Broncos Assign Jersey Numbers to 2023 NFL Draft Class
Last week, the Denver Broncos unveiled the jersey numbers for the team's free-agent acquisitions. On Thursday, two days before rookie minicamp is set to kick off, the Broncos announced the jersey numbers for their 2023 draft class.
| Number | Player | Position |
|---|---|---|
83 | Marvin Mims Jr. | WR |
41 | Drew Sanders | LB |
37 | Riley Moss | CB |
46 | JL Skinner | S |
76 | Alex Forsyth | C |
Many fans expressed their disappointment that sixth-round safety JL Skinner opted for No. 46 instead of No. 0, which he rocked at Boise State. Skinner took to Twitter after the Broncos assigned him (apparently without consult) the No. 46 to sound off.
"News to me. I’ll earn it back," Skinner tweeted Thursday afternoon. Shortly after, he deleted the tweet.
@JLJlskinner on Twitter
For what it's worth, NFL owners recently approved the No. 0 to be worn for certain positions. Defensive backs got the green light.
“The amended rule allows quarterbacks to choose from numbers 0-19; defensive backs 0-49; fullbacks, tight ends, halfbacks and wide receivers 0-49 and 80-89; linebackers 0-59 and 90-99. Offensive linemen remain relegated to 50-79, while defensive linemen can wear 50-79 and 90-99,” Kevin Patra of NFL.com wrote.
Considering that these numbers are indeed subject to change, it'll be interesting to see if the Broncos take heed of Skinner's passive-aggressive protest and let him rock No. 0. Head coach Sean Payton doesn't seem to take kindly to his players sounding off on social media, hence Skinner's wise decision to delete it.
As for Marvin Mims, Jr., taking No. 83 is fitting. Stalwart wideouts in Broncos history to rock No. 83 include Anthony Miller and Wes Welker, the former of whom was a Pro Bowler and the latter a member of Denver's record-setting 2013 offense that finished with 606 points (37.9 ppg).
Drew Sanders opted for No. 41, which doesn't have much of a history in Broncos canon. He'll have the opportunity to create a legacy for the number, though.
Similarly, the No. 37, which cornerback Riley Moss chose, doesn't have a huge history in Denver, though some good contributors over the years have worn it, including former cornerback Tony 'Sticky Man' Carter. Former running back Anthony Lynn, who went on to serve as the Los Angeles Chargers' head coach from 2017-20, rocked No. 37 in the late '90s.
Moss' fellow Broncos defensive back P.J. Locke once wore No. 37, before switching to No. 6. Last season, former running back Marlon Mack picked up No. 37 after Locke relinquished it.
Seventh-round center Alex Forsyth will wear No. 76, which was most recently sported by former offensive tackle Calvin Anderson. Super Bowl 50 champion Tyler Polumbus also wore No. 76 back in 2015.
Each rookie draft pick will get the opportunity to grow their own stake in the cache of each jersey number they chose. However, keep in mind, these numbers are subject to change, which can happen if a number that's in demand is vacated by a player who is cut or traded.
Or if a team fails to consult a rookie's opinion, thinks twice about it, and then offers a different number.
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