According to most NFL coaches and front office personnel, it takes several years to properly evaluate a draft pick or draft class. However, a recent reevaluation of the 2021 NFL Draft by CBS Sports’ Pete Prisco has shown that the Broncos received top marks for their selections.
In his updated assessment, Denver was one of only two organizations to receive an A+ grade. The Broncos’ 10-pick class in 2021, under the leadership of General Manager George Paton, produced six starting-caliber players. Cornerback Pat Surtain II was a standout in the group, with running back Javonte Williams, guard Quinn Meinerz, and outside linebackers Baron Browning and Jonathon Cooper also making significant contributions. Safety Caden Sterns, a fifth-round pick, was expected to be a key player until a season-ending injury in Week 1.
Prisco noted that “They had 10 picks in the draft, with six of those players scheduled to be starters in 2024. That’s a nice haul. The top pick was corner Patrick Surtain [II], who was the ninth player taken. He’s one of the best corners in the league.”
The original evaluation of Denver’s 2021 draft class by Prisco had also been positive, as he gave them an A grade. He stated “I loved the pick of Surtain, who has proven to be well worth it. I liked their draft a lot, which is why they got such a lofty grade.”
For the Broncos, this reevaluation has proven that patience was indeed worth the wait as they continue to build their roster through the draft.
