The Denver Broncos 2021 NFL Draft class ended with ten picks after all seven rounds were finished. Overall, they got a ton of talent on both sides of the ball. With seven picks on defense and three on offense, it looks like they did the opposite of 2020 and focused on defense. I think with the talent from last year mixed with a good offseason and an amazing 2021 draft, the Broncos are looking like a team that can turn some heads in 2021.
Denver Broncos 2021 NFL Draft Recap: Day One
1.9 | Denver Broncos | Patrick Surtain II | CB | Alabama
For the first round, the Broncos skipped over a QB, and linebacker and get another corner. Many people think that this was a miss on this pick but I actually love it. Patrick Surtain is one of the best corners in the draft and Denver just added him to a stacked DB group. I can see Surtain going on Nickel or Dime packages and hopefully subbing in during games. Even though the Broncos could have gotten a quarterback or linebacker, I say if the best corner is still there at their spot they did a good job creating a “No Fly Zone, Part II.”
Denver Broncos 2021 NFL Draft Recap: Day Two
2.35 | Denver Broncos | Javonte Williams | RB | North Carolina
When Denver lost Phillip Lindsay they had to find his replacement and they got a good one with Javonte Williams. Williams had 2,297 yards rushing with 29 touchdowns in his career at UNC. Now, with a quick back that can catch the ball out of the backfield will give Denvers other backs some breaks and hopefully keep everyone fresh and efficient.
3.98 | Denver Broncos | Quinn Meinerz | OG | Wisconsin-Whitewater
Now, with the steal of the draft, Denver has found their OL help with Quinn Meinerz. A DIII player, Meinerz is a crazy offensive lineman that practices in the forest and trucks trees. I can see him taking over where Elijah Wilkinson used to play. With the addition of Meinerz, this line looks pretty good with Dalton Risner, Garett Bolles, Lloyd Cushenberry III, and Graham Glasgow. With that offensive line, hopefully, Denver can get better quarterback play, there are certainly no more excuses.
3.105 | Denver Broncos | Baron Browning | LB | Ohio State
Baron Browning was a great addition to add depth to a shallow group. Browning is a fast linebacker that can cover the whole field. The only thing is that I would like to see him better on run support. Josey Jewell and A.J. Johnson will be the starting inside backers but Browning will be a good special teamer for a couple of years and then eventually help on the field.
Denver Broncos 2021 NFL Draft Recap: Day Three
5.152 | Denver Broncos | Caden Sterns | S | Texas
The Broncos decided to go back to DB for the fifth round. With Kareem Jackson on a one-year contract, they are looking for a guy for the future and they did just that by adding Caden Sterns, who adds depth to the position. Denver also likes to run a lot of three safety-type defenses as well so adding another great DB to put back with Jackson and Justin Simmons is a plus.
5.164 | Denver Broncos | Jamar Johnson | S | Indiana
Denver went back to safety for their second pick in the fifth round. Again, Denver is going to look for their future safety with Jackson on a one-year contract and with all the injuries with the defensive backs in 2020, it is nice to see them loading up at the position.
6.219 | Denver Broncos | Seth Williams | WR | Auburn
Denver adds another fast wideout with Seth Williams. Williams led the Tigers in receptions and is another great addition to the team. Since Denver is talking about trading away Tim Patrick after a great season last year, Williams would be a great replacement. With Jerry Jeudy, Courtland Sutton, and KJ Hamler this unit is stacked for whoever is behind center.
7.237 | Denver Broncos | Kary Vincent | CB | LSU
Denver adds another corner to their already impressive DB group. Vincent shows amazing speed but lacks in size. He isn’t the best tackler as well. This would be a good pick for Denver if they use him on special teams such as a returner or maybe a gunner.
7.239 | Denver Broncos | Jonathon Cooper | LB | Ohio State
A great pass rusher was selected by the Broncos with their second pick in the seventh round. He may be smaller, but with his effort, he has shown that he is a great pass rusher, and can get to the QB with ease.
7.253 | Denver Broncos | Marquiss Spencer | DE | Mississippi State
With Denver’s third pick, they selected a DE from Mississippi St. He fits the Broncos defense by being in a 3-4 offense in college. This could add some depth to the very shallow D-line.
Overall the Denver Broncos went and picked the players that they wanted. They hit on all of their needs other than quarterback. Now, with some talk about Aaron Rodgers coming to Denver, this could be a championship team in 2021. I thought that George Payton did an excellent job for his first draft at Denver and I am excited to see what this team can do this next season.
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