Denver Broncos rookies: Starter or sideline in 2021 season?

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Jun 1, 2021; Englewood, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos lineman Cody Conway (60) and lineman Quinn Meinerz (77) and center Lloyd Cushenberry (79) during organized team activities at the UCHealth Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /

Third round picks

3a. Quinn Meinerz, IOL

The Denver Broncos picked the small-school wonder Quinn Meinerz in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft, a round later than many expected him to go based on his pre-draft metrics and performance at the 2021 Senior Bowl week of practices.

Meinerz is self-taught at the center position, but he’s got one of the best offensive line coaches in the league in Mike Munchak and a pretty solid situation he’s stepping into in Denver.

Lloyd Cushenberry had a rocky rookie season in Denver in 2020 and while the job is seemingly his to lose, Meinerz may be too talented to keep off the field in 2021.

Verdict: Starter

3b. Baron Browning, LB

What is Baron Browning in the NFL? Is he a traditional off-ball linebacker? Is he a full-time EDGE? Is he going to flex around the formation and do it all?

The Denver Broncos are starting him off at the off-ball linebacker position, but that doesn’t mean he’ll simply be a backup behind Alexander Johnson and Josey Jewell and nothing more.

The team is going to (hopefully) find creative ways to get Browning on the field with his elite athleticism and blitzing ability. Still, Browning is a bit raw and Vic Fangio’s defense is notoriously difficult to pick up for young players (or veterans, for that matter).

Verdict: Sideline

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