Broncos Rookies Grades from 18-17 Loss to Cardinals

The Denver Broncos didn't win their preseason opener, but they got some excellent showings from their rookie class. Unfortunately, two of Denver's top three draft picks did not play vs. the Arizona Cardinals.

Overall, it was a good showing from the rookies who did participate. Let's cover the grades from preseason Game 1.

Drew Sanders | ILB | Grade: 58.9

Sanders had a good game, but there were times when it was clear that he's a rookie and still learning to be a linebacker. He stuck close to his assignments in coverage and did well reading plays as they developed.

It wasn't all great as Sanders went to shoot the gap against the run on one play, only to be driven back eight yards.

J.L. Skinner | S | Grade: 42.6

Skinner is a big safety, but there were times he was showing his coverage too early pre-snap. The Cardinals' offense also caught him out of position on multiple big plays.

Alex Forsyth | IOL | Grade: 71.8

Forsyth had a good game. He opened up running lanes and played a clean game, allowing no pressures in pass protection.

However, as he aims to climb the depth chart, the No. 2 center — Luke Wattenberg — also had a good game. It would be nice to see Forsyth go against second-string guys instead of the third and fourth-string guys.

Jaleel McLaughlin | RB | Grade: 63.8

McLaughlin was quick and shifty, but he's small and was extremely easy to bring down. Making things worse was he got popped and fumbled the ball.

Luckily it went out of bounds, but it was still a failure to secure the ball, which head coach Sean Payton called out after the game.

Taylor Grimes | WR | Grade: 58.6

Grimes is a quick route runner, and he was getting separation consistently. He also stood out as a blocker.

Nick Williams | WR | Grade: 50.0

Williams played 11 snaps and was never targeted.

Nate Adkins | TE | Grade: 70.5

Adkins showed his versatility lining up in-line, as a fullback, and doing well from both. Adkins was the third tight end, with Chris Manhertz not playing, and he played exceptionally well as a blocker.

Alex Palczewski | OT | Grade: 68.9

Of all the tackles, Palczewski had the best night by far. He played 35 snaps, the most of all players on the Broncos offense, and seemed natural playing right tackle.

Palczewski won consistently and could be in line for some reps against second-stringers after controlling third and fourth-team guys.

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Demontrey Jacobs | OT | Grade: 29.5

Jacobs played the third-most snaps among the tackles and struggled often. He allowed three pressures in pass protection and struggled to sustain in the run game.

Henry Byrd | OL | Grade: 53.1

Byrd did well in the run game, but he had issues in pass protection. While he wasn't credited with giving up any pressures, there were multiple reps he got blown up. The quarterback getting the ball out kept those pressures from accumulating.

P.J. Mustipher | IDL | Grade: 63.7

Mustipher isn't overly quick, but he is powerful. Both showed during the game.

One issue was getting bulldozed in a one-on-one matchup, but Mustipher responded a few plays later.

Haggai Ndbuisi | IDL | Grade: 55.0

Playing only four snaps, there wasn't much time. However, he was noticeable on two of the reps, holding up against the run.

Thomas Incoom | OLB | Grade: 53.8

Incoom played a lot, but you might not know it by glancing at the box score. He dealt with double teams and chips reasonably often.

That led to nothing as a pass rusher, and Icoom had a missed tackle as a run defender. However, he did well setting the edge and holding up on the edge, allowing others to make the play.

Marcus Haynes | OLB | Grade: 69.5

Haynes had one of the best nights among the edge defenders. He's quick, sudden, and fast as a pass rusher and picked up three pressures.

However, Haynes needs to be more consistent on the edge as a run defender.

Austin Ajiake | ILB | Grade: 56.8

Ajiake has the athleticism and speed to play in the NFL. He was flying around on the field, though it was clear he's still picking things up.

Seth Benson | ILB | Grade: 43.8

Benson is instinctive, but he has issues with his sub-par NFL athleticism. He was often caught lagging because his speed and athleticism weren't there.

Benson did well when things were kept between the tackles in the run game, though.

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