Of all the fallout from the Russell Wilson trade, the one that caught me by surprise the most is the relative disinterest in the upcoming NFL Draft. In previous years Broncos Country was consumed by any and all chatter about the event around now, myself included. Not this year, where there appears to be just as much interest in the franchise’s impending sale and the slow drip of news from Nathaniel Hackett’s first OTAs.
An adjustment makes sense, of course. This time last year there was a hotly contested debate about what George Paton should do with the ninth overall pick. With only Drew Lock and Brett Rypien on the roster, there was plenty of speculation that the first year GM could take “the fourth best” passer in the upcoming draft. Fast forward to 2022, and there’s no question about the starting quarterback anymore, while Paton isn’t on the clock until the end of the second round. With the lion’s share of draft content focused on the early part of the first round, plenty of fans have little idea as to who is even available.
Realistically it’s unlikely he’ll find a player who makes the same impact Patrick Surtain II did as a rookie, but that doesn’t mean the right player can’t help the Broncos’ odds at the playoffs. A quick look at the last 10 64th picks in the NFL Draft reveal plenty of early contributors.
2021: Kyle Trask
2020: Jeremy Chinn
2019: D.K. Metcalf
2018: Tyquan Lewis
2017: Taylor Moton
2016: Kevin Byard
2015: Jordan Richards
2014: Justin Britt
2013: Dwayne Gratz
2012: Dwayne Allen
By my rough count five of the 10 players turned into impact players, and a few of the others became solid starters. I set out to dig up prospects at the Broncos’ clear positions of need who could make an early impact. To avoid wasting your time with players who probably won’t be available at 64, I crosschecked each with Marcus Mosher’s consensus board.
Defensive line
The Broncos look like they have a rather pressing need at five technique in their base 3-4 because D.J. Jones and Mike Purcell are both at their best playing further inside, while the depth behind them is unproven in a starting type of role. The second third round turn currently looks like the last real sweet spot in the draft for teams in need of such a player this year. There could be three options for Paton to consider.
DeMarvin Leal has an average draft position (ADP) of 61, so he may be just out of reach. The former five star recruit was a starting strongside 5-tech for the Aggies, but routinely moved up and down the front. He’s a very good athlete with the burst, bend, and motor to develop into a starting caliber player who can rush the passer in the league.
Perrion Winfrey’s ADP of 64.6 is more in line with Denver’s pick, and the Senior Bowl MVP offers a similar size profile to Leal at 6’3 and 290 lbs. He played along the interior of Oklahoma Sooners’ slanting 3-3-5 defense. He’s a good athlete with ridiculous 35 1/4” arm length which helps him to power his way past blockers.
Phidarian Mathis has an ADP of 66.7. One thing that could make Mathis a sleeper to keep an eye on is he has the traits to quickly carve out playing time as a run defender in base personnel, whereas Leal and Winfrey look like they’ll make an early impact as sub package pass rushers. A powerful 6’4 and 310 lbs., Mathis offers the ability to two-gap with his length and anchor.
This play may get lost in the shuffle but #Alabama DL Phidarian Mathis just saved this play from being a big one by getting flat down the LOS. UGA had numbers on the perimeter and he ran down from the backside. pic.twitter.com/soUbF06xs0
— Devin Jackson (@RealD_Jackson) January 11, 2022
Linebacker
If healthy Josey Jewell will start at one off ball spot, but there are questions about who lines up beside him. Reports suggest Baron Browning will move to edge, and while the Broncos signed Alex Singleton to a one year deal, his struggles against blockers appears to leave the door open for Jonas Griffith or a rookie to compete for the starting spot. There are two prospects on the consensus board who fit into the range between Denver’s pick at 64 and their first third rounder at 75 and I’ve studied both at length.
Leo Chenal’s ADP of 66 is interesting because draft analysts are so split on him. He’s ranked as highly as 33rd overall by Pro Football Focus and as lowly as 118 by NFL Network’s Lance Zierlein. A top tier run defender who has athletic limitations in coverage, he’d remind Broncos Country of Alexander Johnson.
Darrian Beavers looks like he has a decent chance at sliding to 75 with his ADP of 73. While he isn’t quite the thumper Chenal is, Beavers offers a similar skillset with his ability to defeat blockers, leverage gaps, and hold down the fort against inside runs. He’s a very instinctive player with pass rush upside, but like Chenal he’ll have issues if Ejiro Evero matches him up against twitched up athletes in space.
Defensive Back
Paton’s prioritized the secondary since he became general manager and yet the group is still concerning when you consider Patrick Mahomes, Justin Herbert, and Derek Carr quarterback the Broncos’ AFC West rivals. Patrick Surtain II, Ronald Darby, and K’Wuan Williams all missed time to injury in 2021 and the depth behind them is questionable, while Kareem Jackson’s ongoing fight with Father Time leaves uncertainty about the long term plan at safety.
It’d behoove Paton to consider Kyler Gordon if he somehow slides to 64, as he’s a fantastic fit for what the Broncos look set to run. Failing that, it looks like there’s three DB prospects on the consensus board who will fall between Denver’s picks at 64 and 75.
Martin Emerson’s ADP of 69.5 may be a bit misleading because it’s inflated by Bleacher Report ranking him 44th on their board. The Mississippi State Bulldog is a big corner at 6’2 and 201 lbs. with the mental acuity and length to find a home in the league, but athletic limitations related to his fluidity, change of direction skills, and play strength create questions about his fit in a variant of the Fangio scheme.
Nick Cross fits neatly between 64 and 75 with his ADP of 70.4. A versatile safety who logged snaps in the slot, he was Maryland’s interception leader each of his three years starting for the program. His 4.3 speed and the physicality he plays with makes him an intriguing fit for the Broncos’ defense. He’d fit into the 2022 roster as a backup who can log snaps at safety, nickel, and on special teams with starting upside if he can improve his route recognition.
Bryan Cook may be a better pickup in the third round than the second, as his ADP is currently at 74.1. A former cornerback turned safety following his transfer to Cincinnati, he has experience logging snaps in single high, the box, and the slot for the Bearcats. He’s a good tackler who has the physicality and play strength to run the alley out of two high looks, as well as the mental acuity to hold up in zone coverage. I suspect he’d improve the Broncos’ special teams early as he competes for snaps behind Justin Simmons and Kareem Jackson.
#Cincinnati safety Bryan Cook
— Matt Bowen (@MattBowen41) April 7, 2022
6-foot-1, 206
Ball production. Scheme versatility. Can cover down vs. Slot WRs/TEs. Tackles in the run game. And he hits. Physical striker — with tone setting traits.
Play-style reminds me of Bills safety Jordan Poyer. @NFLMatchup pic.twitter.com/Fr6mMJCLQE
Offensive Line
Unless someone like Central Michigan’s Bernhard Raiman or Tyler Smith fall, 64 does not look like the ideal spot to draft a tackle for a zone/duo run game in this class. The same can’t be said at guard, where there’s three players who could intrigue Paton at the end of the second round.
Jamaree Salyer has the highest ADP of the trio at 69.5, but brings the most questions about fit in the Hackett offense. He spent time at each position on the Georgia O-line during his career, but most of his starts came at left tackle. Even still, his 6’3 321 lb. stature and athletic limitations suggest he’s going to become an NFL guard. He offers good reactive athleticism, play strength, and the anchor to compete for starting snaps, but may be miscast in pure zone/duo run game where he’ll need to make more blocks on the second level.
Cole Strange fits right between 64 and 75 with an ADP of 70.6. He’s the closest thing in this draft to Quinn Meinerz with the way he impressed evaluators at the Senior Bowl after 44 career starts at UT-Chattanooga, mostly at left guard. He spent time at center in Mobile and could compete for a starting job early in his career if he can refine his technique. He has the athletic ability, competitive toughness, and play strength to backup multiple positions across the interior out the gate.
Dylan Parham’s ADP of 74.4 suggests he’d be a better value when the Broncos pick in the third round. A high school edge who moved from tight end to the line in 2018 who started 51 games for Memphis at guard and tackle, he moved to center for the Senior Bowl. He has the athleticism, competitive toughness, and savvy to compete with Lloyd Cushenberry for a starting job early in his career.
Abraham Lucas has been a popular pick at 64, but it’s worth noting that draft analysts in the consensus board are extremely split on him and his draft position averaged out to 94.7 after two have him as high as 50, two in the 70s, and three others ranked him in the 100s, including Brandon Thorn who ranked him as the 13th best tackle in this class. He was a four-year starter at Washington State who only blocked for run plays on 27% of his snaps for the Cougars. Issues with play strength, weight distribution, flexibility, and technique will need to improve for him to develop into a starting caliber player.
From NFL Now on @nflnetwork on Washington State OT Abraham Lucas, whose 12 visits (#Panthers and #Packers this week) make him one of the busiest pre-draft travelers we’ve seen. Teams are spending more time with him after a terrific showing at the Scouting Combine. pic.twitter.com/8qubXhvpzt
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) April 13, 2022
Edge Rusher
The strongest position group in this draft class is certainly edge rusher, and while it may lack star power at the top what separates it from previous years is the sheer depth of talent. What Paton may find himself debating at 64 is if he can afford to wait and tap into that depth, as every member of the Broncos’ edge rotation carries a question about durability, size, or both. There appears to be two players who fit neatly into the Broncos’ range on the consensus board, though there is a possibility Michigan’s David Ojabo, Oklahoma’s Nik Bonitto or even Minnesota’s Boye Mafe slide.
Cameron Thomas’ is a 6’5 270 lb. tweener who’s ADP of 71.4 lands him closer to the Broncos’ first third rounder than 64, and the 33rd team had him as high as 38th overall. Additionally, a hamstring injury at the Senior Bowl caused him to miss workouts during the pre-draft process. He logged a ton of snaps overall as he played up and down the defensive line in San Diego State’s 3-3-5 scheme. He has the hands and competitive toughness to find a home in the NFL, but is a bit of an odd fit for Denver unless he bulks up to play five technique.
Drake Jackson’s 71.8 ADP may come in lower than Thomas’, but he seems likelier to go before the Broncos’ 64th pick. His average is anchored by two analysts who were very low on him: Lance Zierlein has him at 147 and ESPN’s Matt Miller ranked him 91st, everyone else had him out of Paton’s reach. Unlike Thomas he’s projects best as a stand-up edge rusher with the burst, bend, and explosiveness to become an impact starter if he can refine his pass rush plan. He’d fit into the rotation as a sub rusher in year one.
My lord Drake Jackson pic.twitter.com/1F8s7cwk2T
— Ben Glassmire (@BenGlassmireNFL) August 31, 2021
The dilemma at Tight End
Noah Fant is now a member of the Seattle Seahawks as part of the trade to acquire Wilson, which leaves the Broncos’ tight end room Albert Okwuegbunam, Eric Tomlinson, Shaun Beyer, and Andrew Beck. If he can stay healthy, Okwuegbunam has the talent to become a reliable starter if he can improve on his blocking and route running. Tomlinson’s a journeyman with 18 career catches and Beyer’s entering his second season in the league after a rookie year on the practice squad, while Beck’s played 121 offensive snaps since 2019. No one will blame Paton for grabbing a tight end in this draft, the conundrum he’s facing is: where?
The consensus best tight end in this class is Colorado State’s Trey McBride, who has an ADP of 55.9. At first glance it’s certainly plausible that he could slide a little, but his two highest rankings came from Lance Zierlein and the 33rd team, which suggests the NFL is higher on him than the consensus.
Trey McBride can handle the Y-TE duties vs DEs that outweigh him by 20lbs…
— Ben Fennell (@BenFennell_NFL) January 19, 2022
TE1. pic.twitter.com/SWkRzk0CJl
If the Broncos miss out on McBride the second ranked tight end on the consensus board is Greg Dulcich with an ADP of 80.9, and only two analysts ranked him above the Broncos’ spot at 64. He’s probably there at 75. The next tight end is Jeremy Ruckert, with an ADP of 85.9. I studied Ruckert at length and think he makes a ton of sense for this Broncos roster. I also believe 64 would be very rich.
Your Broncos’ News
Is it playoffs or bust for Denver Broncos this year with Russell Wilson? - Mile High Report
Bucs Reports’ JT Olson, Joe Mahoney, and Joe Rowles discuss on this week’s Cover 2 Broncos
How much use is too much use for an NFL running back in 2022? - Mile High Report
Updating a study from about a decade ago that looked at the “break” point in terms of running back utilization. What this means for how the Broncos might use Javonte Williams while he is on his rookie contract.
Why Ravens, Seahawks Were Underachievers in 2021 | Football Outsiders
On the field, Wilson suffered a gnarly finger injury in Week 5, came back too soon, and finished with a subpar season by his lofty standards (he still was 12th in DVOA and 15th in DYAR). Meanwhile, the pass rush cratered (tied for 31st in adjusted sack rate), the overall pass defense was poor (26th in DVOA), and the long-maligned offensive line continued to struggle to protect Wilson (tied for 25th in adjusted sack rate). Unlike in previous seasons, Wilson couldn’t overcome the lack of protection. Star wideout DK Metcalf fell from fifth in DYAR in 2020 to 41st in 2021, symbolic of the lack of the consistent deep passing attack the Seahawks rode to prominence under Wilson. Not much has been done as of this writing to drastically improve the problem areas.
‘Just a different vibe’ in Dove Valley - Mile High Report
Of course there is. That doesn’t make it any less awesome.
Garett Bolles wants to play his heart out for Russell Wilson - Mile High Report
“I know you’re used to getting hit. You’re not going to get hit here.”
Garett Bolles: Russell Wilson has mentality of Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Michael Jordan - ProFootballTalk
“He’s a great leader. I love Russ,” offensive tackle Garett Bolles said. “I love his determination. I love his focus. I love his mental. I love everything. You talk about some of the greatest athletes — Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Michael Jordan — the type of mentalities those athletes have. That’s what he has. He’s just so focused all the time, ready to rock and roll, and it’s what we needed here. He’s just so positive all the time, just a lovable guy. You just want to play your heart out for him.”
Leslie Frazier: To improve hiring practices, owners must undergo a “massive change of heart” - ProFootballTalk
Eight days ago, the Brian Flores lawsuit expanded to include two more plaintiffs. The new allegations arose from, among other things, shockingly candid remarks from former Titans coach Mike Mularkey, who admitted to getting the job as a result of a sham interview process.
Best landing spots for PFF’s top remaining free agents | NFL News, Rankings and Statistics | PFF
8. WR ANTONIO BROWN Russell Wilson attempted to recruit Brown to the Seattle Seahawks, and it’s possible that Seattle’s unwillingness to make the move — or at least similar moves over the years — played a minor role in Wilson’s decision to waive his no-trade clause and join the Denver Broncos. Even with one of the league’s stronger wide receiver trios in Courtland Sutton, Jerry Jeudy and Tim Patrick already in the fold, Brown could be the final addition in an AFC West arms race that puts the Broncos’ offense over the top. Despite Brown joining a Tampa Bay Buccaneers offense already loaded with top-end weapons, his 90.3 receiving grade from 2020-21 ranked tied for fifth among wide receivers and his 2.40 yards per route run ranked seventh. If a team is willing to deal with all the rest that comes with Brown, he can still produce with the best of the best. Best landing spot: Denver Broncos
Broncos Draft News
2022 NFL Draft: Denver Broncos draft interest tracker version 2.0 - Mile High Report
An updated list of prospects the Denver Broncos have shown some level of interest in thus far throughout the draft process.
2022 NFL Draft: A pass rusher in every round for the Denver Broncos - Mile High Report
With pass-rusher continuing to be a need for the Broncos, who are some pass-rushers Broncos fans should keep an eye on in each round of the 2022 NFL Draft
2022 NFL Draft profile: Cincinnati LB Darrian Beavers - Mile High Report
Should George Paton add a Bearcat to the defense?
2022 NFL Draft profile: Wisconsin LB Leo Chenal - Mile High Report
Could Chenal become the Broncos long term partner for Baron Browning?
2022 NFL Draft prospect profile: Ohio State Tight End Jeremy Ruckert - Mile High Report
Could Ruckert fit into the Broncos offense?
QBASE: Pickett, Corral Lead Lukewarm Quarterback Class | Football Outsiders
According to Football Outsiders’ QBASE 2.0 model, there is no statistically significant difference between the top five quarterbacks in this year’s NFL draft. Moreover, the model predicts that this year’s class is more likely to disappear into obscurity than walk into the Hall of Fame. After all, for every class of 1983, there are years that don’t yield any starters (see 2007 and 2013).
2022 NFL Draft: 10 best small-school gems | NFL Draft | PFF
While the prospects who hail from college football’s powerhouse programs receive most of the attention, there are still plenty of small-school gems in the 2022 NFL Draft, and PFF’s Kambui Bomani is here to detail exactly who they are.
NFL News
Report: Kelvin Joseph meets with Dallas police for hours in connection with murder - ProFootballTalk
Cowboys cornerback Kelvin Joseph finally met with Dallas police Friday, almost a month after a 20-year-old man died in a drive-by shooting. Matt Howerton of WFAA reports that police investigators questioned Joseph for “a few hours.”
Attorney: Kelvin Joseph did not shoot Cameron Ray - ProFootballTalk
“Kelvin Joseph did not shoot Cameron Ray,” Sorrels told the Morning News. “Mr. Ray’s death is a tragedy, and Kelvin extends his deepest condolences for the family’s loss. On the night of March 17 [sic], Kelvin was unarmed and was not looking for violence. He found himself in a situation that escalated without his knowledge or consent.
Colts signing Pro Bowl CB Stephon Gilmore to two-year deal
NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport reported Friday the Colts are signing corner Stephon Gilmore to a two-year contract, per sources informed of the situation. The deal is worth around $23 million, according to Pelissero, per a source.
Robby Anderson doesn’t want Baker Mayfield to join the Panthers - ProFootballTalk
Via USA Today, a fan Instagram account posted an item with a report from Ian Rapoport of NFL Media that the Panthers are the most likely destination for Mayfield. Anderson responded with one word: “Nooooo.”
Chiefs Set Record for Talent Turnover | Football Outsiders
So how much net talent have the Chiefs really lost here? Based on Football Outsiders numbers, the answer is “an awful lot.” According to our DYAR metric, the 2022 Chiefs suffer from a bigger net loss of offensive weapons than any other team in the last 20 years.
Loading comments...