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Denver Broncos top draft steal: Will Parks

By Sayre Bedinger

Sep 3, 2015; Tucson, AZ, USA; Texas-San Antonio Roadrunners running back Jarveon Williams (2) runs the ball under pressure from Arizona Wildcats safety Will Parks (11) and cornerback DaVonte
Sep 3, 2015; Tucson, AZ, USA; Texas-San Antonio Roadrunners running back Jarveon Williams (2) runs the ball under pressure from Arizona Wildcats safety Will Parks (11) and cornerback DaVonte /
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The Denver Broncos had a number of value picks in the 2016 NFL Draft, but Arizona defensive back Will Parks could prove to be the best find…

The Denver Broncos maneuvered around the 2016 NFL Draft and found some players that are going to be able to help them immediately, but one pick I really loved was defensive back Will Parks out of Arizona.

Parks was listed as a safety coming out, but plays the nickel corner position and attacks the line of scrimmage among the best defensive backs I scouted in this year’s draft. Can he make himself an asset to the Broncos’ vaunted secondary?

Parks certainly isn’t without flaw, but his leadership and passion for the game will be an immediate factor for the Broncos on special teams, which were depleted by losses in free agency. At 6-0, 200 pounds, Parks threw up 21 bench press reps at the Arizona Pro Day, showing off his phenomenal strength.

He finished this past season with 72 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, seven pass breakups, and two forced fumbles. He’s a hard hitter who had great production for the Wildcats and showed on tape that he can be an asset immediately in the NFL because of his instincts.

Here’s what NFL.com had to say about Parks pre-draft…

“Parks is known for grinding away in preparation for seasons and games and has the aggressive mindset and enough coverage ability to get draft consideration on the third day. Arizona asked him to play more like a linebacker than a safety so he was often at a size disadvantage near the line of scrimmage. While he has some range limitations has a high safety, there is enough in his body of work to consider him a backup-­caliber safety.”

With Omar Bolden and David Bruton Jr. departed in free agency, the young Parks could contend for a key position on special teams right away. He might not factor into the safety discussion right away, but the Broncos’ depth there isn’t overflowing at this point either.

It might be sooner rather than later that Parks gets himself onto the field as a safety. His style perfectly fits what the Broncos are trying to do in Wade Phillips’ defense. He’s such a natural football player, and I love the kind of fire he brings to the table. The Broncos stole this kid in the sixth round.

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