Denver Broncos' 2022 rookie report card

Broncos' fourth-round picks

This seemed like a strong fourth-round pick when it was made and though Damarri Mathis had some rookie struggles (being flagged for pass interference four times in one game), he played quite well this season.

Mathis was pressed into probably more action than the team envisioned initially in 2022 but when Ronald Darby went down with a torn ACL, Mathis had to step up.

The only defensive backs on the team who played more defensive snaps than Mathis this season were Kareem Jackson, Patrick Surtain and Justin Simmons. Mathis should be viewed as a starter going forward.

He finished the season with 65 tackles (fifth on the team) and seven pass deflections.

Grade: B

As you can see by the draft grade, this was a pick I loved when it was made. In fact, it was my favorite pick of the team's entire draft class. It didn't work out that way, at least for Eyioma Uwazurike as a rookie.

Uwazurike played in just eight games this season and made 17 tackles. For comparison sake, sixth-round choice Matt Henningsen saw the field more and so did Jonathan Harris, a player on the back end of the roster.

Uwazurike cant be behind these guys in the pecking order. He needs to make a big leap in year two and the hope will be that he doesn't become the next McTelvin Agim.

Grade: D