Denver Broncos Draft Rewind: 2016 Class Review

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DENVER, CO – DECEMBER 10: Offensive guard Connor McGovern #60 of the Denver Broncos looks on during player warm ups before a game against the New York Jets at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on December 10, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /

Connor McGovern, Offensive line

On the flip side, the Broncos started a run on finding excellent value players later on in this draft class and that run started with Connor McGovern.

A 5th round pick out of Missouri, McGovern was highly touted for his incredible strength in the weight room. The workout warrior developed into a heck of an interior lineman for the Broncos.

Despite not playing as a rookie, McGovern went on to start 36 games over the next three seasons between two positions. He initially honed his skills as the starting right guard, showing to be an above average to good player at the position. After losing stalwart center Matt Paradis last off-season, McGovern showed the world what he was really made of and made the permanent switch to Center.

The result? Still pretty good.

While he didn’t have the consistency and ability of his predecessor, Connor McGovern held his own as a starting Center for the Broncos. So much so that he was recently rewarded by the New York Jets with a three-year, $27 million deal.

While the Broncos weren’t able to keep McGovern around for a second contract, it does show the job they did in identifying, developing and allowing their own talent to flourish.

For where they picked him, he ended up being a great pick for the Broncos. The only reason he’s not higher is we weren’t able to keep him.

Grade: B+

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