Everything to know about the newest Broncos additions
May 1, 2021, 4:57 PM | Updated: Feb 28, 2023, 9:13 am
The chaos of the 2021 NFL Draft has finally come to an end and the Denver Broncos walked away with 10 total picks.
Did anyone’s mock draft survive?
Of course no one is going to forget the decision that divided a fan base (kind of) with the ninth overall pick.
Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields was on the board, but general manager George Paton decided to select cornerback Patrick Surtain II.
Paton said the team tried to hide their interest in Surtain and didn’t even talk to the prospect through his Pro Day and draft process.
Was it the right call? That decision won’t be made for a few seasons after Fields has established himself in the league.
Here is everything to know about each draftee the Broncos selected in the 2021 NFL Draft.
Patrick Surtain II, CB
You can’t NOT mention that Surtain II is the son of NFL star Patrick Surtain Sr., who played 11 seasons in the NFL and was a three-time Pro Bowl DB. Surtain II was a safe, good pick with 4.46 speed and intelligence. According to draft profiles, Surtain II is also a willing tackler, which will fit well with the Broncos. It was a little surprising to take a cornerback after George Paton signed veteran CBs Ronald Darby and Kyle Fuller in free agency.
Javonte Williams, RB
Our own Cecil Lammey called this one, so why not use his analysis?
“The best running back in this class is Javonte Williams, in my opinion. I love big backs and I cannot lie, and Williams fits that bill at nearly 215 pounds. He runs with plenty of violence as evidenced by his 75 broken tackles for the Tarheels in 2020. Williams worked better as a receiver last year and could be a lead back in the NFL.”
Williams averaged 7.3 yards per carry in 2020 with 22 touchdowns.
Quinn Meinerz, G
Do not listen to the slander of James Merilatt. This man is already a legend. Seriously, just watch his wilderness workout videos and you will be sold. Meinerz attended Wisconsin Whitewater (DIII) where COVID-19 canceled his fall season. He turned into a spring story after a dominant Senior Bowl performance that boosted his draft position.
“I’m just really excited to get into the offensive line room and start competing and help the Denver Broncos organization win football games,” Meinerz said in his press conference.
I anticipate he will be the training camp “darling” this season.
Baron Browning, LB
Per USA Today, Browning is a rangy player whose skill set should translate to Vic Fangio’s defense, which needs off-ball linebackers to patrol far and wide while OLBs Von Miller and Bradley Chubb hunt QBs. Browning had five sacks in 2019, so he can be an effective blitzer, too.
Caden Sterns, S
Sterns was a three-year starter for the Texas Longhorns and recorded 172 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, two sacks, 13 passes defensed and five interceptions during his 29 career games with Texas. He was a first-team All-Big 12 player in 2018 and was the Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year.
Jamar Johnson, S
Johnson led Indiana in interceptions in 2020 as he recorded four picks in eight games and was named a first-team All-Big Ten player by the media. Johnson recorded 70 tackles, eight tackles for loss, four sacks, two forced fumbles, 14 passes defensed and seven interceptions in his career.
Seth Williams, WR
Williams finished his Auburn career with 132 receptions for 2,142 yards (more than 16 yards per catch) and 17 touchdowns. Williams is 6-foot-3, 211-pounds and ran a 4.5 40-yard dash at Auburn’s Pro Day.
According to NFL draft analyst Lance Zierlein, “Williams is a different receiver in the red zone, where his size and length are huge advantages on jump-ball battles. However, between the 20s, his routes lack salesmanship, he’s unable to create separation and he fails to use his size to prevail.”
Kary Vincent Jr., CB
Vincent played cornerback at LSU and opted out ahead of the 2020 season. He recorded four interceptions and 12 passes defensed during his final season on the field for LSU. Vincent Jr. ended his career with 87 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, one sack, 21 passes defensed and six interceptions in 39 games.
Jonathon Cooper, LB
Cooper attended Ohio State and recorded 77 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, two passes defended, two fumble recoveries and one forced fumble. According to reports, his leadership led him to become a two-time team captain, the first-ever player designated to wear the Block O jersey and Ohio State’s Big Ten Sportsmanship Award honoree.
Marquiss Spencer, DE
Spencer spent five seasons with Mississippi State, appearing in 51 games with 23 starts. He started nine games as a senior last season before missing the final two due to injury. Spencer led Mississippi State with 8.5 tackles for loss last season, which nearly averaged out to one per game.
