Grading Broncos’ entire 2022 draft class

Oct 23, 2021; Ames, Iowa, USA; Iowa State Cyclones defensive end Eyioma Uwazurike (58) looks to the sidelines against the Oklahoma State Cowboys in the first half at Jack Trice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 23, 2021; Ames, Iowa, USA; Iowa State Cyclones defensive end Eyioma Uwazurike (58) looks to the sidelines against the Oklahoma State Cowboys in the first half at Jack Trice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports /
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Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos 2022 NFL Draft – Damarri Mathis #21 of the Pittsburgh Panthers in action during the game against the Clemson Tigers at Heinz Field on October 23, 2021, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images) /

. CB. 115. Pitt. DamarriMathis. player. 866.

The Broncos had back-to-back picks in the fourth round and they hit on these ones.

Damarri Mathis is a talented defensive back who should come in and push for playing time right away while also contributing on special teams.

He is a physical player who can easily disrupt the route of a wide receiver while also being a reliable tackler on a player with the ball in his hands.

The Broncos were likely targeting a defensive back with one of their first three picks because, like edge rushers, you really can never have enough defensive backs in today’s NFL, especially while playing in a division as talented as the AFC West proves to be in 2022.

This was a good pick and one that could provide dividends for many years in Denver.

Grade: B+

. IDL. Iowa State. 837. . EyiomaUwazurike. 116. player

With the very next pick, the Broncos were able to bring in a talented defensive lineman and for the value, this may have been the team’s best pick of the three-day process, which is fitting, because this is the pick that came from the Seattle Seahawks in the Wilson mega deal.

Eyioma Uwazurike is a big, athletic player who should push for playing time right out of the gate as a rookie. The Broncos needed help on the defensive line and this was a great player to fill that need in the fourth round.

For me, the part of the Wilson trade that I liked the least was giving up Shelby Harris. The Broncos have Dre’Mont Jones and free-agent signing DJ Jones but there are a lot of question marks behind those players.

Uwazurike is a guy who should continue to grow from his college days straight into the pros and he is a name to watch for the future. There is not much to dislike with this selection.

Grade: A-