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Broncos Draft Recap 2022: Complete breakdown of Denver’s picks

By Sayre Bedinger

Denver Broncos Draft - Outside linebacker Nik Bonitto #11 of the Oklahoma Sooners heads off the field after a game against the Tulane Green Wave at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on September 4, 2021 in Norman, Oklahoma. Oklahoma won 40-35. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)
Denver Broncos Draft - Outside linebacker Nik Bonitto #11 of the Oklahoma Sooners heads off the field after a game against the Tulane Green Wave at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on September 4, 2021 in Norman, Oklahoma. Oklahoma won 40-35. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images) /
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Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos; Samford Bulldogs wide receiver Montrell Washington (4) scores a touchdown against the Florida Gators during the first quarter at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Denver Broncos 2022 NFL Draft recap: 5th-round picks

5a. Delarrin Turner-Yell, S, Oklahoma

After using two fifth-round picks at the safety position in 2021, George Paton made a third straight selection at safety with the Delarrin Turner-Yell pick near the top of round five.

For a lot of the 2021 offseason, Broncos fans spent time looking for the eventual replacement for Kareem Jackson. As it turns out, that player may have come onto the roster right here with this pick.

Turner-Yell, physically, is just about a carbon copy of Jackson.

The Broncos liked Turner-Yell’s ability to play center field and there’s no question that the safety room is getting more athletic with this pick.

The question is — how do the Broncos view their three young fifth-rounders at safety? Will they’ll  all be able to crack the roster in 2022?

5b. Montrell Washington, WR/KR, Samford

If you need any evidence of what this guy can do, turn on the highlight reel from his game against the Florida Gators.

The Broncos let Diontae Spencer walk in free agency after a very underwhelming 2021 season, and they are obviously hoping that Washington can come in and provide an immediate spark.

Not only that, but Washington looks like he will be able to do what Spencer simply couldn’t — figure out a way to contribute on the offense.

This pick was seemingly of the deep sleeper variety, not unlike when your buddy in fantasy football drafts the rookie on his favorite team five founds too early.

Even if that’s the case, the Broncos’ scouts loved what Washington brought to the table as a return man to seriously prioritize him, and that says it all.

5c. Luke Wattenberg, IOL, Washington

By my count, George Paton has now traded up for two players in the two drafts he has been part of with the Denver Broncos as general manager.

He traded up in 2021 for running back Javonte Williams, and here he traded up a handful of spots in the fifth round for Luke Wattenberg, an interior lineman out of Washington.

As of right now, it seems like Wattenberg was drafted to play center, but things may be more in flux on the offensive line than meets the eye.

The Broncos have clearly prioritized high-level athletes under George Paton’s watch and Wattenberg had some of the best testing scores of any interior lineman in this year’s class.

In combination with his high athletic score, Wattenberg also has very long 34-inch arms.

This pick is highly intriguing for the long term and possibly even the short term.

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