas Manning (@Dr_NManning): Best pick is Patrick Surtain II, and it isn’t even close. He is the best player in their class and plays a premium position in the NFL. His ability to cover using his length and speed gives Denver a new tool in their effort to slow down the likes of Travis Kelce and Darren Waller.
JT Matthews (@JTMatthews01): Denver’s best pick was the selection of Javonte Williams. There is debate as to whether the value was there positionally, but the Broncos’ depth chart was woefully shallow after Melvin Gordon. Williams possesses a domineering run-style, the ability to catch the ball, is solid in the pass-blocking game, and his ability to find yardage after contact is unparalleled on Denver’s roster.
Zach Segars (@Zach_Segars): Surtain is a super-talented, pro-ready cornerback but Denver’s best pick of the draft was Baron Browning. He is a special talent at the linebacker position though he needs to improve as a processor. Also, his edge-rushing tape — while limited — is so good he shouldn’t have slid past the 70th pick and should give Denver added confidence about the future of their pass rush post-Von Miller.
Joey Richards (@JRDrafts): The selection I liked the most was Baron Browning at pick 105. In terms of value, getting Browning in the late third round was a steal. Not only did the Broncos finally draft the athletic linebacker that they have long been searching for, but they got one of the best athletes in this year’s draft class.
Rich Kurtzman (@RichKurtzman): Patrick Surtain II. Sure, he’s the first-round pick and seems like the easy selection here. But he will become a perennial Pro Bowler and a cornerstone of the defense for years.
What was the worst pick of the Broncos’ draft?
Nicholas Manning: The pick I did not like the most was Quinn Meinerz because of the team’s depth along the interior offensive line with Dalton Risner, Lloyd Cushenberry, and Graham Glasgow. All three are pegged to start, so I assume Meinerz is coming in to push and be a solid depth piece. They could have used that pick on offensive tackle James Hudson, who I really like. However, Meinerz is brought in to compete, and the interior o-line will be better for it. Like Drew Lock, Cushenberry showed progress but wasn’t good enough in 2020. Glasgow was injured enough to concern the team, so picking Meinerz makes sense in the long run.
JT Matthews: I have come around on the Quinn Meinerz pick a bit but I still question if it was the best pick at that point in time for Denver. They could have benefitted more from taking an edge rusher with some upside like Cameron Sample or an offensive tackle in the vein of Josh Ball or James Hudson, but Meinerz does have starter ability on the interior.
Zach Segars: It’s hard to pick a least favorite pick but Caden Sterns was likely it. If you get the good version of Sterns, he might be the biggest steal of the class, but he hasn’t been that player since his freshman year and it seems unlikely he will ever return to that form.
Joey Richards: Trading up for Javonte Williams in the second round is the draft-day decision I am most skeptical about. The Broncos drafted a good player here but with how easy the position is to find in later rounds, I wonder about the value of this selection. With how short the average running backs career is, the Broncos could regret this trade up down the road.
Rich Kurtzman: Caden Sterns? This is hard to say for sure. But Jamar Johnson looks to be a huge sleeper and they both play safety. Sterns should contribute immediately on special teams but it’s hard to see where he fits in outside of that.
Who will be the Denver Broncos’ “Rookie of the Year”?
Nicholas Manning: Rookie of the year will be Surtain. In the AFC West, the Broncos will match up with some of the league’s best passing teams in the Chiefs, Raiders, and Chargers. They will need all the help in the secondary they can get. Couple that with his talent and pro-readiness, and Surtain will win over Broncos Country with his play quickly into the 2021 campaign.
JT Matthews: I hate to double down but it has to be Javonte Williams. Williams has the potential to be a 3-down back in this league and with Melvin Gordon’s injury history and track record off the field, he may see an opportunity to seize the lion’s share of carries for this Broncos’ offense.
Zach Segars: I’m going to pick Baron Browning, but Williams has a terrific shot as well. Josey Jewell poses as less of an obstacle that Melvin Gordon for the starting job though, and Browning’s athleticism is sure to pop up in splash plays that will catch the eyes and steal the hearts of Broncos Country. Also, solving the long-lasting headache of not having a coverage linebacker for the past five seasons should help Browning earn some adoration.
Joey Richards: In a single offseason, the Broncos have made one of their biggest team weaknesses into a strength, which is why Surtain will have the biggest year one impact. Whether it was through the starters or depth players, the Broncos struggled to find any consistency throughout their secondary last season. With the selection of Surtain, this is a thing of the past, securing both a long-term starter and solid depth with this selection.
Rich Kurtzman: Javonte Williams will get a shot at carrying the ball a bunch this year. Expect him to be impactful and a key part of that revolutionized offense.
