Denver Broncos 2021 NFL Draft Class Off To Great Start In Year 1
Despite their struggles in the playoff push, the Denver Broncos have gotten spectacular results from their 2021 rookie class.
The Denver Broncos playoff hopes are hanging by a thread right now after their loss to the Raiders. It would require the biggest miracle for them to reach the postseason, and a lot of the issue hinges on the offense, which didn’t show up Sunday.
It’s hard to think about positives at this point, but all isn’t lost for this Broncos team. They have a very good roster and really sit a quarterback away from being a serious contender. Part of that stems from how good their 2021 NFL Draft class has been this season.
Obviously it starts with Patrick Surtain II, who is playing like a seasoned veteran in his rookie season. Surtain has been the best of the rookie corners, and has been excellent in man coverage. He’s handled height/weight/speed threats like Chase Claypool with enough speed and technique, good route runners with sound patience, and stays physical at the line of scrimmage and throughout his reps.
Javonte Williams has been great as well in a committee role, and he’s done enough to prove he should be the lead back next season. His contact balance is as advertised, and he’s been breaking tackles at a wild clip this season. Williams has been productive in the passing game as well, and has improved with his vision and processing speed.
Let’s not forget Baron Browning, who was a phenomenal athlete in the draft who had good awareness in zone coverage. He’s doing well in space as a “run and chase” linebacker and can hold his own carrying receivers in zone coverage. His closing speed is excellent, and he’s still only scratched the surface as to what he can become in this defense.
Quinn Meinerz is still adjusting to NFL speed, and has some work to do picking up stunts in pass protection versus speedy rushers, but he’s a true road grader in the run game and does a great job when asked to pull. He’s a finisher to the second level and should see more development in 2022.
A couple guys have been good in rotational roles as well. Caden Sterns is out there in dime packages, and has been productive at the catch point and flashed the ball skills. As for Jonathon Cooper, 2.5 sacks and four tackles for loss is impressive for a seventh round pick in his rookie season.
This class should only get better for the Denver Broncos, and all of them will build a strong foundation on both sides of the ball when they get the quarterback position right. It’s a testament to how good George Paton and his scouting staff did in the 2021 NFL Draft.