Denver Broncos 2018 Draft Class Review

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