After some trading around in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft, the Denver Broncos have landed a quality offensive lineman with the No. 98 overall pick of the draft.
George Paton executed trades with both the New York Giants and New Orleans Saints, dropping to the bottom of the third round with picks No. 98 and 105. With the first of those choices, the team grabbed offensive lineman Quinn Meinherz out of Wisconsin-Whitewater.
Playing at a small school such as that, Meinerz went largely unnoticed by the masses. However, when you watch his game film, he’s quite noticeable.
Mienerz started 29 career games in college, all at guard, but he has the versatility to play all over the line, including center. He is quick to get out of his stance, displays tremendous strength and can get to the next level to bury smaller opponents.
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Meinerz comes to a team with a slowly blossoming offensive line. He will be able to provide great depth in his rookie season and could push to be a starter down the road.
The Broncos got great value with this pick, mostly because Meinerz played at a Division III school and didn’t get the recognition around the league that he maybe should have. Some analysts rate him as a better prospect than Ali Marpet, who was a second-round pick of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2015.
This is a pick that looks good now but could be incredibly good in the future. Meinerz is a tough, physical player who will put defenders on their backs. He is a young, raw prospect, but his ceiling is incredibly high and the Broncos will have a tough time keeping him off the field.
The team still has one third-round choice, but this pick was solid.
Grade: A-