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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 – Along with Garrett Rand and Isaiaah Loudermilk, who are returning from injuries, Matt Henningsen (92) gives the Badgers three strong options at defensive end. /

Denver Broncos 2022 NFL Draft recap: 6th-7th round

6. Matt Henningsen, DL, Wisconsin

The Denver Broncos capped off their nine player draft with a pair of Wisconsin Badgers defenders.

What’s important to note is that the Broncos have a high level of respect for the pro-style defense Jim Leonhard (yes, the foremr NFL safety Jim Leonhard) runs with the Badgers.

What does it matter that the Badgers run a pro-style defense? It means that they ask a lot out of the guys that actually see the field in terms of playing a variety of positions, understanding different responsibilities and playing different coverages.

For defensive lineman Matt Henningsen, the fact that Wisconsin runs a rather complicated style of defense makes it all the more impressive that he was able to crack the starting lineup as a walk-on freshman (albeit, a redshirt freshman in 2018), the first Wisconsin Badgers football player to do that since at least 1990, if not longer.

He got a masters in engineering in five years and managed to crack Bruce Feldman’s annual “freaks” list, proving his elite athleticism.

Henningsen proved his athleticism with rare explosiveness. A 37.5-inch vertical jump for most players is great. For a 295-pound defensive lineman? It’s outrageous.

Even as a 6th-round pick, do not be surprised to see Henningsen crack the rotation in his rookie season.

7. Faion Hicks, CB, Wisconsin

Again, the defense Jim Leonhard runs at Wisconsin is highly respected by the Broncos’ scouts and coaches.

Nathaniel Hackett referenced after the draft the fact that he spent some time in Buffalo with Leonhard back in the day, so they are obviously still connected.

Faion Hicks played the cornerback position in Leonhard’s defense and in 15 games over the last two seasons, he has 12 passes broken up.

Another prospect with tremendous speed, Hicks has the speed, explosiveness, and agility to play inside or outside at the next level.

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