8. Will Parks, DB
Draft info: 219th overall selection (6th round) of the 2016 NFL Draft
Will Parks has been an underrated pickup for the Denver Broncos.
The Broncos selected Parks with the 219th pick of the sixth round in the 2016 NFL Draft. The Broncos approached the 2016 draft by looking to secure more depth at the safety position despite having Darian Stewart and TJ Ward as their starters.
The Broncos lost David Bruton in the 2015 off-season which forced them to look years ahead.
Parks had his opportunity to secure a roster spot by competing with Shiloh Keo during training camp. Parks quickly learned to pick up Wade Phillips system and he was named the backup to TJ Ward heading into the 2016 season.
Parks was thrown into the fire during his rookie season and made the most of the opportunities he had on the field. One of the most notable plays from his rookie season was his recovery of a blocked PAT against the New Orleans Saints by (fellow draft steal) Justin Simmons.
Parks rallied down the sideline and scored the two-point conversion which gave Denver a sneaky 25-23 win on the road.
In 2017, Parks took the next step in his career. Following an injury to Justin Simmons, Parks started in place of Simmons and showed fans glimpses of how special he can be.
Heading into 2018, Parks has a great chance to contribute even more in the secondary, despite added competition with the addition of Su’a Cravens. (Predominantly Orange staff writer Cody Roark)