Solid Starter
Nik Bonitto, OLB, Oklahoma – Round 2 
Even though the Broncos signed Randy Gregory in free agency, they still needed some edge-rush talent. Von Miller is gone; Bradley Chubb has dealt with a lot of injuries and is nearing the end of his contract; and Gregory has had off-the-field issues land him suspensions during his career. Hence, it made sense for the Broncos to grab another quarterback hunter with their first selection in the 2022 NFL Draft.
There is no doubt Bonitto is a dangerous pass rusher off the edge. He is fast, with a quick first-step to get upfield and the ability to accelerate around the corner. Bonitto also is athletic, displaying the skills to sink his hips and redirect. With his speed and fluidity, offensive tackles are in trouble when there is space for Bonitto work with because he adept at dodging blockers. As a pro, Bonitto could be a dangerous edge rusher and quarterback hunter.
While the 6-foot-3, 240-pound Bonitto is an effective rusher, he is a liability as a run defender for the NFL. Bonitto is undersized as he lacks height and weight to be a pro edge defender. He also is not very physical and needs to get stronger for taking on offensive linemen at the next level.
Bonitto’s weakness as a run defender keeps him from being a boom pick, but after some developmental time, he could easily become a solid starter. With Chubb and Gregory as the starters, Bonitto is in a good situation to develop and be used rotationally as he adjusts to the NFL. While Bonitto might not be a star, he could end up being a quality contributor for Denver.
2021: Patrick Surtain, CB
2020: K.J. Hamler, WR
2019: Drew Lock, QB
2018: Courtland Sutton, WR
2017: Demarcus Walker, DE
2016: Devontae Booker, RB
2015: Jeff Heuerman, TE
2014: Lamin Barrow, LB
2013: Sylvester Williams, DE
Most Likely To Bust
Greg Dulcich, TE, UCLA – Round 3 
Dulcich flashed receiving potential the past two seasons, and he could easily become a quality rotational tight end for Denver. I chose him as the player with the most bust potential because he has limitations as a blocker, and some teams flunked him medically. Some were in need of a tight end and drafted a tight end, but had ruled Dulcich out medically.
As a blocker, Dulcich contributes and willing to throw his body into defenders. He could stand to develop better technique to sustain his blocks and improve his hand placement to tie up defenders rather just throwing his torso into them. Dulcich also is a tad undersized for blocking in the NFL, so it would not be surprising if he never turns into a difference-making blocker.
In Denver, Dulcich enters a good situation to earn playing time because he only has Albert Okwuegbunam ahead of him on the depth chart. Dulcich might be too limited to become a starter, and of the organization’s two selections on Day 2, he looks like the riskiest.
2020: Baron Browning, LB
2020: McTelvin Agim, DT
2019: Dalton Risner, OT
2018: Isaac Yiadom, CB
2017: Carlos Henderson, WR
2016: Justin Simmons, S
2015: Ty Sambrailo, OT
2014: Bradley Roby, CB
2013: Montee Ball, RB
Potential Boom Pick
NONE While I don’t see a boom pick in the Broncos draft class, they used picks for a boom addition to their roster in quarterback Russell Wilson. If you want to count veteran additions, Wilson would be obvious because he will make a huge difference to pushing Denver back into contention to be among the best teams in the AFC.
2021: Javonte Williams, RB
2020: Jerry Jeudy, WR
2019: Noah Fant, TE
2018: Bradley Chubb, DE
2017: Garett Bolles, OT
2016: Paxton Lynch, QB
2015: Shane Ray, LB
2014: Cody Latimer, WR
2013: Quanterus Smith, DE
Future Depth Player
Damarri Mathis, CB, Pittsburgh – Round 4 
The Broncos have one of the top young cornerbacks in the NFL with Patrick Surtain, but they were in need of some depth at the position. Mathis was a nice value pick in the fourth round because he is a gritty corner who will get physical and has some ball skills. The 5-foot-11, 196-pounder has some size and speed limitations, and his issues could make him more of a fourth corner in the NFL. However, he could be a good backup who contributes in a rotation and also is a core special teams player. Mathis was a solid value for Denver in Round 4 of the 2022 NFL Draft.
2021: Caden Sterns, S
2020: Albert Okweugbunam, TE
2019: Dre’Mont Jones, DT
2018: Daesean Hamilton, WR
2017: Brendan Langley, CB
2016: Connor McGovern, G
2015: Max Garcis, C
2014: Corey Nelson, LB
2013: Kayvon Webster, CB
Walt’s 2022 NFL Draft Grades:
64. Nik Bonitto, DE/OLB, Oklahoma – B+ Grade
Nik “Casa” Bonitto is a bit of a tweener, but he’s an explosive edge rusher. The Broncos signed Randy Gregory, but they can’t count on him to be a long-term player across from Bradley Chubb. Bonitto could be that guy.
80. Greg Dulcich, TE, UCLA – A- Grade
I mocked Greg Dulcich to the Broncos at No. 75, so I’m glad they were able to trade down five spots and pick up some value! Tight end makes sense here after Denver traded Noah Fant to Seattle. I like Albert Okwuegbunam, but the Broncos want to give Russell Wilson two capable tight ends to throw to, and Dulcich has good upside.
115. Damarri Mathis, CB, Pittsburgh – B+ Grade
The Broncos had to address their cornerback situation, as it’s not very promising outside of Patrick Surtain. Damarri Mathis could help sooner rather than later, as he’s a solid choice here in the fourth round. I’ve had him in this range in most updates.
116. Eyioma Uwazurike, DT, Iowa State – C Grade
Eyioma Uwazurike impressed during pre-draft workouts and did a good job of improving his draft stock, but I think this is a bit too rich for him. I had him pegged in the sixth round, so I’m not a fan of this pick, though it potentially fills a need.
152. Delarrin Turner-Yell, S, Oklahoma – B Grade
The Broncos need to get younger at safety, so this pick makes a lot of sense. Delarrin Turner-Yell is someone I mocked around this range, so this is a solid pick for Denver.
162. Montrell Washington, KR, Samford – C Grade
Montrell Washington wasn’t on my radar at all for any of my mock drafts, perhaps because he’s just a special teamer. He could end up being a good kick returner for the Broncos, but I have to admit that I didn’t get to watch many Samford games.
171. Luke Wattenberg, C, Washington – C Grade
Luke Wattenberg is another player I didn’t consider in my mock drafts, but at least he fills a need. The Broncos need to protect Russell Wilson as well as possible, and they were looking for some center competition.
206. Matt Henningsen, DE/DT, Wisconsin – B Grade
Matt Henningsen never made it into my mock draft, but perhaps he should have after he posted some terrific numbers at his pro day. I like the Broncos taking a chance on such an athletic player late in the draft. Defensive line depth needed to be addressed.
232. Faion Hicks, CB, Wisconsin – B Grade
Faion Hicks is a small corner (5-10, 185), but he posted some impressive testing numbers at his pro day, including a 4.37 40. With quality upside, he’s worth a shot in the seventh round.
2022 NFL Draft Team Grade: B-. Follow Walter @walterfootball for updates.
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