Broncos Have Found 4th-Round Success Over Last 10 Years

Among the five picks the Denver Broncos are taking into the 2023 NFL draft is No. 108 overall in the fourth round. The Broncos don't have a first or second-round pick this year, but they have two in the top-100 (picks 67 and 68) and one more just outside.

Barring an unforeseen trade, the Broncos will have already drafted two players by the time pick 108 rolls around. A productive free-agent haul this offseason has helped to fill most of the team's glaring roster holes, but needs remain at edge rusher, interior offensive line, cornerback, and safety.

Often, the best predictor of the future is the past. Here's a look at the last 11 players the Broncos have drafted in the fourth round.

Damarri Mathis | CB | 2022, Pick 115
Eyioma Uwazurike | DL | 2022, Pick 116
Albert Okwuegbunam | TE | 2020, Pick 118
Josey Jewell | LB | 2018, Pick 106
DaeSean Hamilton | WR | 2018, Pick 113
Devonte Booker | RB | 2016, Pick 136
Max Garcia | OL | 2015, Pick 133
Omar Bolden | CB | 2012, Pick 101
Philip Blake | OL | 2012, Pick 108
Quinton Carter | S | 2011, Pick 108
Julius Thomas | TE | 2011, Pick 129

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I included 11 players because Thomas was a two-time Pro Bowler for the Broncos. As Peyton Manning's tight end from 2013-14, Thomas caught 24 touchdowns over that span.

Honestly, the Broncos have arguably had better success over the past decade or so drafting in the fourth round than even the third. While the jury is still out on Mathis, Uwazurike, and Okwuegbunam — all of whom are still playing on their rookie deals — Jewell was re-signed to a second contract, while Booker led the team in rushing in 2016 and Carter helped contribute to a playoff win in 2011.

Hamilton started off on solid footing before suffering an ACL tear that derailed his Broncos tenure. Garcia served as solid depth in Super Bowl 50 and went on to start ball games for Denver.

Bolden was a great leader and a decent returner, but he also struggled with injuries. He got a ring as an injured-reserve player during Super Bowl 50.

Blake was a categorical bust, no doubt. The last time the Broncos drafted at pick 108, it was Blake. And Carter the year prior.

Does this hint at what direction the Broncos could go in this year's draft? Not really. But it should give fans some confidence in the caliber of player the Broncos could land in the fourth round.

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