After Jano, what 2016 Broncos draft pick will be the next to get a new deal?
Oct 11, 2019, 1:57 PM
In a bit of a surprise, the Broncos announced on Friday that they’ve signed Andy Janovich to a three-year contract extension. The fourth-year fullback is now inked through the 2022 season, demonstrating that he’s a part of Denver’s long-term plans.
“Since he was drafted back in 2016, Andy has developed into one of the best fullbacks in the league,” president of football operations / general manager John Elway said in a press release issued by the team. “He’s exactly what you look for in a fullback—tough, reliable and a versatile part of not only the offense but also our special teams. It’s nice to see how Andy’s hard work has paid off, and we look forward to his continued impact on the Broncos.”
Janovich has missed most of the 2019 season after suffering a pectoral injury during the preseason, but he returned last week against the Chargers. And not coincidentally, the Broncos had their best game of the season on the ground, as Phillip Lindsay followed Jano’s lead blocks to a season-high 115 yards rushing.
This builds upon the fullback’s impact a year ago, when Janovich started a career-high seven games and helped Denver average 4.9 yards per rushing attempt, the second-highest single-season figure in Broncos history. Behind his blocking in 2018, Lindsay became the first undrafted offensive rookie to make the Pro Bowl. Additionally, Lindsay (nine) and fellow running back Royce Freeman (five) became just the third rookie rushing tandem since the 1970 NFL merger to record at least five rushing touchdowns apiece.
Janovich becomes the first member of the Broncos 2016 draft class to sign a second contract, and only the third player drafted by Elway to stay in Denver beyond his rookie deal, leading to speculation about who will be next to re-up. Even players on the roster were wondering.
One down. 5 more to go. 👀. Goo stuff Jano. Nobody deserves it more. He’s RICHHHHH. https://t.co/1BN3mVA97h
— William (@PhillyWill11) October 11, 2019
Parks is among the five players from the 2016 class who are still Broncos, a group that he clearly believes deserves an extended stay in Denver. Here’s who else is eligible for a second contract in Denver:
Adam Gotsis – The Broncos second-round pick that year had a bit of a breakout performance a year ago, recording 3.0 sacks, four tackles for a loss and seven quarterback hits on the season. But he’s been largely ineffective in 2019 under head coach Vic Fangio, resulting in the defensive lineman being a healthy scratch last week in Los Angeles. Chances of re-signing: 20%
Justin Simmons – The safety was picked in the third round and has blossomed into a solid contributor on defense. After a great training camp, Simmons has continued to play well this season, grabbing an interception last week against the Chargers and providing Denver with a player who can both defend the run and cover in the passing game. Chances of re-signing: 80%
Devontae Booker – A fourth-round pick out of Utah, Booker has largely been a disappointment as a pro. At this point, he’s been relegated to strictly a special teams player, as Lindsay and Freeman have become the Broncos preferred running backs. Chances of re-signing: 5%
Connor McGovern – After moving from guard to center last season when Matt Paradis was injured, McGovern has become the full-time starter in the middle of Denver’s offensive line this year. So far, he’s been effective, looking like a long-term solution at that position. Chances of re-signing: 65%
Will Parks – A sixth-round pick out of Arizona, Parks has yet to crack the Broncos starting lineup. Many expected he’d line up alongside Simmons this year, but Denver instead decided to move Kareem Jackson to safety; that’s not a great sign, as Park doesn’t appear to be more than a special teams player in Denver. Chances of re-signing: 15%
