DENVER BRONCOS POST-DRAFT TEAM GUIDE

The Denver Broncos, under the new leadership of general manager George Paton, seem as if they’re on the brink of something special. 

Denver’s roster was already loaded with talent, and some think the Broncos are a quarterback away from challenging for the AFC West crown. Obviously, there have been rumors connecting them with a certain disgruntled quarterback, Green Bay Packers’ Aaron Rodgers. Could that have factored into Denver’s draft plans? Possibly, as Paton addressed every position of need with quality additions except QB. 

Here are the Broncos’ 2021 NFL Draft picks:

Round 1 (No. 9 overall): Patrick Surtain II, CB, Alabama

Patrick Surtain II may be the most pro-ready cornerback in the 2021 class. While some wondered if quarterback Justin Fields should have been the selection here, Denver is satisfied having this cornerback with good size, length, and upside. He steps in and becomes a Day 1 starter under defensive coordinator Ed Donatell.

Round 2 (No. 35 overall): Javonte Williams, RB, North Carolina

Javonte Williams was widely considered one of the best running backs to come out of the draft. Now, he brings his tough and violent running style to the Broncos. This selection was likely an insurance pick with Melvin Gordon’s uncertain status beyond this season.

Round 3 (No. 98 overall): Quinn Meinerz, IOL, Wisconsin–Whitewater

Quinn Meinerz has the toughness, competitiveness, and upside to challenge for a starting role at any of the three interior offensive line positions. He’s currently listed as a backup center to Lloyd Cushenberry, but Meinerz gives the team options inside; shoring up the interior for whoever is under center is a wise investment.

Round 3 (No. 105 overall): Baron Browning, LB, Ohio State

Baron Browning has the most upside of any linebacker in the Broncos’ linebacker room from an athletic standpoint. With uncertainty surrounding Josey Jewell and AJ Johnson enjoying success as an undrafted free agent discovery, Browning steps into a positional group where he could challenge for a starting role from Day 1.

Round 5 (No. 152 overall): Caden Sterns, S, Texas

Paton really understands the safety position, playing it in college and professionally overseas. Caden Sterns was one of the best safeties in the draft. He has the versatility to be moved around Vic Fangio’s defense. It would not be surprising to see him start by Year 2.

Round 5 (No. 164 overall): Jamar Johnson, S, Indiana

Jamar Johnson is another excellent late-round find. Some draft prognosticators had Johnson going much earlier than this. He is a good player that should be a rotational safety and challenge for playing time in three safety sets. Johnson will also be a good contributor on special teams.

Round 6 (No. 216 overall): Seth Williams, WR, Auburn

Seth Williams is a physical wide receiver who will do his best work in short to intermediate sets. When he ran a 4.4-second 40-yard dash at his Pro Day, he proved that he could also threaten defenses vertically if necessary. Interestingly enough, he is built in the mode of Courtland Sutton and could provide good depth at X along with playing special teams.

Round 7 (No. 237 overall): Kary Vincent Jr., CB, LSU

Kary Vincent Jr. could eventually challenge for playing time in dime packages and other subpackage situations by Year 2. He is a dynamic and explosive athlete who will be an immediate contributor to special teams.

Round 7 (No. 239 overall): Jonathon Cooper, LB, Ohio State

Jonathan Cooper will be an immediate special teams contributor. He also has some pass-rush upside and could learn a lot from Von Miller and Bradley Chubb. However, he may be two years away from making an impact.

Round 7 (No. 253 overall): Marquiss Spencer, DE, Mississippi State

Marquiss Spencer spent time as a defensive end in college but is likely to move inside. He brings good size and length to the interior and could eventually provide some pass-rush upside as an interior subpackage rusher.