Denver Broncos Rookies Forecast

By Charlie Campbell – @draftcampbell

Solid Starter

Courtland Sutton, WR, SMU – Round 1
In the draft awards, I gave the Broncos the best draft class of the 2018 NFL Draft. One of the reasons why they earned that designation was the excellent values they got throughout the draft. On Day 2, John Elway started it off by selecting SMU wide receiver Courtland Sutton, and that set the tone for the Broncos to really build up the talent on their roster in the 2018 NFL Draft. Many around the league felt that Sutton would be a pick in the back half of the first round, so landing him in Round 2 was superb value for Denver.

For the NFL, Sutton (6-4, 218) is a mismatch weapon with his excellent size, body control, and leaping ability. The tall Sutton towers over the majority of cornerbacks who line up against him. He also has enough quickness to get downfield along the sideline and isn’t limited to being just a possession receiver. In the red zone, he is a dangerous threat to make receptions over defensive backs. Sutton routinely outjumps corners to high-point passes and use his frame to box them out for the ball. Sutton will make spectacular one-handed catches and sky above defenders to make highlight plays, regularly. He should be a great end zone weapon in the NFL with his size, length, body control, and leaping ability. While Sutton doesn’t have burner speed, he is a mismatch weapon for the NFL.

Sutton gives the Broncos a talented trio at wide receiver, and before long, he could be their No.1 receiver once Demaryius Thomas ages out of Denver. Even if Sutton does not become a No. 1 receiver, he is a safe pick to at least be a quality No. 2. Sutton could become a quality starter quickly in his NFL career.

2017: Demarcus Walker, DE
2016: Devontae Booker, RB
2015: Jeff Heuerman, TE
2014: Lamin Barrow, LB
2013: Sylvester Williams, DE

Most Likely To Bust

Isaac Yiadom, CB, Boston College – Round 3
This wasn’t an easy choice because the Broncos had a strong draft and really took excellent values at each selection. However, Yiadom was the only pick who I felt was perhaps a mistake. There were better consensus cornerbacks available, like Wisconsin’s Nick Nelson, who would have had more upside for Denver. I think Yiadom will have some issues transitioning to the pro game and might have a low ceiling in the NFL.

Yiadom has good size and is a tough corner, but he has limitations as a player. Sources from other teams said that Yiadom has no instincts and that they think that could put a ceiling on the role he will have in the NFL. They see him as a team’s fourth cornerback and a special teams contributor. That could easily be where Yiadom tops out for the Broncos, considering their depth chart.

Obviously the Broncos have their starting cornerbacks with Chris Harris and Bradley Roby. They also have 2017 third-round pick Brendan Langley competing at nickel to go along with veteran Tremaine Brock. Thus, I think that Yiadom is likely to be their fifth cornerback.

2017: Carlos Henderson, WR
2016: Justin Simmons, S
2015: Ty Sambrailo, OT
2014: Bradley Roby, CB
2013: Montee Ball, RB

Potential Boom Pick

Bradley Chubb, DE, N.C. State – Round 1
Throughout the leadup to the 2018 NFL Draft, the Broncos were not a popular team to project Chubb to. However in the draft-week Hot Press, WalterFootball.com reported that sources with Denver wanted to add more pass rush to the defense and there were some thoughts in the organization that Von Miller took his foot off the pedal during the losing streak in 2017 season. Thus, the Broncos wanted to add more pass rush across from Miller and give him some interior competition for making plays on the quarterback. Thus, when Chubb fell to Denver’s first-round pick, it was an easy choice for John Elway.

Chubb is a dangerous pass-rusher with a non-stop motor and a skill set that makes him a skilled quarterback hunter. Unlike many college players, Chubb has a repertoire of pass-rushing moves and developed technique. He possesses active hands that he can use at the same time as his feet. Chubb uses a rip move and can go up and under offensive tackles. He utilizes his speed around the corner and his power to bull rush through tackles. Chubb has natural speed to power that makes him very difficult to single block. His powerful hands are maybe his best trait, as he uses that to shed blocks in the pass rush and ground game. Chubb dominated tight ends and was able to beat double teams during his senior year.

Chubb is an excellent run defender. At the point of attack, he is physical, tough, and sets the edge. He has the strength and versatility to play defensive end or outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense along with being able to play a variety of techniques in a 4-3.

With Miller drawing attention on the other side and Shane Ray providing rotational depth to keep Chubb fresh, Chubb could be a dynamic defender in Denver’s defense. Chubb has boom potential for the Broncos.

2017: Garett Bolles, OT
2016: Paxton Lynch, QB
2015: Shane Ray, LB
2014: Cody Latimer, WR
2013: Quanterus Smith, DE

Future Depth Player

Daesean Hamilton, WR, Penn State – Round 4
Hamilton was a steal in the fourth round because he could be a very good slot receiver. He is a polished receiver who is an impressive route-runner. With his quickness and precise footwork, Hamilton is adept at getting separation to get open for his quarterback. He is a smooth receiver who doesn’t blow defenders away with blazing speed or bully them with huge size, but Hamilton is skilled to produce. That could be seen at the all-star games, where he used his route-running and quickness to consistently win his reps against the defensive backs. Hamilton may not become a starting receiver on the outside, but he could be a dangerous No. 3 receiver who contributes well in that role.

2017: Brendan Langley, CB
2016: Connor McGovern, G
2015: Max Garcis, C
2014: Corey Nelson, LB
2013: Kayvon Webster, CB

Walt’s 2018 NFL Draft Grades:

5. Bradley Chubb, DE, N.C. State A+ Grade
I think Saquon Barkley is the best player in this class, but some people whose opinion I respect believe Bradley Chubb is the top prospect. Either way, he’s the best defensive player. Considering that the Broncos were able to land him at No. 5, that’s amazing value. I can’t give this anything other than an A+. Chubb and Von Miller are going to create major havoc for quarterbacks in the AFC West.

40. Courtland Sutton, WR, SMU A Grade
Maybe I’m just in a good mood, but I think this is another steal. Courtland Sutton could’ve easily been chosen in the late teens or 20s. It’s debatable that he might have been the best receiver in the class. If you’re wondering about need, there was talk about the Broncos moving on from Demaryius Thomas this offseason. Denver will keep Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders, but at least one of them could be gone after this upcoming year. Sutton should be a starter in 2019 and beyond.

71. Royce Freeman, RB, Oregon B Grade
Royce Freeman thrived at the combine, surprising some with his athleticism. He moved into third-round consideration, so the range makes sense. He also fills a big need in the wake of C.J. Anderson’s inexplicable release. This is a logical, albeit unexciting pick.

99. Isaac Yiadom, CB, Boston College B+ Grade
The Broncos coached Isaac Yiadom at the Senior Bowl, so they obviously liked what they saw. Yiadom is a tall cornerback who has the potential to start one day, as he could replace Aqib Talib. I thought he’d go in the Round 3-4 range, so this pick is a very logical one.

106. Josey Jewell, LB, Iowa A Grade
The Broncos wanted Haason Reddick last year, but missed out on him. They finally get their upgrade at linebacker. Josey Jewell, a three-time captain, could’ve gone earlier than this. He doesn’t have great athleticism, but he’s a smart, instinctive linebacker who should be able to help Denver’s defense.

113. DaeSean Hamilton, WR, Penn State B+ Grade
The Broncos have made two solid selections thus far on Day 3. A second receiver in this class might seem weird, but it seems as though Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders are not long for Denver, so finding two potential starters for the future makes sense. DaeSean Hamilton is a solid receiver who excels in route-running, but has issues with drops. He could’ve been chosen in the third round, so I like the value.

156. Troy Fumagalli, TE, Wisconsin B Grade
The Broncos didn’t get much production from their tight ends last year, but they have Jake Butt coming back from injury. Here’s a tight end they can pair with Butt. Troy Fumagalli seemed like a fifth-round choice to me, so this pick makes sense.

183. Sam Jones, G, Arizona State B+ Grade
Sam Jones didn’t allow a single sack in 2017. He’s a sound technician, but he lacks strength right now. Perhaps being in an NFL strength-and-conditioning program will help him become an NFL starter, which could definitely happen.

217. Keishawn Bierria, LB, Washington B Grade
Keishawn Bierria has severe athleticism limitations, but he’s a hard worker who will do whatever it takes to contribute to a team. He could be a solid special-teams player in the pros. He makes sense here at the end of the sixth round.

226. David Williams, RB, Arkansas C Grade
David Williams is a plodder who will run for two yards and fall down if he gets NFL carries. I didn’t think he would be drafted. He offers no athleticism or upside.

2018 NFL Draft Team Grade: B . Follow Walter @walterfootball for updates.

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