2021 NFL Draft: Recap and analysis of every pick for all 32 teams
Scouting Report. 9. player. 45. Pick Analysis. AFC West. . Denver Broncos
1 (9): Patrick Surtain II, CB, Alabama
The Broncos surprised just about everyone with this pick. Most thought they would take a quarterback or trade down after their free agency was focused on cornerbacks, but they get one of the surest things in this year’s class in Surtain. He’s been playing like a pro since he was a true freshman for the Crimson Tide.
2 (35): Javonte Williams, RB, North Carolina
Maybe the most physical running back in this class, Javonte Williams will pair with Melvin Gordon to give the Denver Broncos a 1-2 punch at running back that can wear defenses down. Williams can play all three downs and he’s one of the best in this class at breaking tackles.
3 (98): Quinn Meinerz, OL, Wisconsin-Whitewater
Meinerz became a legend among the NFL Draft community when videos of him working out in the wilderness, knocking down trees, curling water jugs, and heaving logs over his shoulder surfaced. He had a huge week at the Senior Bowl after Wisconsin-Whitewater’s season was canceled, and he showed no signs of being out of shape. Quite the opposite, in fact, Meinerz tested better than nearly every other center prospect in the last 20 years.
3 (105): Baron Browning, LB, Ohio State
An athletic freak, Browning is sort of a discounted version of what Micah Parsons is. Considering Parsons’ off-field, Browning is a tremendous alternative. This guy is explosive off the edge and he showed great improvement in coverage last season for Ohio State. In Vic Fangio’s defense, he could be a star.
5 (152): Caden Sterns, S, Texas
Sterns was a big-time high school recruit who had a tremendous freshman season for the Longhorns, then his play kind of dropped off after that. He has big-time athletic traits and the Broncos will count on him for special teams immediately.
5 (164): Jamar Johnson, S, Indiana
Leading up to the draft, some expected Jamar Johnson to be picked as high as the third round. He certainly had the production for it in the 2020 season at Indiana with four interceptions. In less than 450 career snaps, Johnson had 44 passes thrown into his coverage with seven interceptions total and no touchdowns allowed. He could be an heir apparent to Kareem Jackson.
6 (219): Seth Williams, WR, Auburn
Seth Williams looked like he was bound for the top 100 picks after his 2019 season but drops plagued him in 2020. It didn’t help that he had some of the worst QB play in the country, though. The Broncos love his special teams ability, size, speed, and traits overall. He will get good coaching in Denver.
7 (237): Kary Vincent, CB, LSU
Kary Vincent was one member of the vaunted 2019 LSU squad. He has tremendous ball skills and reactive quickness both as a pass defender and run/screen defender. With his size, he could be a nickel option for the Broncos.
7 (239): Jonathon Cooper, OLB, Ohio State
A high-character player at Ohio State, Jonathon Cooper suffered an unfortunate injury in 2019 when he would have finally had a shot at legitimate playing time after being buried by Nick Bosa and Chase Young. He’ll get a shot to compete for Denver’s rotation with his former teammates Baron Browning and Dre’Mont Jones.
7 (253): Marquiss Spencer, DL, Mississippi State
A plus athlete, Marquiss Spencer probably will have to develop this year on the practice squad in Denver but he has the traits to be a solid pass-rusher in the NFL from the interior defensive line.