Broncos: Underrated NFL Draft Class Can Propel Denver Back Into Relevancy

The Denver Broncos entered the 2023 NFL Draft with minimal resources thanks to previous trades for quarterback Russell Wilson and head coach Sean Payton. After pushing the chips all in on these two acquisitions, general manager George Paton attempted to work some magic this off-season — and he did exactly that.

Broncos: Underrated NFL Draft Class Can Propel Denver Back Into Relevancy

Below we will highlight each selection made by the Broncos in 2023, giving a grade for each one and offering a glimpse at the type of role each player could see as a rookie. First up, three Day 2 picks who can enter the starting lineup from the jump.

Round 2, No. 63: Marvin Mims, WR, Oklahoma

The Broncos have reportedly been shopping their wide receivers this offseason, but no deal has come to fruition as of this writing. Courtland Sutton and Jerry Jeudy are expected to return to Denver for the upcoming season, assuming two of the three starting roles in the offense. While Tim Patrick and KJ Hamler are solid pieces to the pass-catching crops, the group needs more explosiveness. Enter Oklahoma’s, Marvin Mims.

Mims can stretch the field as well as anyone in the class, with a sparkling 19.5 yards per reception in his Sooner career. He boasts 4.3 speed and reliable hands, only being charged with seven drops in 177 career targets. Mims flexes elite short-area agility and should be a weapon for Payton and Wilson as they establish the new system in the Mile High City.

2023 Role: Starting Slot WR
NFL Draft Pick Grade: A-

Round 3, No. 67: Drew Sanders, LB, Arkansas

A spot on the defense that killed the Broncos in 2023 was off-ball linebacker. Alex Singleton provided solid play, but Josey Jewell left much to be desired. Arkansas superstar Drew Sanders can take over as a starter inside, but his pass-rushing prowess will allow him to move all over the middle of the defense.

In coverage, Sanders displays adequate athleticism to stick with shiftier pass catchers. His tackling is a noticeable weakness in the run game, as he fails to wrap up and oftentimes bounces off of ball carriers with a full head of steam. Sanders shows a few go-to moves that allow him to collapse the pocket, so ideally, he can give Denver a “Poor Man’s” Micah Parsons.

2023 Role: Starting Off-Ball LB
NFL Draft Pick Grade: A

Round 3, No. 83: Riley Moss, CB, Iowa

The Broncos employ one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL in third-year player Patrick Surtain II. Behind Surtain, the depth chart is “shaky at best”. Inserting Riley Moss into the fold gives Denver a potential starter as a rookie with the ability to play anywhere in the secondary.

Moss is an uber-athletic defensive back out of Iowa. His 9.68 RAS score ranked 72nd all-time at cornerback (since 1987), proving how rare of an athlete he is. Moss is best suited in zone coverage, where he uses top-tier processing and his unbelievable burst to shut down his area of the field.

A sure tackler, Moss is an instant jolt to the unit, and yes, if you haven’t heard — he is a white cornerback! Jason Sehorn would be proud.

2023 Role: Starting Boundary CB
NFL Draft Pick Grade: B+

Round 6, No. 183: JL Skinner, DB, Boise State

JL Skinner is a big-bodied safety who profiles as a player that can also log snaps at linebacker. The Boise State product is a fiery competitor that relishes the opportunity to come in the box and lay an earth-shattering hit on the ball carrier.

Skinner is a remarkable athlete and can challenge Caden Sterns in training camp; I wouldn’t rule out the possibility of him claiming a spot on the 53-man opening-day roster. Especially if he remains healthy and feels free to play his trademark aggressive brand of football.

2023 Role: Backup Safety-LB Hybrid
NFL Draft Pick Grade: A-

Round 7, No. 257: Alex Forsyth, C, Oregon

Let’s call a spade a spade: Lloyd Cushenberry is not cutting it at center. His 2023 season was cut short by injury, and it would be wise for Denver to give Alex Forsyth some run in training camp. The former Oregon leader possesses impeccable form as a pass blocker, allowing zero sacks in his final season on campus.

Forsyth lacks the power and length to be a difference-maker in the run game but never graded worse than average for the Ducks. Perhaps an NFL training program and some coaching can improve Forsyth’s strength. It is at least worth the flyer in Round 7.

2023 Role: Potential Starting C
NFL Draft Pick Grade: B