Denver Broncos add another stud athlete to DL in Eyioma Uwazurike

The Denver Broncos brought in some more athleticism for their defensive line with fourth-round pick Eyioma Uwazurike out of Iowa State.

The third day of the 2022 NFL Draft is all about depth. That doesn’t mean you can’t go hunting for some starting-caliber players.

The Denver Broncos have done exactly that with their two fourth-round picks, one of which was acquired from the Seattle Seahawks in the blockbuster Russell Wilson trade.

With the 116th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, the Denver Broncos selected Iowa State defensive lineman Eyioma Uwazurike, a huge and versatile piece for the defensive front.

Denver Broncos add depth to the defensive front with Eyioma Uwazurike

After taking edge, tight end, and cornerback with their top three picks, the Broncos got some help at an area of underrated need on the roster, defensive line.

After trading Shelby Harris to the Seattle Seahawks, the Broncos did sign DJ Jones to the defensive line as a replacement and someone that can play a variety of positions up front.

With Dre’Mont Jones in a contract year and McTelvin Agim’s role on the team uncertain this season, I like this pick in the early portion of round four.

Uwazurike is a massive 6-foot-6, 316 pounds with over 35-inch arms and an 85-inch wingspan.

He was highly productive for the Cyclones, racking up 20 tackles for loss and 12 sacks over the last two seasons including nine sacks in 2021.

For the Denver Broncos, I think we’re going to see a lot of what he did at Iowa State, which is playing a versatile role on that defensive front. When the Broncos need him to, he can line up as a base end in the odd front.

In certain situations, you can put that 85-inch wingspan up against shorter, stubbier interior linemen and create mismatches that way.

Grading the Damarri Mathis pick by the Denver Broncos

The Denver Broncos used their first of two fourth-round selections on Pittsburgh cornerback Damarri Mathis. Mathis has starter upside as a rookie.

Not to put the pressure on, but physically there are some similarities between Uwazurike and Akiem Hicks, a player I think the Broncos should seriously consider after the 2022 NFL Draft.