Denver Broncos rookie grades through first quarter of 2020 season

Seventh-round picks

9. Tyrie Cleveland, WR

The Broncos selected Tyrie Cleveland knowing that he was going to come in and provide special teams ability and athleticism, but he picked up the offense quickly and earned himself a 53-man roster spot right out of the gate.

He has played just 42 special teams snaps so far this season along with 11 offensive snaps. Hopefully the Broncos will get him some more work on offense with Courtland Sutton out and DaeSean Hamilton struggling to make a substantial impact.

Grade: C

10. Derrek Tuszka, EDGE

With 58 special teams snaps, Derrek Tuszka is already one of the Broncos’ top contributors in that particular phase of the game.

He has just five snaps on defense, but with all of the Broncos’ injuries at outside linebacker, that could increase over the course of the season. He has a chance to really make his case for a top backup spot in 2021 with a strong finish to the 2020 season.

He’s got a pair of tackles so far.

Grade: C

UDFAs

Essang Bassey, CB

The Broncos kept Bassey on their initial 53-man roster, and he has met that with some mixed results.

In four games, Bassey has nine tackles and a tackle for loss, but he really struggled in coverage against the Jets and was benched for De’Vante Bausby.

His time may eventually come, but for now, Bassey has proven to be a talented UDFA who may need some more seasoning.

Grade: C-

LeVante Bellamy, RB

The Broncos have curiously not given Bellamy a single touch with the injury to Phillip Lindsay, but Bellamy has proven his worth on special teams and has earned himself a solid gameday role.

He already has a pair of special teams tackles and has made some nice plays in limited action.

The talent is there for Bellamy to one day be a contributor on offense, too.

Grade: C