Broncos Rookie Grades from 21-20 Loss vs. Niners Revealed

The preseason is always good exposure for rookies, and multiple Denver Broncos rookies have taken full advantage of their opportunities. While the Broncos lost to the San Francisco 49ers, multiple rookies had a great game to help the team put 20 points on the board.

There were also some Broncos rookies who had a bad game, allowing the Niners to walk out with the win. For this week, there was a 10-snap requirement to get graded, which six Broncos rookies didn't meet.

Third-round cornerback Riley Moss did not play due to injury. So let's jump into the grades for the rookies.

Jaleel McLaughlin | RB | Grade: 78.7

McLaughlin was the star of the night. He made an impact as a returner, receiver, and runner, picking up two touchdowns. With Tyler Badie out, McLaughlin did what he needed to do to make the roster. It is hard to see him not make it as the third back.

Alex Palczewski | OT | Grade: 73.8

Palczewski should make the roster. With O-line play being down around the NFL, he has looked like he belongs. It'll be hard to sneak him through waivers, so it would be better to work on the roster to keep him.

While Palczewski hasn't played as the left tackle, he's handled his business working as the right tackle, even against some second-string players against the Niners. He was the best tackle for the Broncos in San Fran, as he was in Game 1.

Nate Adkins | TE | Grade: 72.9

Adkins has been a surprise this preseason. He has done exceptionally well in both games and saw action against the second-unit defense.

There is versatility to his game, and you can line him up all over the formation.

Drew Sanders | LB | Grade: 70.5

Sanders had a solid preseason Game 1 and looked improved against the Niners. There are still some things to clean up, especially following the flow on run plays, but his athleticism in coverage was easy to see.

Thomas Incoom | OLB | Grade: 58.8

Incoom played 11 snaps, and 10 came as a pass rusher. He picked up zero pressures and has totaled just one QB pressure on 59 snaps over two games. Making the roster is a long shot, but he's battling for the practice squad.

Austin Ajiake | LB | Grade: 57.6

Ajiake is a quick linebacker, and he can fly on the field. However, he isn't the most comfortable and is still learning and adjusting to the NFL.

What happens next on the Broncos? Don't miss out on any news and analysis! Take a second, sign up for our free newsletter, and get breaking Broncos news delivered to your inbox daily!

Alex Forsyth | C | Grade: 57.3

Forsyth was solid as the third center to enter the game. He handled his job well and had a clean game.

Art Green | CB | Grade: 51.7

Green saw some snaps against the Niners, his first action in the preseason. It didn't go wrong, but he didn't do exceptionally well. He was out there on the field, and that was about it.

P.J. Mustipher | DL | Grade: 49.3

Mustipher is a solid nose tackle, and he showed tremendous strength by bulldozing the center several times. However, he needs to continue to work on reading plays and following the flow, which could come with a spot on the practice squad.

Marvin Mims | WR | Grade: 45.2

Mims was targeted twice, with one catch for eight yards. He showed his quickness and speed but was a feisty receiver in college.

That feistiness was missed against the Niners, even when working as a blocker.

Seth Benson | LB | Grade: 43.2

Benson is an intelligent and instinctive linebacker, but his lack of athleticism has been exploited by opponents in both games. He's an old-school style linebacker that doesn't have the tools for the modern NFL. Maybe he can stick around as a special teams player.

J.L. Skinner | S | Grade: 39.7

Skinner can hit, and he showed his physicality as a tackler. However, there are issues on the backend with reading plays as they develop and following the flow thereof.

Follow Mile High Huddle on Twitter and Facebook.

Subscribe to Mile High Huddle on YouTube for daily Broncos live-stream podcasts!