Denver Broncos win day two of the 2021 NFL Draft
George Paton, take a bow. The Denver Broncos made the safe selection of Patrick Surtain II in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft, but they absolutely nailed their picks on Day 2. The Broncos began their night with a short trade up the board early in the second round to secure running back Javonte Williams at No. 35.
The Denver Broncos were much more patient in the third round, trading down twice before finally making a selection at No. 98 overall. With that 98th pick, the Broncos improved their offensive line with the addition of Quinn Meinerz. Denver went back on the clock with the final pick of the third round (105th overall) where they absolutely stole Ohio State linebacker Baron Browning.
Simply put, the Denver Broncos found incredible value throughout the second day of the 2021 NFL Draft. Williams is a big and bruising back who also shows good burst in the open field. He will push Melvin Gordon for that starting running back spot right away and will undoubtedly bring some stability to their rushing attack.
Meinerz rose up 2021 NFL Draft boards after an impressive showing at the Senior Bowl. The Division III product shows an impressive combination of quickness and power up front and will provide immediate depth for the Broncos at both guard and center. He is a tough and physical football player who will likely grow into a solid starter for Denver before long.
The Denver Broncos saved their best for last when they snagged Baron Browning at No. 105. Browning is a quick and explosive linebacker prospect who is always around the ball. He has legitimate sideline-to-sideline speed, attacks ball carriers with impressive physicality and shows a ton of upside as a pass rusher around the edge. Make no mistake about it, Browning immediately makes the Broncos’ linebacker room much better.
Taking a running back, interior offensive lineman and off-ball linebacker does not represent a ton of positional value. That being said, the Denver Broncos did a great job of consistently finding impact talent throughout Friday night, adding three very good football players who will likely be strong starters for many years. This team did great work on the second day of the 2021 NFL Draft.