On April 28-30, the Denver Broncos participated in the 81st annual NFL draft. The Broncos made eight selections over the course of the three day event, despite originally owning ten picks.
After winning the Super Bowl in 2016, the Broncos’ draft picks fell at the end of each round. Various trades and compensatory picks contributed to the extra three selections that Denver possessed.
The Broncos’ biggest splash came in the first round, where the team traded the No. 31 and 94 picks to the Seattle Seahawks for the No. 26 selection. Denver then chose University of Memphis product Paxton Lynch, a 22-year-old, 6’6 quarterback.
Although Lynch played in a spread-style system in college, he did take snaps from under center during his freshman year, something he will need to become more accustomed to in the pros. He could potentially push for playing time early in 2016, but will more than likely back-up veteran Mark Sanchez.
Fans will be anxious to see Peyton Manning’s young heir-to-be; however, expectations for his rookie season should realistically be quite low. Lynch has all the tools to be successful, but his ability to read defenses, get accustomed to NFL game speed and learn pre-snap adjustments will take time to develop, especially after playing at a smaller program in Memphis.
The Broncos’ next pick came in the second round at pick No. 63, where Denver selected Australian defensive lineman Adam Gotsis from the Georgia Institute of Technology. The 6’4, 287 pound behemoth should contribute early in the Broncos’ defensive rotation, possibly splitting time with newcomer Jared Crick.
Many people viewed Gotsis as a reach, but Denver didn’t want to leave the draft without him. He tore his ACL last October, so his health is also in question. But when on the field, Gotsis is quick off the snap and plays with solid leverage in the trenches.
Denver picked safety Justin Simmons at No. 98. After losing safeties David Bruton Jr. and Omar Bolden in the offseason, Simmons will provide immediate depth and could play an extensive role in 2016 with above average cover skills and an athletic frame.
Fourth round pick, the University of Utah running back Devontae Booker, fell down draft boards after an injury in 2015, but the Broncos found good value with him. A similar runner to C.J. Anderson, Booker runs with power and agility despite lacking breakaway speed.
To round out the draft, Denver picked offensive lineman Connor McGovern, fullback Andy Janovich, safety Will Parks and punter Riley Dixon. McGovern is a powerful blocker who may develop into a starter in a couple seasons, while Janovich could see extensive playing time as the only true fullback on the roster. Parks and Dixon’s roster spots aren’t guaranteed, but they’ll battle in their position groups in training camp.
The Broncos filled some glaring holes with this draft, namely the quarterback position. While the other draft picks have some definite intrigue, Denver’s 2016 draft will be largely defined by the career of promising youngster Paxton Lynch.
