Predominantly Orange
FanSided

Grading the Denver Broncos’ entire 2021 rookie class

By Travis Wakeman

DENVER, CO - NOVEMBER 28: Lnside linebacker Baron Browning #56 of the Denver Broncos celebrates after a play during the first half against the Los Angeles Chargers at Empower Field at Mile High on November 28, 2021 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - NOVEMBER 28: Lnside linebacker Baron Browning #56 of the Denver Broncos celebrates after a play during the first half against the Los Angeles Chargers at Empower Field at Mile High on November 28, 2021 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 6
Next
Denver Broncos
DENVER, CO – NOVEMBER 28: Guard Quinn Meinerz #77 of the Denver Broncos lines up during the first half against the Los Angeles Chargers at Empower Field at Mile High on November 28, 2021, in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images) /

Third-round picks

Quinn Meinerz, OL, Wisconsin-Whitewater

The Broncos may have used Quinn Meinerz during his rookie season a bit more than they would have liked to as he ended up making nine starts for the team this season. But that experience could prove invaluable.

Meinerz is just a stout football player and one that with a bit more progression, could become an integral part of this team.

Of all of the Broncos’ 2021 draft picks, Meinerz was the most interesting due to the small school he came from and the wild workout routine that went viral during the draft.

Meinerz was good as a rookie and should only get better.

Grade: A-

Baron Browning, LB, Ohio State

The Broncos plucked two players off the Buckeyes’ 2020 defense and both Baron Browning and Jonathon Cooper could provide dividends for the Broncos for many years to come.

Browning missed most of the summer with an injury and it looked like he would end up falling behind and having much of his rookie season go to waste. But he bounced back well and showed himself to be the player that many saw as a high draft pick.

Browning played in 14 games and finished in a tie for third on the team in tackles with 58. He is very clearly a key piece of the future of this defense.

Grade: B-

Home/Broncos Draft