Denver Broncos NFL draft picks: 2017 round-by-round results, grades
The Broncos fell just short of the playoffs in their first year without Peyton Manning, struggling under center as they tried to defend their title. How will they use their picks in the NFL draft? SI's draft analyst Chris Burke is breaking down and grading every selection below.
Here's the full list of picks the Broncos hold in the 2017 draft, which will be updated as each selection is made.
Round 1, Pick 20 (No. 20 overall)
Garett Bolles, OT, Utah: Howard would have been tough to turn down had he made it one more spot. This, however, is where the Broncos always appeared to be headed in Round 1. The only real mystery was which tackle they would choose here in an attempt to fix their O-line. Bolles will be old for a rookie, but he also should be penciled in as Denver’s Day One starter on the left side, with Donald Stephenson and Menelik Watson battling it out on the right. Bolles’s ability on the move will give him a chance to be an elite run blocker within the Denver scheme. GRADE: B+
Newest Bronco Garett Bolles brought his baby to the draft stage in a suit
Round 2, Pick 19 (No. 51)
DeMarcus Walker, DE, Florida State: The Broncos were not good enough up front on offense last year, so they took Garett Bolles in Round 1. And they were pushed around too much on defense, too, which makes Walker’s presence a strong addition. He can play end in a 3–4, and he’d also help the transition should Denver utilize more 4–3 post-Wade Phillips. Grade: B
Round 3, Pick 18 (No. 82)
Carlos Henderson, WR, Louisiana Tech: Denver wanted to add a playmaker in this draft, it was just a matter of when the move would come. Here, the Broncos may have outdone themselves, if Henderson is as shifty an NFL receiver as he was in college. At minimum, he’s a TD threat every time he returns a kick or punt. Grade: A
Round 3, Pick 37 (No. 101)
Brendan Langley, CB, Lamar:
A 4.4 speed guy with 6-foot height, Langley checks off those important NFL cornerback boxes. Beyond that, this might have been a round early for Langley considering how raw he is—the Broncos have enough DBs to afford him development time, but it could be a while before he’s ready to contribute on a regular basis. Grade: C
Round 5, Pick 1 (No. 145) Jake Butt, TE, Michigan
Round 5, Pick 29 (No. 172) Isaiah McKenzie, WR, Georgia
Round 6, Pick 19 (No. 203) De'Angelo Henderson, RB, Coastal Carolina
Round 7, Pick 35 (No. 253) Chad Kelly, QB, Ole Miss
