Tuesday, April 17, 2018

Denver Broncos 2017 Rookie class predictions: Look back

With the NFL draft next week, its a good time to look back on whether or not I hit any of my predictions for this rookie class (Spoiler: I did not hit very often here)

  1. Garret Bolles: Correct Bolles did start every game.  While I wasnt always enthusiastic about his play, mostly stemming from an overabundance of penalties.  His technique was never flawless, but I think Bolles has a lot more upside and should be penciled in to start every game this year.  
  2. Demarcus Waker:Miss Walker ended up with just a single sack and 7 tackles.  He was vastly misused early in the season to provide OLB depth due to Shane Ray and Shaq Barret's injuries before the season, and continued depth issues during it.  However, he sparked when he was allowed to return to his end position, and should provide Denver with an excellent rotation now with Shelby Harris and Derrick Wolfe.
  3. Carlos Henderson:Miss Henderson missed the whole season following a thumb injury, but did not look great in his rookie training camp.  He also ended getting arrested for marijuana possession in Louisiana this off season, so my high hopes might not have been well founded.
  4. Brendan Langley: Miss  Langley saw relatively little action all season, playing on 290 total snaps.  He took some strides but had a forgettable performance against Miami.  He'll continue to fight for a roster spot this season.
  5. Jake Butt: Correct  Butt did spend the whole season on IR, and hopefully will look like a true steal this season
  6. Isaiah Mckenzie: Miss  Isaiah Mckenzie was probably the player that had Denver fans most excited about in pre season, and then the entire fan base was ready to ship him off by Week 14.  He ended the year with 13 targets and just 4 catches for 29 yards.  However, he was able to win the kick returning duties, where he fumbled 6 times and set the offense way back.  He also had a miserable moment against Washington late in the year running out the clock at the half when Denver had a chance to score some points.  I'd like Mckenzie to return to just kickoff returning, and making more of an impact as a gadget player than anything really on field.
  7. De'Angelo Henderson: Miss  I thought Henderson would get more opportunities this year, but CJ stayed mostly healthy and ith Jamaal Charles also taking some reps early on he just never cracked the lineup.  This year though with Charles and CJ now gone, I think Henderson can add some extreme explosive ability to compliment Devontae Booker.  
  8. Chad Kelly:Miss  I was right that Denver kept 3 QBs all season long, but I thought Kelly would appear at some point.  Kelly is an interesting option this year though to try and win a roster spot, especially if Denver eschews taking a first round QB next week.

Overall I under performed a bit here, especially with how high I was on Carlos Henderson.  If he can get back and focused I think he can still be a key target as a third receiver though.  I'm actually fairly excited for this class, because I think they were underutilized this past season thanks to some mismanagement by the coaches and injuries.  They have a chance to really show a big impact in year two though.

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