The Denver Broncos are once again on the sidelines during this year’s NFL playoffs.
With another sub-par season in the books, many in Broncos Country want to see some prominent changes during this offseason so that the Broncos can get back to being their old, competitive self. Same story, different year. Insert GM George Paton, whose first draft class as a Broncos executive was a renowned success, with many players making contributions.
Just how good was this year’s class?
Pro Football Focus ranked the Broncos rookie class 2nd best in the entire league. Here is what PFF’s Trevor Sikkema said:
"“The depth of the Broncos’ class is what really sets it apart. The team was able to get really strong contributors at four different positions, with the highest grades coming from Javonte Williams and interior offensive lineman Quinn Meinerz (67.4). Cornerback Patrick Surtain II recorded a 65.5 overall grade on the season, which is lower than you would expect, but his tape is incredibly encouraging” [Pro Football Focus website]“Though this group will always be judged for the quarterback who isn’t among them, the players the Broncos did pick were impactful”. [Pro Football Focus wesbite]"
Moving forward, Broncos fans should expect this class to continue its growth. This class has set itself apart from others in that the Broncos got immediate impact and depth from six of its selections. Impressive stuff.
Patrick Surtain II and Javonte Williams will reprise their roles as sure-fire starters and will build off their impressive rookie campaigns. Surtain was impressive at the cornerback position and showed true promise at becoming a Broncos stalwart for years to come. While Williams made his presence felt this season with multiple runs of carrying defenders on his back. Broncos fans should be excited about these two stars of their class.
Quinn Meinerz filled in at right guard admirably this season and should look to be back in the mix of starting on the Broncos offensive line next season. While on defense, Baron Browning will look to take over a starting spot at inside linebacker and Caden Sterns will also be in the mix to start opposite Justin Simmons in the secondary.
Lastly, one of my favorite players from this draft came into his role with the departure of Von Miller and showed some promising flashes off the edge. Jonathon Cooper looks to be a seventh-round steal and will be sure to make his case for more looks and time at the edge position next season.
Drafting and developing players is vital in making a successful football team. If a team is unable to draft well, it will not develop the proper building blocks to win. Of course, great players can be found in other ways but even then draft picks must be able to develop.
Under John Elway, the Broncos did not have many successful drafts. It has only been since 2018 that the Broncos started hitting on multiple players with their selections. Luckily, it looks like that will continue with George Paton calling the shots on draft night.
Geroge Paton has already shown how valuable drafting players is, with this class, in particular, standing out this season. His commitment and approach to drafting are why we should continue to expect similar results in the coming future.
In an interview with denverbroncos.com, Paton stressed the importance of drafting and developing players.
"“It’s about the people, first of all — the players, the people you bring in your organization,” Paton said. “And then you have to draft and you have to develop. You have to draft and develop talent in this league to win and sustain. I think that’s our philosophy. Now, we’re going to be aggressive. We’re going to acquire talent any way we can, whether it’s free agency, practice squad poaches, waiver claims — we’re always going to look for talent. But drafting and developing will be our philosophy”, Paton said. [Denver Broncos team website in 2021]"
Yes, the Broncos do face some uncertainty heading into this offseason. Changes will be coming to the coaching staff and the same 6-year old question remains; Who is playing quarterback?
Denver Broncos roster can attract the next head coach
It’s the dawn of a new day for the Denver Broncos as attention turns to a new head coach with many attractions up and down the roster.
However, even with the uncertainty, there is still room for bright lights and the light of the 2021 draft class and its architect will continue to shine, Broncos fans.