Broncos 2022 Draft Grades: Making Most of Capital

Broncos 2022 Draft Grades

The Denver Broncos entered the 2022 NFL draft weekend without any premium picks due to their trade with the Seattle Seahawks for quarterback Russell Wilson. However, new General Manager George Paton still found a way to address the needs of the roster and also added an additional third-round pick in next year‘s draft. While some of the picks were questionable, their first two picks should be impact players for years to come. Here are the overall Broncos 2022 draft grades.

Broncos 2022 Draft Grades:

Round 2 (No. 64 overall): Nik Bonitto, EDGE, Oklahoma

With the 64th pick of Round 2, Denver selected Nik Bonitto out of Oklahoma. Bonitto fills an immediate need but should provide depth as an explosive pass rusher off the edge. While he lacks the ideal size and mass, his strength is rushing the passer. With the uncertainty of Bradley Chubb and losing Von Miller, this was a need pick that also offered good value.

Round 3 (No. 80 overall): Greg Dulcich, TE, UCLA

In the third round, the Broncos traded back from pick 75 to pick 80 and selected tight end Greg Dulcich out of UCLA. Some had Dulcich rated as the top tight end on their draft boards. Having lost Noah Fant to Seattle in the Wilson trade, Dulcich comes in and makes an impact as their “move” tight end with the potential to be an every down starter at the position.

Round 4 (No. 115 overall): Damarri Mathis, CB, Pitt

With their fourth-round pick, the Broncos took Damarri Mathis, a cornerback out of Pittsburgh. Mathis is an explosive cornerback with good hips in speed. He should compete with Frank Darby immediately outside for playing time opposite of Patrick Surtain in Denver’s cornerback room.

Round 4 (No. 116 overall): Eyioma Uwazurike, DL, Iowa State

With the 116th selection, the Broncos selected Eyioma Uwazurike from Iowa State. Uwazurike is a massive young man who is stout and heavy at the point of attack. He has excellent length and will provide value on all three downs.

Round 5 (No. 152 overall): Delarrin Turner-Yell, S, Oklahoma

With the 152^nd pick in Round 5, the Broncos selected Delarrin Turner-Yell, a safety out of Oklahoma. Turner-Yell is a bit undersized but has good speed and physicality as a tackler. Paton emphasized improving special teams and the Oklahoma product will have to excel on special teams in order to roster in year one. He has the speed and physicality to do just that.

Round 5 (No. 162 overall): Montrell Washington, WR, Samford

With the 162^nd pick in the fifth round, Denver selected Montrell Washington. He is an undersized wide receiver and returner with good agility with the ball in his hands. He, too, will likely struggle to roster in year one, however his best chance may come as challenging for the primary returner position.

Round 5 (No. 171 overall): Luke Wattenberg, C, Washington

With the 171^st pick in round five, the Broncos selected center Luke Wattenberg out of the University of Washington. Wattenberg is nasty and explosive as an interior lineman. He also has the ability to play guard. He’s slightly under 300 pounds and needs to improve his mass and strength but he has a good foundation of toughness, nastiness and good finish to challenge for a roster spot.

Round 6 (No. 206 overall): Matt Henningsin, DL, Wisconsin

With the 206th pick of Round 6, the Denver Broncos selected Matt Henningsin out of the University of Wisconsin. Henningsin is a tough and physical interior defensive lineman, who will also provide value on early down. He has good explosive movements for an interior player and was a standout performer during the week of practice at the Shrine Bowl.

Round 7 (No. 232 overall): Faion Hicks, CB, Wisconsin

With their final selection in the seventh round, Denver took cornerback Faion Hicks, also out of the University of Wisconsin. Hicks is competitive with average ball skills. He is another player who will have to make his mark on special teams to be considered for a roster spot by year two.

Overall Grade: C