How Many Drafted Players Make the 2016 53?

[SpringStein]

Here was our draft class:
Round 1: Paxton Lynch, QB
Round 2: Adam Gotsis, DT
Round 3: Justin Simmons, FS
Round 4: Devontae Booker, RB
Round 5: Connor McGovern, OG
Round 6: Andy Janovich, FB
Round 6: Will Parks, S
Round 7: Riley Dixon, P

I was thinking the other day - might all 8 draft picks make this year's team? Typically you wouldn't expect 8 rookies to make your SB winning team - but with our losses in FA and the positions players were picked at, I think there is a decent chance.

In looking at who might be cut, it's always good to start looking at the last picks. Dixon - will he beat out Colquit? I think it's probable dues to Colquit's $$. Will Parks may have the toughest road - but with Bruton and Bolden gone, there is a chance he could be the #4 S.

I think the top 6 are almost a slam dunk to make the team, barring injuries.

 

[Mingo]

Everyone (unless injured) - and one or two UDFA.

What is interesting about this prediction is that some very good football players will have to be cut or traded to accommodate the new guys.

 

[LGM]

It flat out amazes me we can look at 6 of 8 draft picks on a SB winning team and the best Defense in the league, and almost definitively say they'll make the team.

I gave Elway a ton of crap via text with SS, DC this offseason, but it looks like they really nailed the draft this year, and continue to get better.

 

[RDog]

As I looked at our draft list, before I saw Mingo's post, there was not a name I would cut or place on the practice squad. Our rookie free agent better be good since they will comprise most of the practice squad.

 

[cdumler7]

Yeah really the last 2 are the only 2 that really have to worry barring injury. The others fit not only need but value to the roster at the positions they were drafted for. Really for Parks it comes down to him and Shiloh Keo in my opinion. Keo showed decently as the year went on and made a couple of really nice plays in the playoffs. Coverage wise though he still struggled most of the year. When both Ward and Stewart went out in the AFC Championship game our safeties got picked on left and right. I will say I am interested to see how Taurean Nixon has developed as he could surprise some people in that competition.

Riley Dixon we will just have to see. He definitely has a very good chance of making this roster. If it is even close to which one is better between him and Colquitt then I see Dixon getting the job because of all the money that saves the team.

Like I've said before this is probably my favorite draft of Elway's. I've had a couple that I was having to hold back my frustration but with every pick we made this year (well except Gotsis but that was mostly just because I didn't know who the guy was) I was jumping for joy.

Throw in I think a decent number of UDFA's stand a chance of making the roster...

Henry Krieger-Coble was given the biggest signing bonus of any of the UDFA's which is usually a sign the team really does think he can make it and we still have a need at the TE position.
Bralon Addison has already been talked about by the Special Teams coach. I do worry though that because we are adding a FB to the roster that the position that loses a spot is WR so we might only take 5 on the actual roster. Addison might be battling Jordan Norwood for a roster spot as well as Jordan Taylor.

I'm also interested in some of the OL guys we picked up to see how they will do. Justin Murray has only given up 2 sacks in 2 seasons at a major university so not like he was always going against weak opponents.

Shaneil Jenkins is another that at least size and athleticism stands a chance at the DE position especially if Gotsis is not ready to go.

 

[SpiritOf77]

I agree with SS

And I think all 8 make it

Colquitt is done here .. He did well in the SB, but we were calling for his head all regular season .. Odd as it sounds, I think it's Dixon's job to lose

 

[cdumler7]

I agree with SS

And I think all 8 make it

Colquitt is done here .. He did well in the SB, but we were calling for his head all regular season .. Odd as it sounds, I think it's Dixon's job to lose

I agree. You don't use a draft pick on a guy unless you are really hoping he can make the roster as you want to be able to use the cheaper options. The Broncos honestly for the past couple of years have been hoping for somebody to beat out Colquitt. Every camp they have brought in a couple of guys to compete but at this point he has held onto the job. Is this the year he finally gets beat out? To me I'm not sure Dixon even has to be better...I think he just has to be close so the team can justify cutting Colquitt and then turning around using that money towards Von. I don't think they want to just have his cap hit be the $14 million he is at right now. That would mean a $25 million hit or more next season most likely. If they can get his Cap Hit to say $18 million this year and only $21 million next year that gives them some nice breathing room to sign our other players.

 

[CEH]

Really like the Janovich pick. I think he will become a cult type figure here.

 

[SpringStein]

Really like the Janovich pick. I think he will become a cult type figure here.

Russian name. Maybe Russian mafia type.

 

[Mingo]

As long as Janovich keeps his Russian Mob responsibilities and his football responsibilities separate - I'm good with it.

 

[Draft Crazy]

Really like the Janovich pick. I think he will become a cult type figure here.

I think this guy is gonna be that dirty work, that everyone appreciates and becomes a fan favorite like Bruton did after a few years of showing he has the guts to do the dirty work.

A guy that most other teams fans may not talk about but something Bronco fans who watch every game can appreciate like Bruton and Keith Burns.

 

[LGM]

As long as Janovich keeps his Russian Mob responsibilities and his football responsibilities separate - I'm good with it.

A little overlap here and there might not be such a bad thing. Just don't "Hoffa" a guy and bury him in the corner of the endzone.