With the 2018 NFL Draft behind us, it’s time to begin
the review process on how each team stacks up with the selections they’ve made.
The Denver Broncos had quite the haul in this year’s draft selecting ten new
prospects to the fold. The 2018 Broncos class indicates John Elway still
believes they are in win now mode as they add pieces to help the roster get
back to the post season. Let’s review…
Denver Broncos 2018 Draft Class Review:
Round 1 – Pick 5 (5)
Bradley Chubb (DE)
Perhaps one of the largest scores in the first round of the draft
goes to the Denver Broncos as they were essentially gifted they most talented
edge rusher in the class. Right from jump the excitement turns to the potential
havoc Chubb will cause teamed up with super-star Von Miller. Having this
dynamic duo on the defensive line should already be giving AFC West coaches
headaches for days as they prepare to try and stop the tandem.
Bradley Chubb meets most evaluation check boxes with height (6’4”),
weight (269 pounds), speed (4.65 40 time), and has proven on tape that he is a
force on the field. Racking up a fantastic 54.5 tackles for loss in his college
career proves he is able to generate great penetration in the offensive back
field. Chubb also recorded ten sacks in each of his last two seasons while
adding six total forced fumbles in his career, quite impressive. Aside from the
statistical success, Chubb has few weaknesses that if exposed in the NFL will
be easily coached up and perfected. Chubb has a great quick first step off the
ball that leaves tackles wide-open to get burned.
The largest upside playing in the Broncos defense will allow Chubb
to not only learn from one of the best in the NFL (Von Miller), but he shouldn’t
see many double teams allowing him to have a fantastic and possibly historical
rookie season. A+ pick for the Denver Broncos here!
ADF Prediction: Potential All-Star
Round 2 – Pick 8 (40)
Courtland Sutton (WR)
Picking Courtland Sutton in the second round surprised us to say
the least. But after a little thought, ADF warmed up to the selection rather
quickly. Sutton was a potential projected first rounder that fell into day two,
probably where he should’ve belonged in the first place. Sutton has exceptional
hands and fantastic ability to adjust for the ball over any shoulder making him
a great target standing at an impressive 6’3” tall. This pick screams “red zone
target” for the newly appointed quarterback Case Keenum, as John Elway wants to
provide little excuses if things go sideways in the Mile-High. A major concern
for Sutton is the lack of speed he possesses for being such a big man.
Courtland will never break away from defenders but could be relied upon to
out-jump the opposition for touchdowns and first downs.
This pick is intriguing as Sutton could be viewed as the potential
successor to Demaryius Thomas as his contract is becoming quite an issue on the
Broncos books. Sutton may never become an elite level player in the NFL, but
should have a solid career.
ADF Prediction: Moderate/high upside. Future starter
Round 3 – Pick 7 (71)
Royce Freeman (RB)
ADF was very intrigued with the third round selection
of former Oregon Ducks School rushing leader Royce Freeman. With the eye test
Royce appears to have a similar skillset to that of the recently released CJ
Anderson, though he stands much taller at six feet even. Freeman is far more
put together then Anderson ever was, but doesn’t possess the top end speed you
would like from a potential lead running back. Scouts have voiced their concern
that Freeman has endured much wear and tear already from his college days,
having racked up a whopping 947 carries and 79 receptions in his career, we
tend to agree that is a glaring concern.
Having produced a healthy 60 rushing touchdowns for the Ducks in his
time in Oregon is a great positive that he has a nose for the endzone.
Freeman has the chance to become a very effective
runner in the Broncos offense being a valuable piece to the puzzle. There is
great potential for a 1000 yard rookie season.
ADF Prediction: Potential
starter with injury risk due to over use.
Round 3 – Pick 35 (99)
Isaac Yiadom (DB)
ADF fully expected the Broncos to take a defensive
back in the earlier rounds to supplant the loss of the traded star Aqib Talib,
but they chose another approach in taking the taller corner from Boston College
in the third round. While his height and adequate strength could make him a
decent asset in the Denver secondary, his game requires much refining before he
will be trusted. Yiadom looks to make an instant impact on special teams as
that was his forte in college. If Isaac is smart he will stand beside Chris
Harris as much as possible to try and soak up as much knowledge as he can.
ADF Prediction: Potential uncertain, day one special teamer.
Round 4 – Pick 6 (106)
Josey Jewell (LB)
Denver has clear needs in the middle of the defense
which wasn’t addressed through the free agent market and potentially not even
in this draft. Josey Jewell is a smart player that definitely lacks top end
speed. Jewell was a tackling machine in Iowa amassing 433 total takedowns and
could find a role with the Broncos as a rotational player. His mind-make up
could be compared to that of recently retired line backer Paul Posluszny, as
Josey is a true student of the game. He
would however have to show something special to steal a starting role.
ADF Prediction: Smart
player, has limitations.
Round 4 – Pick 13 (113)
Daesean Hamilton (WR)
Yet another receiver added to a room that could be
running out of chairs to have them sit. Hamilton has good size to be an NFL
receiver but could lack the overall speed to show dominance in the pro game. Scouts
and NFL executives believe he is more of a character person that can lead a
locker room. Time will tell if he can put it together on the field.
ADF Prediction: Low potential
Round 5 – Pick 19 (156)
Tony Fumaqalli (TE)
As the Broncos brain trust awaits the word on last
year’s draft selection Jake Butt to take over as the primary tight end on the
team, John Elway attempted to fill a glaring need with a subpar tight end
prospect. Fumaqalli doesn’t do anything great and should see a lot of the bench
in his rookie season.
Round 6 – Pick 9 (183)
Sam Jones (C)
With all the issues on this offensive line the Broncos
had to address it sometime during this draft process. Jones has the height but
will need to put on more weight to become a proper NFL Center. Has the potential
to play Guard as well.
Round 6 – Pick 43 (217)
Keishawn Bierria (LB)
Bierria is undersized in terms of height
for the position, but makes up for it with a solid frame and rather deceptive
speed. Progressive development will be key for him to stick around in the NFL.
Round 7 – Pick 8 (226)
David Williams (RB)
Former Arkansas running back is a dart shot for the
Broncos with their last pick in the draft. Possessing good size and having
topped out with a 4.45 40 time, Denver could have hopes that Williams would
have fresh legs coming into camp. David seemed to have had a nose for the
endzone scoring eight touchdowns in his senior season. Expectations are low to
start.
2018 Undrafted Free Agent Signings
Phillip Lindsay, RB, Colorado
Austin Schlottmann, C, TCU
Jimmy Williams, WR, East Carolina
Jeff Holland, LB, Auburn
Lowell Lotulelei, DT, Utah
Trey Marshall, DB, Florida State
Leon Johnson, OL, Temple
John Diarse, WR, Texas Christian
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