ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- A breakdown of the 2016 Denver Broncos draft class and its progress after two weeks of training camp.
Paxton Lynch, QB, first round: Lynch has been on a learning curve since the Broncos' offense is far different and demands more of him than the one he worked in at the University of Memphis. While the Broncos like the skill set they've seen from him as a potential long-term starter, he’s currently No. 3 on the depth chart and poised for a developmental year unless the Broncos suffer injuries at quarterback or get unexpected poor play from both Mark Sanchez and Trevor Siemian.
Adam Gotsis, DE, second round: The Broncos have taken it slowly with Gotsis, who tore an ACL last Halloween during his senior season at Georgia Tech. He was fully integrated into practice during the second week of camp and showed the power-quickness combination the Broncos are looking for, so he will be in the defensive line's rotation when the regular season begins.
Justin Simmons, S, third round: Simmons opened eyes during organized team activities (OTAs) and minicamp because he routinely made plays on the ball in coverage. When there was a batted pass or interception, he was often in on the play and he has continued that in training camp. He already projects to play in some of the team’s specialty packages on defense in the regular season, a role David Bruton Jr. had last season.
Devontae Booker, QB, fourth round: Booker, like Gotsis, had a knee injury in his final college season, so the Broncos paced him through the offseason work. But he’s full speed now and will contribute in this offense because of his vision as a runner and his hands in the passing game. He’s already this team’s No. 2 back.
Connor McGovern, G, fifth round: A power player who, due to injuries at the position, has gotten plenty of work with the starting unit. He projects as one of the backup guards, but the Broncos' search for the right combination at the position is ongoing so he could still find a way into the starting lineup.
Andy Janovich, FB, sixth round: Broncos coach Gary Kubiak promised a fullback would return to the Broncos’ offense in the post-Peyton Manning era. Janovich already has a full docket of special-teams work and he is the No. 1 fullback on offense -- the only rookie currently listed as a starter on the team’s depth chart.
Will Parks, S, sixth round: Parks has flashed enough to catch the attention of the coaches. But with Simmons poised to make the roster, the Broncos may have to consider if they want backups at both safety spots to be rookies when the roster is cut to 53. Parks has shown an affinity for special-teams work and has been physical around the line of scrimmage.
Riley Dixon, P, seventh round: Dixon is in a heated battled to make the roster with veteran Britton Colquitt. Dixon has shown a powerful leg in practice and the Broncos like his athleticism overall, but he has to show the kind of placement skills the Broncos will demand. If Parks and Dixon find their way on to the regular-season roster, the entire draft class will be among the final 53.
