Broncos' Draft Class: Biggest Bust Potential, Safest Pick & Sleeper

The Denver Broncos moved around the board in the 2023 NFL draft, though they entered with only five selections. After all the Broncos; maneuvers, they still walked away with five selections.

Based on what we knew about these players before they were selected, and what we've seen from each of them since, I'm handing out five awards to the Broncos' 2023 draft class.

Safest Pick: Riley Moss | CB

Every year, you hear about the 'safe' picks who should have a lengthy career in the NFL, even as a depth player or on special teams. Moss is a good athlete that should have a long career as a defensive back in the NFL while being a key contributor on special teams.

That is, if he doesn't develop into a starting defensive back in the NFL. Moss was a safe pick with his skill set, and as long as he can stay healthy, he should establish an NFL career of 10-plus years.

Biggest Bust Potential: Drew Sanders | LB

Sanders is a versatile defender, but finding the right way to use him could lead to difficulty in developing him, especially if the Broncos put him in the wrong position. He was used as an off-ball linebacker last season at Arkansas, and it looks like he'll end up there for the Broncos.

Being a versatile defender doesn't guarantee automatic success, and Sanders' time spent as an edge defender could lead to difficulty in the NFL. Success with the draft process is often about putting players in the right place to succeed.

While the Broncos are setting Sanders up to be an inside linebacker, will that be the best spot for him? If it isn't, would he be able to adjust to playing on the edge?

There's a lot to like about Sanders, but this is why he has the 'Biggest Bust Potential.'

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Sleeper: JL Skinner | S

Skinner fell in the draft because of the severe injury he suffered a couple of days before the NFL Combine. After the Broncos drafted him, good news came with Skinner revealing he was ahead of schedule with his recovery.

Once you get beyond Justin Simmons, the Broncos' safety room doesn't look great. Caden Sterns is returning from a season-ending hip injury, and while the Broncos brought Kareem Jackson back, he has lost a few steps.

If Skinner can get fully cleared by the start of the season, he could have a significant role on defense. If he didn't suffer the injury in the draft process, he was likely to have been a top-100 pick, at the very least.

Most Versatile: Marvin Mims, Jr. | WR

There were a couple of options for the 'Most Versatile,' but Mims stands a step above. On offense, he can work inside or outside and be used out of the backfield with end-around, sweeps, and in-motion.

Then you have the options on special teams as a returner. Plus, Mims is fierce enough to work as a gunner, though that shouldn't be a primary way Denver uses him.

Mims was the first pick of the Sean Payton era, and the Broncos' new head coach made sure to trade up to land the Oklahoma wideout. That speaks to how highly Payton views Mims.

What will Mims' usage be as a rookie, and will Payton take advantage of his versatility?

Biggest Boom Potential: Alex Forsyth | C

It is unique that the draft pick with the highest potential ends up being the last pick, but Forsyth's draft pedigree is a big reason why. He has the most room to exceed his draft pedigree and the reasons he fell as far as he did also play a factor.

Many offensive line analysts thought Forsyth would go much earlier than he did in the draft. He has the versatility to work in any scheme, he's a solid enough athlete, he has a high football IQ, and a good work ethic. The issue is the lingering hamstring injury that hindered his draft stock.

While it's a longshot, there is a chance Forsyth could end up starting as a rookie, even with Payton's lackluster assurance that Lloyd Cushenberry III will be the starter. Forsyth is the type of lineman that Payton loves — which was a big part of what got him drafted to Denver.

If Forsyth stays healthy and reliable, as he did in college, he's good enough to win the starting job.

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