Broncos Go Defense With 1st Draft Pick

The Denver Broncos had the number 9 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, and most experts believed that quarterback would be the position to target.

This was a quarterback-heavy class, and the first three picks all came from that position.

Denver chose to go a different route, choosing cornerback Patrick Surtain II out of the University of Alabama. Surtain’s father played in the NFL for 11 seasons, and a portion of that career was played in the AFC West with the Kansas City Chiefs.

According to GM George Paton, Surtain was their target all along. Denver did complete a trade for Teddy Bridgewater prior to the draft, and that allowed them to focus on other positions.

If the Broncos are going to contend in the AFC West, then they must assemble a defense that is good enough to slow down Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs. Surtain should be a starter right away in the league, and this is a big upgrade for the defense.

Broncos’ Second Round Pick

In the second round, Paton and the Broncos completed a trade to move up five spots to get some help on offense. With the 35th overall pick, Denver selected running back Javonte Williams from North Carolina.

The Broncos decided to move on from Phillip Lindsay after a disappointing 2020 season, and Williams should be able to slide into that position immediately. Paton clearly identified Williams as a top running back target and made a move to be able to select him.

Denver had two picks in the third round, and they took a player from each side of the ball. Guard Quinn Meinerz from UW-Whitewater was selected with the 98th overall pick.

Just a few picks later, the Broncos selected linebacker Baron Browning from Ohio State. Head coach Vic Fangio is a defensive-minded leader, and Browning should fit in well with Denver.

The Broncos will continue their draft on Saturday, and they will be looking to add some depth at key positions.

Rodgers Coming to Denver?

The NFL Draft weekend is always full of storylines and drama, but the action actually got started earlier in the day with a report from Adam Schefter. He reported that Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers wants out and is not interested in rejoining the team.

Rodgers won the MVP Award a season ago after guiding the Packers to an NFC North Championship. He has been upset with the Packers organization in the past, and it now appears that the relationship cannot be salvaged.

According to reports, the Denver Broncos are one of three preferred trade destinations for the future Hall of Fame quarterback. This could have played into the decision from Paton to not choose a QB in the first round, but getting Rodgers is going to be difficult.

The Green Bay Packers are not willing to trade their star at this time, but Rodgers could eventually force their hand. Denver would love to land Rodgers, similar to getting Peyton Manning, but it would take a massive haul in order to do so.

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