Denver Broncos: Day 3 draft picks provide depth, huge upside

After a really strong day two of the 2021 NFL Draft, the Denver Broncos came out on day three and had to wait a little bit. In fact, they had to wait just shy of 50 picks before they had any selections on day three of the NFL Draft, but their wait seems to have been worth it.

After wheeling and dealing in the third round, Denver Broncos general manager George Paton stayed put with all six of his selections in rounds 5-7.

The later portion of day three of the NFL Draft is not exactly a hotbed for big-time prospects, but you never know what kinds of gems you’re going to unearth on day three.

The 5th-7th rounds of the NFL Draft are all about upside and building your team culture the right way, as well as finding guys who will contribute to your special teams unit right away.

That’s exactly what Paton and the Broncos prioritized.

"[Special Teams Coordinator] Tom McMahon evaluated just about every player in the draft, so we targeted players that he liked. Not only those that were good offensive or defensive players, but players who could be core teamers for us. We realize we lacked in special teams last year. We need guys who can cover and block and take pride in special teams. All of these players that we drafted will hopefully take special teams seriously. It’s a big part of our game, obviously.” George Paton (via Broncos PR)"

Getting instant special teams contributions from your day three picks? That’s a huge success. Finding players who can potentially develop into starters down the line? That’s a huge bonus.

The Denver Broncos did a good job of both of those things, finding players who should be expected to contribute immediately on special teams as well as guys who could possibly start on a full-time basis as soon as 2022, perhaps in the event of injury as soon as 2021.

Denver Broncos Day 3 selections

5 (152): Caden Sterns, S, Texas
5 (164): Jamar Johnson, S, Indiana
6 (219): Seth Williams, WR, Auburn
7 (237): Kary Vincent Jr., CB, LSU
7 (239): Jonathon Cooper, DE/EDGE, Ohio State
7 (253): Marquiss Spencer, DL, Mississippi State

Let’s look through the day three picks and what each guy brings to the table.