Denver Broncos 2017 Draft Review

Utah's Garett Bolles, left, holds his son, Kingston, after being selected by the Denver Broncos during the first round of the 2017 NFL football draft, Thursday, April 27, 2017, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

1st/20 Garett Bolles, OT

Ht.: 6’5 Wt.: 297 School: Utah

After the offensive line caused the offense to crash in 2016 the Broncos made overhauling the unit their top focus this offseason. Testing at the top of his class at the Combine Bolles backed his impressive tape highlighting quick feet and lateral agility. Bolles will get every opportunity to start day one at left tackle with the hope that he will be the missing piece to get the run game back on track.

 

2nd/51 DeMarcus Walker, DE

Ht.: 6’4 Wt.: 280 School: Florida State

While Walker is listed as an end he does his damage rushing inside on sub packages using quickness along with good technique and hand usage. After losing Malik Jackson last offseason and Sylvester Williams this year the Broncos defensive line has taken a hit on their interior pass rushers. Walker can step into Jackson’s pass rushing role as he continues to build up his weight before taking on starting spot.

 

3rd/82 Carlos Henderson, WR

Ht.: 5’11 Wt.: 199 School: Louisiana Tech

Both Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders have provided the Broncos with two elite level receivers but they get little help as no other pass catcher had over 23 catches in 2016. With Cody Latimer failing to live up to expectations the Broncos snatched up Henderson who slipped in the draft. Henderson’s quickness allows him to separate underneath while his top end speed will allow him to win downfield.

 

3rd/101 Brendan Langley, CB

Ht.: 6’0 Wt.: 201 School: Lamar

The third round may be a little rich for Langley but the Broncos saw someone who has good length and ball skills that are needed in defensive coordinator Joe Woods’ scheme. Having Aqib Talib, Chris Harris locked up for the next couple of years along with Bradley Roby’s fifth year option the Broncos can use this opportunity to develop Langly as a reserve instead of rushing him.

 

5th/145 Jake Butt, TE

Ht.: 6’6 Wt.: 246 School: Michigan

Tight ends were a major part of Mike McCoy’s offenses in San Diego and that shouldn’t change in Denver. With no Antonio Gates or Hunter Henry type talents in Denver the Broncos are hoping a recovering Jake Butt can fill that role. A torn ACL in the bowl game caused Jake Butt’s stock to tumble but as long as there are no complications his savvy route running and ball skills are exactly what McCoy needs.

 

5th/172 Isaiah McKenzie, WR

Ht.: 5’8 Wt.: 173 School: Georgia

What McKenzie lacks in size he makes up for in speed and explosion. Looking to get better production out of their third and fourth receivers McKenzie can work out of the slot providing gadget plays or as deep threat. But it will be special teams where McKenzie makes his mark both covering kicks and as a returner.

 

6th/203 De’Angelo Henderson, RB

Ht.: 5’8 Wt.: 208 School: Coastal Carolina

Henderson started his career at South Carolina before transferring to the FCS level where he set a Division I record for consecutive games with a touchdown at 35 games. Running with good balance and 4.48 speed he can give the Broncos a developmental back behind Anderson and Booker.

 

7th/253 Chad Kelly, QB

Ht.: 6’2 Wt.: 228 School: Mississippi

Talent has never been the issue for Kelly who has the natural arm talent needed to play in the league. But staying out of trouble and poor decisions have always plagued Kelly and are the reasons he almost went undrafted. Coming to Denver and being a part of a strong organization may be what he needs if he wants to have success.

 

Best Pick

Henderson (third round)

 

Upside Pick

Butt (fifth round)

 

Overall Thoughts

The additions of Bolles and Walker fill the Broncos biggest needs while providing them with top players at their respective positions. Taking Jake Butt in the fifth round could have a huge payoff as long as he recovers while Carlos Henderson in the third round is one of the steals of the entire draft.

Grade: B