sign in sign up
<<
Home , 2019 NFL Draft, Adam Gotsis, Alexander Mattison, Amani Hooker, Amani Oruwariye, Andrew Van Ginkel

is ’s new favorite . This isn’t going to well for . By Mark Kiszla Denver Post April 28, 2019

John Elway can’t help himself, can he? The boss of the Broncos keeps falling in love with big, handsome that remind Elway of … himself.

And with the 42nd pick in the NFL draft, Joe Flacco became yesterday’s news before he could throw a pass that counts for Denver.

Yes, everybody is saying all the right things to quell any notion of a quarterback controversy.

But after meeting Lock, I will guarantee you one thing: Nobody puts this baby in a corner.

What you’re going to like most about Lock is a brashness that makes him cocksure he can match throw for throw or talk smack with without blinking.

As a four-year starter at Missouri, Lock tossed 99 passes. But my favorite play of his college career involved him getting a drink of water.

You know how football in the can be as crazy as a cult of pigskin worshipers? Well, back in 2016, during a road game at South Carolina, the Tigers tied the score 14-14 with a touchdown during the second quarter. In protest, a Gamecocks fan sitting in the student section hurled a water bottle on the field.

Lock picked up the trash. And immediately took a drink. With gusto. Like it was a bottle of champagne.

“That’s just the kind of guy I’ve been my whole life. I’ve kind of had a little chip on my shoulder. I like to have a little fun with it,” Lock said Saturday, when I asked him to recall that crazy scene.

“We went in and scored … and South Carolina is one of the cooler places to play in the SEC. They threw a water bottle at one of my teammates, and for some reason something clicked in my head to go over there, pick it up and act like I was drinking it.”

Was it water? Or perhaps a little moonshine carried into the stadium by a clever fan?

“It was water. You might have seen a different reaction from me if it wasn’t water,” said Lock, laughing. “It was definitely water.”

Fewer than 72 hours into his Broncos career, this city is already falling head over heels for Lock, the quarterback Elway made goo-goo eyes at for months prior to drafting him.

“Drew will have time to sit and watch Joe, and take his time and learn and continue to get better,” Elway said.

Well, I don’t doubt that’s the plan. But, in reality, I also doubt there will be a smooth transition from Flacco to Lock, who has too much swagger to sit quietly in a corner and patiently wait his turn to be the starter. Sooner or later, this is destined to be a fight.

If memory serves, we’ve also been told Flacco, who celebrated his 34th birthday in January as an unwanted QB in Baltimore, is in the prime of his professional career. It sounded like wishful thinking when Elway first said it. Those words sound like absolute balderdash now.

The only question is how much time will pass before Lock takes over as the team’s starting quarterback.

Two years? No way, not if the Missouri kid can play.

One year? Maybe, if the veteran savvy of Flacco allows Denver to be a legit playoff threat this season.

Nine games? The NFL schedule-maker did the Broncos no favors in 2019, so it’s not out of the question their record is 4-5 or even 3-6 heading into the bye week in early November. If that’s the case, we all know how this crazy football town rolls. There will be a cacophony of Broncomaniac bells sounding the alarm for a quarterback change.

Lock grew up as a fan. Please don’t hold that against him. The Broncos’ QB of the future would love nothing more than to beat a division rival when the Chiefs visit Denver on Dec. 15.

“He can certainly play the villain,” said Andy Lock, the ballyhooed rookie’s father.

Elway has told me in no uncertain terms he doesn’t sit in the ’s chair to be loved, because his lone responsibility is to win games. As a result, Elway might have even less patience with the quarterback of this team than even the most rabid fans do.

Flacco lost his job to rookie in less than a year, during a season when Baltimore won the division title with a 10-6 record.

My theory: If Lock isn’t as good as Jackson, he’s not good enough to be the Broncos’ long-term answer at quarterback.

Analysis: John Elway “excited” about offseason additions. Has it been enough? By Ryan O’Halloran Denver Post April 28, 2019

Hours after firing coach Vance Joseph on Dec. 30, Broncos general manager John Elway stood in the team’s auditorium and put the entire organization on notice.

“We’re all going to look ourselves in the mirror and figure out how we can all get better,” Elway said.

On Saturday night, following a four-month stretch that included the hiring of coach and several new assistants, trading for quarterback Joe Flacco, signing a trio of prominent free agents and drafting six players, Elway was asked to take stock of the Broncos’ much needed reset.

“Sitting here today, we feel much better than last season and the additions we’ve made not only (with) players, but Vic and his staff — it’s a good spot to be in,” Elway said after the Broncos closed the draft by selecting Oregon and Colorado receiver . “If we would say before the draft, we would come out with these six players, we would be overjoyed with that.”

Should a Broncos fan base that dissects every Elway move be overjoyed or, to use new ’s favorite phrase, “super-stoked,” about the upcoming season?

With the major player acquisition period of the offseason complete, should the Broncos be expected to climb back into AFC West contention?

Has Elway given Fangio enough talent to avoid the major losing streaks (three of at least four games) that ruined Joseph?

Perhaps. But the fact that would have been our answer before the draft is semi-concerning.

The 10,000-foot view of the Broncos’ draft produces a tepid response. Six picks and maybe two starters for Week 1 at Oakland: Fant (round 1) and right guard (round 2). It is a class who may be better in 2021 than in 2019.

Fant should be a no-doubt starter, and he’s here to catch passes first and block second. Risner should be a no-questions-asked starter, even after moving from right .

The other draft picks are wait-and-mostly-see.

If quarterback Drew Lock (second round) starts this year, it’s because Flacco is injured or the season is in the toilet. Dre’Mont Jones (third round) will get a chance to be a base-down back-up and sub-package interior pass rusher. And success for linebacker Justin Hollins (fifth round) and receiver Juwann Winfree (sixth round) will be making the team.

But the micro view is required in any NFL team-building analysis. Account for the coaching staff. Figure in for free agency. And make educated-if-not-rash-judgments on the draft picks.

An autopsy reveals two trouble spots that haven’t been addressed, either because the talent available wasn’t enticing or the Broncos don’t think there is a problem.

Inside linebacker: The Broncos did not draft a true 3-4 inside linebacker, preferably one who can run with tight ends down the field. Hollins will work at both spots this summer to see where he fits.

It sure feels like Fangio will use six- personnel as his main sub-package, meaning only one inside linebacker will be on the field.

It was a good weekend to be Todd Davis, who is the leading candidate for that role. Fangio will deploy a fourth or third safety to cover the tight end. Third safety work is good news for , and maybe even Su’a Cravens.

Cornerback: The Broncos also passed on taking one.

“We’re in pretty good shape there,” Elway said.

Really? could end up at safety more than cornerback, is solid covering the slot receiver but has an extensive injury history and there is the Chris Harris Saga, which turned into a debacle last Tuesday with his pay-me-or-trade-me ultimatum.

Dodging a question about whether he was disappointed by Harris’ request, Elway said: “Now that the draft is over, we’ll make contact. We’ll touch base to see where they are. There was no contact with Chris or about Chris (Saturday). We’ll see what happens.”

We know where Harris is — he said he wants $15 million per year. The Broncos aren’t in that neighborhood … or that zip code.

This has been a heavy- offseason for the Broncos. Flacco. Fant. Risner. Right tackle Ja’Wuan James.

Fangio likely endorsed the plan since the Broncos need a figurative B12 shot on offense. For three years, they’ve been unproductive and uninteresting.

Fangio has been around the NFL block for 32 years and knows that to really play great , a team needs the lead. Only then can they swarm the quarterback, create additional takeaways and play on their terms.

Elway zigged this offseason where many teams zagged in hiring Fangio and acquiring Flacco. It was time to try something different.

“Obviously, it’s been disappointing the last couple years,” Elway said. “I’m excited about the new staff and the new players, but it’s one step at a time. I don’t want to get too far ahead, but I’m excited about the guys we have.” For Drew Lock, going to Broncos “definitely turned out the way I wanted” By Ryan O’Halloran Denver Post April 28, 2019

For the final 46 games of his college career, Drew Lock knew his mid-week preparation would be applied on the weekend. But that all changed Friday when the Broncos selected him 42nd overall (second round). Joe Flacco is the Broncos’ starter and Lock is the back-up.

“It will definitely be a little adjustment,” Lock said Saturday after being introduced with fellow second- round pick Dalton Risner and third-round selection Dre’Mont Jones. “I had to do that for (four) weeks in college so I have more time starting than being a back-up.”

As a true freshman for Missouri in 2015, Lock got the start in the Tigers’ fifth game when was suspended. Lock was 21-of-28 passing for 136 yards and two in a 24-10 win over South Carolina and remained the starter for the next three-and-a-half years.

Many believed Lock’s experience and senior-year improvement (better completion percentage, fewer ) would equal a first-round walk onto the stage at the NFL Draft in Nashville. He was the top quarterback on the Broncos’ draft board. But Lock saw (first to Arizona), Daniel Jones (sixth to the ) and (15th to Washington) get selected in the first round Thursday. Lock’s wait was over when the Broncos traded up 10 spots to select him on Friday.

“I knew it was a likely chance I was going to be their (No. 1-rated quarterback),” Lock said. “I felt really good after I left my (pre-draft) visit here. We had met at the and stayed in contact, but I wasn’t 100 percent sure.”

Said general manager John Elway: “I know that he was probably a little disappointed he fell that far, but we’re not. (We’re) thrilled that he was there for us and excited that he’s going to come in and beef up that back-up spot.”

Elway attended Missouri’s win over Arkansas last November, which Lock said “was one of the cooler things of that season.”

The Broncos tracked Lock during his Senior Bowl Week when he played for Oakland’s coaching staff.

“It kind of got me ready for more of an NFL-style mentality when it comes to a meeting room, when it comes to a practice, when it comes to how to learn a playbook,” Lock said. “You see guys skip out in the Senior Bowl. After that experience, I vouch fully for always going to it because it prepared you in so many ways other than meeting with the teams.”

Lock’s turn to start at Missouri came rapidly. In a perfect scenario for the Broncos, Flacco will play well, stay healthy and win games, allowing Lock to be weaned onto the NFL game. “The ending definitely turned out the way I wanted,” Lock said. “Obviously, we don’t get to pick (but) this is one of the spots I was really hoping to end up at regardless of what pick it was.” Drew Lock to Denver: Broncos introduce second-round NFL draft selection By Kyle Frederickson Denver Post April 28, 2019

Drew Lock made his Broncos debut at Dove Valley on Saturday for his NFL draft news conference after being selected in the second round (No. 42 overall) to become Denver’s quarterback of the future. The former Missouri star answered a variety of questions at a news conference. Below are the highlights. On sliding down the board. Lock attended the first round of the draft in Nashville with expectations to be taken in the first round. It didn’t happen. His wait finally ended Friday evening with a call from John Elway.

“The ending definitely turned out the way I wanted,” Lock said. “This was a spot I was looking at in this whole process. … Looking back on it, obviously, I would have liked to get picked a little bit earlier. But I’m here and I got Dalton (Risner) because of it and I got Noah (Fant) because of it. If that’s the way it was supposed to be, then so be it. I’m a Bronco now. I couldn’t be more excited to be here.”

On a backup role. General manager John Elway reiterated that Joe Flacco remains the Broncos’ starter. Lock, at least to begin training camp, will battle for the second spot with Kevin Hogan and Garrett Grayson.

“I’m just going to take it day-by-day here and try to be the best teammate possible,” Lock said. “Be around the guys and show them who I really am. If I do that, then I think I’ll gain the respect and the trust of everybody in that locker room. Right now, that’s my No. 1 goal.”

On pressure. Few quarterbacks in face the heat of playing for a general manager enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame at his position. Lock embraces it.

“I don’t necessarily think it’s added pressure,” Lock said.

“I think it’s probably one of the cooler things to ever happen to me in my life. You think about it, (Elway) came and watched a couple of my games; one of the best quarterbacks to ever play the game. Now, I’m drafted to his team to be the future quarterback here.”

On snaps under center. Lock thrived in a spread offense from the shotgun in college and handled under- center snaps primarily in the red zone. He must adapt in offensive coordinator Rich Scangarello’s scheme.

“In the Senior Bowl I got a lot of that (training) with (Raiders) Coach (Jon) Gruden and that staff,” Lock said. “I thought I did an awesome job being able to transition into that.

“It was a little different, but I think that’s something that if you’ve played quarterback your whole life, you’re an athlete, you should be able to take under-center snaps and be just fine.”

On offensive firepower. Lock gushed about the opportunity to play with the receiving talent on the Broncos roster and mentioned and by name.

“I’m super excited to be able to have guys that you can put the ball up there for and they can go up and get it,” Lock said. “It’s going to be fun to see how they work, figuring out how they break out of routes and their speed.”

Why Noah Fant will be more to than Joe Flacco’s favorite toy By Sean Keeler Denver Post April 28, 2019

Jalen Tate would ride shotgun through Hell in a gasoline suit for Noah Fant. With one caveat:

Noah can’t be behind the wheel.

“When we were in high school, Noah had this little “Need For Speed” kick,” Tate says of Fant, the Broncos’ first-round draft pick, the tight end out of Iowa who’s already drawn comparisons to Shannon Sharpe before even taking an NFL . “And it lasted about two months, because after he got one ticket, his parents weren’t having it anymore. They said, ‘You better chill out, or this car is coming with me.’”

Ah, but for a glorious few weeks, if there was an empty lot to be found around greater Omaha, it was The Fant and the Furious time. Doughnuts. Figure-8s. Noah tried get his Chevy Impala to drift the way Han did to impress the ladies in the movie “The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift.”

With, um, mixed results.

“The amount of tires he had to buy for his car,” laughs Tate, Fant’s former teammate at Omaha South High School and one of his closest pals, “that gets expensive.”

No. 87 is fearless on the field but a 6-foot-4 teddy bear with a pinch of reckless when the mood strikes. The Broncos are getting a scholar and a cornball, a perfectionist with a Hollywood smile and Drake on repeat, a grinder who feels that any day he gets outworked is a wasted one, the worst of the freaking worst.

The youngest child of Kathy and Willie Fant is as bright as he is meticulous, a student of the game and of life, curious as a cat and twice as agile, a prospect with a 40-inch vertical leap and a 3.4 high school GPA. While at South, he mentored a handful of middle-school kids. During Christmas, he handed out gifts to the needy with the rest of his family at Omaha’s Open Door Mission.

In the spring of 2016, Joe Flacco’s new favorite toy graduated from the University of Nebraska Medical Center’s High School Alliance, a program that allows gifted high-schoolers a chance for hands-on experience in a professional medical setting. Fant took courses on biomedical research, pathology, decision-making, and anatomy, a crash-course in pre-med before pre-med.

“He would go to cadaver labs and he could see it first-hand,” says Chris Fant, Noah’s older brother, his coach, and confidant. “Most people would be like, ‘A body?’ Oh, no.’ He looks at it and wants to know how it works.”

No. 87 always wants to know how. Always wants to know why. Always wants to know more.

“One Christmas he asked my mom for a robotic dog that he thought was really cool,” Chris says. “He was always building stuff. Always been a thinker.”

Although the family never thought, in hindsight, that the 2019 draft would work out so dang perfectly. Noah reportedly interviewed with at least nine NFL teams either at the scouting combine or on-site over the past four months, but the family recalled him insisting one trip was the hands-down favorite, the perfect fit. The Denver one.

“He’d loved the city, he’d loved the environment, the higher-ups in the organization,” Chris says. “He came back to me … he was like, ‘I would go anywhere, but I really, really enjoyed Denver.’ He was like, ‘I liked the coaches, I liked (GM John) Elway, I liked everybody.’ He got good vibes from them. So it was great to see that finally play out like that.”

Bonus: Noah’s older brother Willie III had already moved to downtown Denver a few years earlier. Sometimes, fate really does have your back.

“He was outgoing, athletic — you could tell Noah wanted to be something when he was growing up,” notes Willie, Noah’s senior by more than a dozen years. “He worked hard as a kid; that’s what people don’t understand. Noah was in the weight room. He was working out. He went to all of Chris’ games. He wanted to do everything Chris did.”

No. 87 is the sum of his mentors, but two, in particular, held the biggest sway: Chris, who played football collegiately at Nebraska-Kearney and later coached Noah at South High; and their father, Willie, the family’s rock.

“What I learned from my dad was whenever things go bad, keep pushing forward,” Noah says. “He prided himself on (the fact) that things weren’t always going to go good. He’s a big guy on always (pressing) forward and to always take advantage of your opportunities.”

Kathy and Willie also encouraged Noah to take pride in academics, in building a well-rounded foundation to match their son’s burgeoning hoops frame — the kid having sprouted to roughly 6-4 by his sophomore year of high school — and hoops skills. Ultimately Noah had a hankering to follow Chris on the football path, and, in an alternate universe, could well have blossomed into the next : Fant blew up at both defensive end and tight end at South, where he earned all-state honors as a senior.

“The dude could come off the ball like nobody’s business,” Chris says. “Iowa recruited him for both (sides). They said, ‘We’re still arguing.’ I remember a lot of schools actually told him, ‘We’re still arguing about which side of the ball you’ll play. All we know is we want you on our team.’

“(Iowa coach) Kirk Ferentz told him he’d be an elite-level tight end within three years. I remember him saying that, ‘If you come in and work hard, you could potentially only be here three years.’”

As it turns out, Ferentz was right on both counts: Fant saw the field as a true freshman in 2016, then in 2017 led all FBS tight ends in yards per catch (16.5) and touchdown receptions (11). The Omaha native declared for the draft after his junior year and 19 career touchdown catches, the most ever by a Hawkeye tight end.

“People don’t understand how tireless of a worker he is,” Chris says. “He hates to lose. If we lose in anything, whether it’s a game or a drill or a dropped ball, it’s going to sting. A lot. Me and his dad always told him to hang on to that. Those are the things that make him special.”

Jalen Tate has rolled with Fant since the pair were in the third grade, a ride of nearly 15 years, Lord knows how many classes, how many practices, how many games.

“It’s been a long journey, especially to see where he is now,” says Tate, who played in the secondary at Peru (Neb.) State and joined the Fant entourage in Nashville for the first round of the draft Thursday night. “All through it, his brothers have watched him grow up. I grew up with him, I watched him, too. I’ve seen all the hard work and long nights and all the butt-chewing his dad and his brothers used to give him.

“We’ve been talking about dreams like this for so long. Just to have one come true, to have one of us make it, to watch those dreams come true, it was a blessing.”

Tate would give Noah the shirt off his back. He just wouldn’t turn his back on him in a billion years.

“I remember one time we were playing around after we got done with a weight session,” Tate says. “I was talking to someone and he comes out of nowhere and jumps on my back.

“And I’m like, ‘You’re 6-4, 220 pounds and you’re jumping right on my back?’ In high school, I was probably 6-1, 175 pounds. “My phone flew out of my hands and I’m like, ‘Here we go.’ We used to wrestle all the time, just because of who we were. We would roughhouse a lot. Some things used to get broken.”

Bones?

Furniture?

Windows?

“Nothing major like windows,” Tate chuckles. “Like our own personal items. Some phones. Noah sometimes will forget how big he is when he’s just playing around. He’s just a big goofball.”

Justin Hollins selected by the Denver Broncos in the fifth round of NFL draft By Kyle Fredrickson Denver Post April 28, 2019

The Broncos provided Vic Fangio with another versatile defender Saturday with the selection of Oregon linebacker Justin Hollins in the fifth round (No. 156 overall) of the NFL draft.

Hollins, a fifth-year senior, appeared in 52 career college games with 184 tackles (36 for loss) and 14 sacks. He was the only player in the nation last season with at least five sacks, five forced and one . Collins also earned first-team All-Pac-12 honors in addition to defensive MVP of the East-West Shrine game.

Hollins was primarily an edge rusher at Oregon, but Broncos general manager John Elway posted Saturday on Twitter that Hollins “can play inside and outside” linebacker. Hollins is listed at 6-foot-5 and 248 pounds. Elway added: “His athleticism also will help us on special teams.”

Hollins adds depth to a position group that did not re-sign outside Shaquil Barrett and Shane Ray this offseason.

“I’m going to play anywhere they need me,” Hollins said on a media conference call.

Who is Justin Hollins? Position: Outside linebacker.

College: Oregon.

Height: 6-foot-5.

Weight: 248 pounds.

Hometown: Arlington, Texas.

Accolades: Finished college career with 184 tackles in 52 games (37 starts). … Only player in FBS last year to have at least five sacks (6 1/2), five forced fumbles (five) and one interception (one). … First-team All- Pac 12 as a senior has chosen by the media. … Defensive MVP of the Shrine Game in January.

Notable: Three-star high school prospect and top-100 player in the state of Texas. As a high school senior, played on same team as future No. 1 overall pick . … Missed 2015 season with a torn Achilles. … As a sophomore in 2016, played defensive end but moved to a stand-up linebacker role in the Ducks’ 3-4 scheme. … Totaled 36 1/2 tackles for lost yardage, ninth-most in Oregon history. … Ran the 40-yard dash in 4.50 seconds at the Combine and lifted the 225-pound par 28 times. … Team captain as a senior.

Juwann Winfree selected by the Denver Broncos in the sixth round of the NFL draft By Kyle Fredrickson Denver Post April 28, 2019

The Broncos added some more hometown flavor to their 2019 NFL draft class Saturday with the selection of CU Juwann Winfree in the sixth round at pick No. 187.

“It’s all I’ve worked for since I was a kid,” Winfree said on a media conference call. “I still have a far ways to go. This is just step one.”

Winfree is an athletic 6-foot-3 and 210-pound pass catcher who played two seasons for the Buffs after transferring from Maryland. His CU career concluded with 49 catches for 649 yards and four touchdowns. Winfree’s production was significantly limited by injury; a 2016 ACL tear that ended his season and an ankle problem last year that held him out four games.

The Broncos packaged a sixth-round pick and seventh-round pick to move up to and draft Winfree. He is their sixth and expected final selection of the draft. Winfree is former college teammates with Denver . On Twitter, general manager John Elway described Winfree as “a tough, physical player with a lot of top-flight traits with his size, speed and hands. Great to add another player with in-state ties to the Broncos.”

Winfree joins a young and talented receiving corps in Denver with Courtland Sutton and DaeSean Hamilton entering Year 2. Veteran Emmanuel Sanders is recovering from an Achilles tear, but told reporters he expects to return healthy by the start of training camp.

Who is Juwann Winfree? Position: Receiver.

College: Colorado.

Height: 6-foot-1.

Weight: 210 pounds.

Hometown: Englewood, N.J.

Accolades: Played two years at Colorado, catching 49 passes and four touchdowns. … in 28 games for Maryland/Colorado, had 60 catches for 807 yards and six touchdowns.

Notable: Three-star high school recruit. Signed with Maryland but was suspended twice for violating the school’s code of conduct and left program after catching 11 passes for 158 yards in 2014 (eight games). … Played 2015 at Coffeyville (Kan.) Community College. … Missed 2016 season at Colorado due to a torn ACL. … Limited to eight games in 2018 because of a high ankle sprain sustained in September. … Was not invited to the Combine. … Ran the 40-yard dash in 4.51 seconds at CU’s Pro Day. BRONCOS NFL DRAFT 1-20: Noah Fant, TE, Iowa

2-41: Dalton Risner, OL, Kansas State

2-42: Drew Lock, QB, Missouri

3-71: Dre’Mont Jones, DT, Ohio State

5-156: Justin Hollins, LB, Oregon

6-187: Juwann Winfree, WR, Colorado

Reviewing the Broncos 2019 draft By Mike Klis 9NEWS April 28, 2019

Trader John Elway began the draft by moving back to acquire ammunition, then used it to take a shot on a future franchise quarterback.

National pundits, local scribes, surveys and polls have largely lauded Elway, the Broncos’ general manager, for the way he executed his draft.

It was his ninth draft and he seems to be getting the hang of it. Here’s the final results of the Broncos 2019 draft:

Rd (Pick) Player, position

1. (20) Noah Fant, TE

2. (41) Dalton Risner, OG

2. (42) Drew Lock, QB

3. (71) Dre'Mont Jones, DL, Ohio State

5. (156) Justin Hollins, LB, Oregon

6. (187) Juwann Winfree, WR, Colorado

Fant will likely be the “move” or receiving tight end with Jeff Heuerman playing in-line. Risner should start at a guard spot, although the Broncos currently are going with Don Barclay at left guard and Sam Jones at right guard.

Lock becomes the backup quarterback to Joe Flacco and the Broncos are emphasizing that Flacco will be their starter in 2019. Which may be what he heard at this time last year after the moved up to take Lamar Jackson with the final pick of the first round.

Jones could develop into a passing down interior pass rusher, although he may need a half season to develop into that role.

Hollins is an outside pass rusher, although there’s talk he could get a look as an inside linebacker. He had a combined 11.0 sacks and 25.5 tackles for loss in his final two seasons at Oregon.

“I’m going to play anywhere they need me," Hollins said in a conference call Saturday with the Denver media. “I’m one of those guys who is just going to get in and play where ever I am needed, whether that is special teams, inside, outside—it doesn’t matter. I am here to compete. I am here to play as hard as I can and provide the team with some type of impact.”

The Broncos traded out of another fifth round pick to acquire veteran special teamer from San Francisco, then traded up – and surrendering their seventh-round draft pick to take Winfree.

They did not trade cornerback Chris Harris Jr., nor draft a corner. Elway is expected to open discussions with Harris and his agent Frederick Lyles next week to see if they can resolve their contract differences.

Winfree won the 40-player audition Colorado-area players had at the Broncos local pro day April 10 at the Pat Bowlen Fieldhouse. Elway, his top assistants were there, along with head coach Vic Fangio and his full coaching staff.

“I definitely didn’t think they were really high on me, to be honest with you, but after the local pro day that I attended, and sitting down with the receiver coach (Zach Azzanni), he really expressed high interest in me," Winfree said in his conference call. “From there I could see I really changed their point of view on me. Them seeing me close-up, seeing what type of player I am and what type of man I am off the field was big for me. That definitely helped a lot. Especially with [RB] Phillip Lindsay, I know he put in a huge word for me. That’s my big brother right there. He paved the way for me, doing what he did, coming from Colorado. I’m just glad he was able to help me out there doing that. We have the same agent (Mike McCartney) too, so I’m just completely blessed.”

The Broncos are expected to reach agreements with up to 15 undrafted college free agents later today. The rookies will show up for their minicamp that will be held May 9-12.

Drew Lock said draft board slide was 'nightmare, but sun came up the next day' By Mike Klis 9NEWS April 28, 2019

At one time or another, EVERYBODY had Drew Lock getting drafted by the Denver Broncos.

He smiled sheepishly when told this. Everybody had Lock going to the Broncos with their No. 10 overall draft pick.

He did get drafted by the Broncos, all right. But with the No. 42 pick in the second round.

We won’t tell him the difference in signing bonus between the No. 10 and No. 42 pick.

“Please don’t," he said with a smile.

For those reading at home or on the phone, the slide cost him approximately $8 million – from an estimated $11 million signing bonus at No. 10 to roughly $3 million at 42.

Still better than most Missouri graduates are going to get as they enter the workforce. And if it works out, Lock can recoup those lost wages by hitting free agency one year earlier than first-round picks -- after his fourth season instead of year five.

But enduring the Thursday night slide into Friday was a rough ordeal.

“You go into the NFL draft and not everything’s certain," Lock said in a sit-down interview with 9News. “I knew there were a couple options to get picked in that first round and it didn’t happen. Me and my family and a couple of my friends and a couple coaches were sitting in the room and sat in there for four hours and you didn’t get your name called.

“One of those nightmares you don’t necessarily think about going into the draft. I went back to my hotel, sat around with my buddies, my family and let it out. Let some emotions out there. But the sun came up the next day. There were more picks to be made and the Denver Broncos picked me. And that was one of the teams we looked at as an awesome fit. With Elway and obviously Joe being here now and I couldn’t be more excited to be here."

Truth is, Lock may well have gone with the No. 10 pick except general manager John Elway didn’t want a relentless Joe Flacco-Drew Lock quarterback conversation to carry on every day on talk radio.

Taking Lock in the second round diffuses that somewhat.

“I was comfortable with whatever situation I was going to get put in to," Lock said. “That was the talk beforehand: There were spots were I might go in and play; there were spots were I might go and sit behind a guy.

“For me to sit behind a -winning quarterback and be in the room with a bunch of awesome quarterbacks and start learning the game, learning the NFL game, the NFL style, I think it’s an awesome situation for me to be in. I’ll get ready every single day like I’m the starter and if that time does come I’ll be ready to play."

Like all the Broncos other draft picks, Lock had a pre-draft visit at the team’s UCHealth Training Center headquarters. With Elway in the room, they went over film of Lock’s play at Missouri and film of the Broncos’ play in 2018.

Offensive coordinator Rich Scangarello drew up some plays, then had Lock go up to the white board and re-draw the plays.

“I taught them like I was the rookie Q teaching my receivers," Lock said. “That was big. They were able to learn about me a little more on the football side of things. People know me as a person, but get me in the film room and let me talk about football."

Lock had been the Missouri starting quarterback since a couple games into his freshman year, when he replaced the suspended Mauty Mauck. Lock’s left tackle that year was a senior, Connor McGovern. McGovern is now the Broncos’ starting center.

“He’s going to get a little more mature quarterback, that’s for sure," Lock said of McGovern. “He had a wide-eyed freshman at 195 pounds that needed his help to get up a couple times. He’s definitely going to get a different guy. He’s going to get a more vocal guy and he’s going to get a little more knowledge out of me and I think it will be awesome to get a huddle with him and look at him in his eyes not wearing black and gold, but blue and orange."

Denver Broncos' 2019 draft: Analysis for every pick By Jeff Legwold ESPN.com April 28, 2019

Breaking down the Denver Broncos' class in the 2019 NFL draft.

Round 1, No. 20 overall: Noah Fant, TE, Iowa

My take: Offenses around the league have reaped the rewards of a tight end who can win matchups in the passing game, and the Broncos have certainly struggled to join that party in recent seasons. Fant gives them the potential to have immediate impact in their new offense. At 6-foot-4 1/8 inches and 249 pounds, Fant ran a 4.50-second 40-yard dash at the combine, so he has the speed to beat linebackers in coverage and the size to overwhelm many defensive backs, especially the nickel who try to line up across from him in the slot.

A need position: Since Owen Daniels caught 46 passes with three touchdowns in the 2015 season, the Broncos haven't had a tight end finish the season with more than 31 receptions. Broncos president of football operations/general manager John Elway has used three picks in the previous four drafts combined on tight ends, and all three -- Jeff Heuerman, and -- have each missed at least one season with an injury. Fant is now the fourth tight end the team has drafted in the last five drafts.

Passed on the QBs: Elway likely showed what he really thought of this year's class of quarterbacks the moment he made the trade for Joe Flacco early on in the offseason. And Elway showed it once again Thursday when, with Dwayne Haskins and Drew Lock still on the board, the Broncos traded out of the No. 10 spot to move down to No. 20. And with Lock still on the board, Elway then took Fant. Elway and coach Vic Fangio have each said repeatedly they think the team can win and get back in the playoffs with Flacco, and they stuck to that in the first round Thursday night.

Round 2, No. 41 overall: Dalton Risner, G/C, Kansas State My take: Risner is a power player who fits the mold of a potential starter at right guard or center for the Broncos, and could also fill in at right tackle, if needed. Risner has plenty of versatility and is simply a no- worry player as a locker-room leader -- he was a captain in three of his seasons with the Wildcats. Before the draft, the Broncos had moved Connor McGovern to center and had an opening at right guard. Risner is far more advanced in the run game at the moment and his pass sets need some attention. But he's smart, plays with awareness and carries one of the real consistent indicators of future NFL success, as he was a 50-game starter in the offensive line at a major program. Offensive line coach Mike Munchak gets his first rookie draft pick with the Broncos to mold into a starter.

Round 2, No. 42 overall: Drew Lock, QB, Missouri My take: Lock was one of four quarterbacks the Broncos brought in to the team's facility in recent weeks -- Kyler Murray, Dwayne Haskins and Daniel Jones were the others -- and they obviously were concerned that they couldn't wait until the 52nd pick to take him. So, they traded the No. 52, No. 125 and No. 182 picks to move up 10 spots and grab Lock. The Broncos are in position to give Lock, who has battled accuracy issues in his four-year career with Missouri, some time to learn his way. John Elway took to social media Friday night to say that Lock would learn from starter Joe Flacco and "compete for the backup role." The Broncos traded for Flacco earlier this offseason.

Round 3, No. 71 overall: Dre'Mont Jones, DT, Ohio State My take: The Broncos have several defensive linemen, including and defensive end , who will be free agents following the 2019 season. So depth is needed, and Jones offers the kind of potential versatility to move around in the defensive front in the team's new scheme. The biggest question with Jones is simply whether or not his 2018 season was a sign of things to come or not -- he had 13 tackles for loss last season, which was more than he had in the previous two seasons combined. He needs to be more consistent, but athletically has the kind of first-step quickness the Broncos want in the defensive front, a player who could line up at end on early downs and move down inside in the pass-rush when they go to nickel or dime.

Round 5, No. 156 overall: Justin Hollins, LB, Oregon My take: At 6-5 1/4, 248 pounds, Hollins projects as more of an outside linebacker in Vic Fangio's system, but he does have some every-down potential given his work as a pass-rusher as well as his ability to drop into coverage from time to time. He needs more strength and to play with more consistent effort, but he certainly has shown some rush skills, the length defensive coaches like and he forces turnovers -- he forced eight fumbles in his last two seasons combined, including five this past season, and was the only player among FBS schools to have at least five sacks, at least five forced fumbles and an interception last season. He figures to initially get a look on special teams for the Broncos and will be seen as a rotational player among the team's outside linebackers.

Round 6, No. 187 overall: Juwann Winfree, WR, Colorado My take: At 6-1 1/8, 210 pounds, Winfree is developmental prospect who has the kind of size the Broncos want at the position. He was clocked at 4.50 (hand-timed) in the 40-yard dash during his pro day. The Broncos moved out of the seventh round, shipping both of their picks in the final round to move up to snag the Colorado receiver. Winfree, who remained in Colorado to work out leading up to the draft, trained at a facility operated by Landow Performance, a business started by Broncos strength and conditioning coach Loren Landow before he took the Broncos' job in 2018. Winfree took a winding road to Colorado, having been at Maryland as well as Coffeyville Community College before arriving in Boulder. He also missed the 2016 season with a torn ACL, before finishing with 21 catches in '17 to go with 28 catches this past season. He missed some time in '18 with a hamstring injury as well as an ankle injury.

Drew Lock's journey to the Broncos documented on 'Draft Academy' By Jeff Legwold ESPN.com April 28, 2019

The Denver Broncos chose Missouri quarterback Drew Lock in the second round of this year’s NFL draft.

Maybe that was later than many, including Lock, thought he would be selected. But many of the reasons Broncos president of football operations/general manager John Elway said Lock is the quarterback "of the future" for the team can be seen in 'Draft Academy,' featured on ESPN+.

From Lock slinging some of his first touchdown passes while wearing No. 51 on his youth-football jersey to a surprise visit with his former AAU coach Nodie Newton, the eight-part series shows Lock’s journey from the Senior Bowl to the combine and his pro day to this weekend's draft.

Lock surprises Newton on a visit to his hometown of Kansas City and tells his former coach that the lesson “of just be tough" was something he passed along to team officials during his pre-draft visits. Amid home movies, piles of interviews and family photos, Lock jokes at one point about how long it used to take him “to fix my hair" before and after workouts.

Former NFL quarterback , who worked with Lock leading up to the draft, described Lock the same way the Broncos see him now.

“The raw tools are there," Palmer said in one of the episodes. “It’s just the level of consistency ... he’s got what it takes."

Lock echoed those thoughts Saturday in his first appearance at the Broncos’ complex after being selected.

“I do have things to improve, I do have things to work on," Lock said. “... But I’m ready to do that, and it’s meant to be [that] I do it here."

2019 NFL draft grades: Mel Kiper on all 32 classes, best picks and steals By Mel Kiper ESPN.com April 28, 2019

So long, 2019 NFL draft. What a wild ride throughout Rounds 1-7, with some quarterback surprises, trade drama and several top prospects who slipped out of the first round.

So which team had the best class?

A reminder: What I do here is assess two main things, using my own player grades as the prism:

How effectively did a team address key personnel holes?

How efficient were they in maneuvering on the draft board?

Grading scale: In my mind an A means it's an exceptional class; a B is pretty good; a C is average, with hits and questions marks; a D means below average with some big questions. And, c'mon -- I'm not going to give out an F.

Let's go from best class to worst class, with teams with the same grades in alphabetical order. Check out Todd McShay and I discussing these grades on ESPN2 at 7 p.m. ET on Sunday. Click the links below to go directly to your favorite team's grade:

Denver Broncos: B+ Top needs: Tight end, linebacker, quarterback

Denver has missed the playoffs three years in a row after winning that Super Bowl in 's final season, and GM John Elway has had some notable quarterback misses. Trading up into the first round in 2016 for was a disaster. was one and done a year ago. And now Elway & Co. have used the 2019 offseason to try to settle the position in the short- and long-term under new coach Vic Fangio and offensive coordinator Rich Scangarello.

The Broncos traded for Joe Flacco in a cheap deal; he has no more guaranteed money on his contract. And they drafted Drew Lock in Round 2 in a sneaky-good move that puts Flacco on notice for the second straight year after Baltimore took Lamar Jackson in the first round in 2018. I thought Lock, a four-year starter with a huge arm, could have gone in the top 10; I know he was there on some teams' boards. He got caught up in the quarterback musical chairs, however, and might have ended up in the perfect spot.

It's also important to note that the Broncos only had two second-round picks because of a smart move on Day 1. With Pittsburgh itching to move up to No. 10, Denver dropped down 10 spots and added No. 52 and a 2020 third-round pick. Elway then used that 52nd pick to move up 10 spots in the second round to add Lock and didn't forfeit a ton of ammo. That's a good move.

It says a lot that I have praised the Broncos' third pick in the class and haven't even mentioned the two guys who went ahead of him. Noah Fant (pick No. 20) is a 6-foot-4 athletic freak who will help as a pass- catcher in Year 1. He won't block yet -- he's essentially a big slot receiver -- but that could come in time. And we know how much Flacco loves to throw to tight ends. Dalton Risner (No. 41) is the rare offensive lineman who could play tackle, guard or center. He might be a favorite to begin his career at guard.

Dre'Mont Jones will likely play end in Fangio's 3-4 defense, but he is already advanced as an interior penetrator. Justin Hollins (No. 156) is going to contribute as a pass-rusher.

All in all, getting two really good players before the player who could be the future quarterback feels like a win for Elway.

ROUND/PICK NAME POS COLLEGE 1/20 Noah Fant TE Iowa 2/41 Dalton Risner OT Kansas State 2/42 Drew Lock QB Missouri 3/71 Dre'Mont Jones DT Ohio State 5/156 Justin Hollins OLB Oregon 6/187 Juwann Winfree WR Colorado

Six picks, many targets hit: Broncos pleased with draft haul By Nicki Jhabvala The Athletic April 28, 2019

The Broncos closed out the draft Saturday with a pair of trades and pair of selections. After reacquiring linebacker Dekoda Watson from San Francisco, they drafted former Oregon linebacker Justin Hollins in the fifth round (No. 156 overall), then traded up to the sixth round (No. 187) to get Juwann Winfree, a former Colorado receiver.

Their final haul:

1st, No. 20: Noah Fant, TE, Iowa 2nd, No. 41: Dalton Risner, OL, Kansas State 2nd, No. 42: Drew Lock, QB, Missouri 3rd, No. 71: Dre’Mont Jones, DT, Ohio State 5th, No. 156: Justin Hollins, LB, Oregon 6th, No. 187: Juwann Winfree, WR, Colorado

(Plus Watson from the 49ers and a 2020 third-round pick from the Steelers.)

“If we were to say before the draft that we would come out with these six players, we’d be overjoyed with that,” general manager John Elway said.

Among the six picks, two are likely to start immediately for the Broncos: Fant and Risner. Notably missing from that list is a true inside linebacker and a cornerback — two positions the Broncos were expected to draft given their desire for a three-down backer and depth in the backfield.

“It just didn’t fall that way,” Elway said. “We had opportunities. We went in the direction we went and felt we were better off that way. By the time we got into the different choices, we thought Justin can play inside or outside. At corner, we’re still in pretty good shape at corner. We tried to bolster the offensive line and we did that. We really tried to stay true to the board and, again, with Justin, having the flexibility and versatility he has, we kind of felt like we hit all of our spots the best we could.”

Like the 2018 class, the majority of the Broncos’ 2019 selections were team captains in college (four of the six). And all but one — Winfree — had top-30 visits with the Broncos ahead of the draft. Winfree participated in the Broncos’ local pro day in April, impressing receivers coach Zach Azzanni enough in their short time together to prompt the Broncos to move up to get him.

Winfree’s path to Dove Valley was winding and bumpy, though, making the Broncos’ leap to the sixth round somewhat surprising.

He started his college career at the University of Maryland, where he played eight games as a freshman in 2014 before he was suspended indefinitely for two failed drug tests and check fraud. A year at Coffeyville Community College in Kansas earned him the No. 26 ranking among JUCO prospects, leading to a transfer Colorado where he sought a fresh start, on and off the field.

His tenure at CU was riddled with injuries, bookended by an ACL injury in 2016 and ankle injury in 2018. But he morphed into a team captain as a senior and flashed the big plays he vows can be regular installments at the pro level.

“I always stay hopeful, but at that point, I didn’t know when I would be able to come back,” Winfree said. “The school had thought my injury wasn’t going to be as bad as it was. I got hurt and they didn’t take much of a serious precaution after it. They waited to see what happened after two weeks and I still was limping hard. That’s when I finally got my shot — my PRP (Platelet-rich plasma) shot in my ankle. I’m a big man of God and I’m a big man of trusting the process because I’ve been through so much. There’s times when I kind of doubted if I was ever going to get back to being fully healthy, but I always knew what I was capable of. It was just a matter of me being healthy and hopefully, with God’s time, find a way where I could just be able to put the best me on film. It just happened to be in the offseason.”

In his two healthy seasons at CU, Winfree played 20 games and totaled 49 catches for 649 yards (13.2 average) and four touchdowns.

Although he wasn’t invited to the NFL Scouting Combine, Winfree gained notice at the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl with acrobatic catches, then made his biggest move at the Broncos’ local pro day April 10.

Winfree spent the bulk of the session with Azzanni and made the most of his final showcase.

“I definitely didn’t think they were really high on me, to be honest with you. But after the local pro day that I attended, and sitting down with the receiver coach, he really expressed high interest in me,” Winfree said. “From there I could see I really changed their point of view on me. Them seeing me close- up, seeing what type of player I am and what type of man I am off the field was big for me. That definitely helped a lot. Especially with Phillip Lindsay, I know he put in a huge word for me. That’s my big brother right there. He paved the way for me, doing what he did, coming from Colorado. I’m just glad he was able to help me out there doing that. We have the same agent too, so I’m just completely blessed.”

Winfree stayed in Colorado to train for the draft at Landow Performance, the facility owned by Broncos strength coach Loren Landow.

Winfree’s agent Mike McCartney — the uncle of Broncos quarterbacks coach T.C. McCartney and the son of former Colorado coach Bill McCartney — also represents Lindsay. In February, when Winfree trained for the draft at Landow Performance, McCartney said: “If you think Phillip Lindsay surprised, wait until you see Juwann.”

Winfree is so far living up to McCartney’s expectations. The Athletic’s Dane Brugler projected Winfree as a priority free agent, to be signed by a team at the conclusion of the draft. But the Broncos got wind of other teams’ interest, so they made a play to jump a round to get him.

“He was kind of a target for us,” Elway said. “… Fortunately, we found a trade partner in Carolina and were able to get up and get him. He was obviously injured last year, but we saw him work at his pro day and we feel like he’s got some real upside. We feel good about getting him in the sixth round.

Brugler also ranked Hollins as the 17th-best edge rusher and projected him to go in the third or fourth round. The Broncos got him in the fifth, adding to a linebacker corps that stars and Bradley Chubb on the edge, and Todd Davis and inside.

At Oregon, Hollins (6-5, 248 pounds) was a three-year starter at end and then linebacker, and last year was the only FBS player to post at least five sacks, five forced fumbles and an interception.

His 4.5-second 40 at the combine was the second-fastest time among edge players, and his speed showed up regularly on the field.

The Broncos, who need depth on the edge and help especially inside, plan to try him at both spots.

“Number one, I like his versatility,” Fangio said. “He’s played primarily outside linebacker but he has played a little bit of inside linebacker, particularly in one of the all-star games. We’re going to try him at both spots while he’s here and see where he’s got the best future at or the best fit for us at this time.”

Hollins is onboard.

“I’m going to play anywhere they need me,” he said. “I’m one of those guys who is just going to get in and play wherever I am needed, whether that is special teams, inside, outside — it doesn’t matter. I am here to compete. I am here to play as hard as I can and provide the team with some type of impact.”

Risner’s arrival Dalton Risner arrived at the Broncos’ training facility Saturday morning wearing a charcoal black suit, a blue tie dotted with the Colorado “C” logo and size 18 cowboy boots, all scuffed and creased from years of trudging through his family’s farm in Wiggins.

“These are the boots I wear in the corral and the boots I wear out to feed. That’s just who I am. I’m not going to show up here in these pretty, uh — I mean, those things are nice,” Risner said, chuckling while pointing to a reporter’s dress shoes. “I’m probably not going to show up in something like that, but that’s fine, man.”

Boots that size require killing a whole cow, Risner joked. But he wore them to Dove Valley for a specific purpose.

“These are my work boots. I’m coming to work today,” he said. “These are the boots I’m going to be wearing into this complex when I’m showing up for work. This isn’t vacation.”

Risner, the gentle giant out of Kansas State, was selected because of his production and skill on the field, where he figures to be an immediate starter at guard, and because of an edge and tenacity that can’t always be taught.

Growing up, his father, who doubled as his coach in middle school and high school, encouraged him to treat the game like he would a job. And he has. He still does.

In Denver, Risner’s job description will be a bit different from the one he had at Kansas State, as he moves inside. But he’s confident his versatility and previous position changes will make the transition smooth.

“It’s a different game from the interior to the exterior. On the outside, you are dealing with guys like Von Miller and in the inside you are dealing with guys like ,” he said. “You’re dealing with two types of athletes. For me, being able to play tackle and move to guard, there is a little bit of difference in terms of, ‘Hey, you might be a three-point stance more time, you might be expected to pull, you might have more types of block combinations with the center or the tackle.’ And I am fully comfortable with that. Obviously, it’s going to be a different game but that is something I did, so it’s not like I am jumping into a position that I haven’t played before.”

Risner and his family were camped at the Ritz-Carlton in downtown Denver when he received the phone call from Elway on Friday. Later that evening, the family fittingly made their way down to Elway’s restaurant inside the hotel.

The celebration was one Risner expected to have a day earlier, as a first-round selection. But to be able to stay home in Colorado, he said, was the dream all along.

“I just got that call and it felt so good,” he said. “For them to appreciate the player I am and have faith I can come in here and be an immediate starter, it means a lot.

“I’m definitely upset with how many offensive linemen went before me and I’m going to make sure that every team but the Broncos realizes the mistake they made for passing me up.”

Harris still a Bronco — for now The draft came and went without any movement on Chris Harris Jr.’s contract situation. Two days before the start of the draft, Harris gave the Broncos an ultimatum to either pay him upward of $15 million a year and make him the highest-paid corner in the game or trade him.

Elway said multiple times before that he would address Harris’ situation after the draft, and stressed it again Friday evening and once more Saturday.

Speculation was rampant throughout the draft that Harris might be moved to a cornerback-needy team, and it was reported that multiple teams were interested.

Elway denied such reports. He said there wasn’t interest Friday or Saturday, and that he plans to reach out to Harris and his agent.

“As I said, now that the draft is over we’ll make contact,” Elway said. “So we’ll touch base with them and see where they are. There was no contact with Chris or about Chris today, so we’ll continue down that path and see what happens.”

Rookie plans The Broncos in recent years switched their format for their rookies to more of an “orientation” than a full-fledged camp in an effort to prevent serious injuries — injuries like the ACL tear Jeff Heuerman sustained on Day Two of rookie camp in 2015.

In his first year as head coach, Fangio has made subtle changes that he has wanted to make for years but never could as a coordinator, like ditching the billowy practice jerseys for game jerseys.

He’s still deciding how he wants to handle the rookie camp.

“That’s yet to be determined,” he said. “It will basically come down to the numbers and how many guys we can get in here. Invariably as it happens you might be light at a certain position or two, so you have to adjust practice to a certain degree. But we’d like to get them out on the field if we can, and we will in some shape or form. We just don’t know what that will exactly look like yet. I’m sure we’ll bring in a couple guys for tryouts, so that will fill it up a little bit. But you’re never quite sure.”

Jones’ scoop Dre’Mont Jones, the Broncos’ third-round pick out of Ohio State, received some inside information about Denver shortly after arriving at the team’s facility Saturday morning. Kenny Anunike, a former defensive end who spent two years — including their season — with the Broncos, is now a graduate assistant at Ohio State.

When Jones was selected by the Broncos, Anunike gave him the lowdown on the team and some insight into new coach Vic Fangio.

“He said the fan base is crazy. He said it’s just like Ohio State where the fans basically die for you and they’re there for you,” Jones said. “Once I heard that — I trust Kenny a lot — and once he told me that he was very confident if I did get picked up by the Broncos I would be happy here.”

Draft slide takes pressure off Drew Lock, the Chiefs’ problem and other post-draft notes By Lindsay Jones The Athletic April 28, 2019

Andy Lock folded an orange jersey in his hands, wondering how, when he takes it home and frames it, it will look on the wall of one of his six restaurants in Kansas City, Missouri.

It will surely clash with the rest of the NFL memorabilia, all of it red and yellow for the hometown Chiefs.

But that orange jersey belongs to his son, former Missouri quarterback Drew Lock, and Andy Lock, a longtime Chiefs fans with a long relationship with coach , has shifted loyalties.

“Oh, jeez, am I going to lose business this weekend?” said Andy Lock, who played offensive line at Missouri, with Reid as his position coach.

The elder Lock acknowledged that as his son slid out of the first round of the draft, it was he, and not Drew, who was the most frustrated member of the family in the greenroom in Nashville. But with a couple of days’ distance from his son’s draft-night fall, from presumed first-rounder to the Broncos’ pick at No. 42 in the second round, the entire Lock family has decided it might have been a blessing.

With no immediate pressure to start — John Elway has emphatically said that Joe Flacco has that job and Lock will compete to be the backup in 2019 — Lock can avoid the immense pressure that comes with being a first-round pick. That could be freeing, allowing him to focus on learning how to play under center and become a more accurate short passer.

Elway has already seen one first-round pick at quarterback, Paxton Lynch, wilt under that sort of pressure and get cut last season after failing to win the backup job. While it would be unfair to Lock to draw too many comparisons now to Lynch, Elway and Andy Lock hope the Broncos’ newest quarterback will be given space to breathe.

“I think it will. It just naturally has to,” Andy Lock told The Athletic. “But that won’t change who he is. The chip on his shoulder is a real thing. He still believes he’s the best quarterback in this class.”

Earlier this week in Nashville, Lock told The Athletic that he learned a lot from watching Patrick Mahomes from afar and seeing how Mahomes benefited from sitting behind for a year in Kansas City. On Friday night, Elway said he wants to follow the “ model” — sitting at least a year, and maybe two or three.

But the reality is that sort of model rarely works in the modern NFL, where the most successful teams have an entrenched veteran — a la the Patriots, Chargers, Saints or Steelers — or a cheap young starter, like the Chiefs, Rams and Eagles. Right now, the Broncos don’t appear to be either.

A few leftover thoughts from the NFL Draft weekend:

The Tyreek Hill case in Kansas City was a dark cloud over what should be one of the league’s marquee events. And while the Chiefs deserve plenty of scrutiny and criticism for how they’ve handled the situation, only telling Hill not to attend team functions in the wake of the release of damaging audio and swirling child abuse allegations, it’s not a good look for the NFL, either.

Here’s where the Chiefs could truly take a moral stand. If they are as concerned for the safety of Hill’s child and fiancée as they’ve indicated in their statement, the next course of action should be clear. Instead, the league is deferring to vague league policies and procedures, telling the receiver to stay away from voluntary workouts while the league and law enforcement continue to investigate. Are they hoping Hill will once again dodge charges?

It’s worth noting that while the Chiefs were widely lauded for quickly cutting ties with in December after a video of the running back’s physical altercation with a woman at a hotel surfaced, Hunt was cut primarily because he lied to the team about it, not because of the incident itself.

The Hill allegations are far more serious, and Hill’s history of domestic violence should have made this an easy decision.

But the larger ramification here, given Hill’s past, is that the NFL needs to consider punishing teams if they draft or sign a player with a history of violence against women or children and that player re-offends while in the NFL. Until that happens, teams will always put football first. This isn’t to say people can’t change and players who made mistakes while in college can’t become better men, husbands and fathers, but there aren’t adequate protocols to hold teams accountable in these situations.

The five defensive tackles drafted in the first round should be sending thank-you cards to . The two-time NFL defensive player of the year has inflated the value of interior pass-rushers, reminding NFL decision-makers that interior linemen are much more than just run defenders. Donald’s success at 284 pounds reinforced that defensive tackles can come in many sizes — and they don’t all have to be hulking 300-pounders.

“He’s done for defensive tackles what ’s done for quarterbacks. What that’s done is to say, you cannot be concerned with size. Grade the player, not the size. He’s been the most dominant defensive player in the NFL,” NFL Network analyst Daniel Jeremiah told The Athletic. “I don’t think we have one of those in this draft, but I think the fact that we’ve seen somebody dominate at that high of a level, without the measurements you normally look for at that position, it’s changing. He doesn’t get the credit that Russell gets on the offensive side of the ball, but Aaron deserves it.”

Nashville should now be in rotation for the NFL’s premier events after an excellent showing in hosting the draft. The unique ability to take over downtown, closing down five blocks of Broadway, one of America’s best party streets, and using the site of for the more family-friendly fan fest, is something that will be hard to re-create in other NFL cities. The NFL will continue moving the draft around the country — is up in 2020 — but Nashville should be high on the list to get an encore.

The apparent success of the 2019 draft in Nashville should have the Titans and city officials thinking of making a Super Bowl bid, but the NFL is likely to require massive upgrades to Nissan Stadium before that’s a realistic possibility.

Josh Rosen could have been on the first plane out of Phoenix on Saturday morning, and no one would have blamed him for not giving Arizona and his 365-day stint with the Cardinals a second thought. But kudos to Rosen for issuing a sincere thank-you video to the Cardinals and their fans, and for talking up his successor, Kyler Murray, on his way out of town. Bonus points for offering to cut Murray a deal on a two- bedroom condo in Old Town Scottsdale.

Now the quarterback competition in Miami between Rosen and veteran becomes one of the most interesting storylines of the offseason.

The Browns didn’t get a ton of buzz this weekend, but we can’t overlook our favorite press conference quote of the weekend, courtesy of second-round cornerback , who was asked what he knew about the Browns before being drafted by Cleveland. “I know one thing — that the Browns are going to the Super Bowl this year,” Williams said. “That’s a fact.”

One of the most intriguing third-day selections was North Dakota State quarterback to the , to join a quarterback room with Philip Rivers, and Cardelle Jones. The Chargers have done plenty of research into draft-eligible quarterbacks in recent years but haven’t drafted a likely successor to Rivers. Stick, who replaced in college, is certainly a project, but it will be fun to watch and begin developing him. As NFL Network’s Tom Peliserro previously noted, Stick has athleticism that the Chargers could potentially use in deploying him as a gadget player, as the Saints do with .

Elway bolsters his offense for a change, including QB By Arnie Stapleton Associated Press April 28, 2019

After entering the offseason scrambling again at quarterback, John Elway emerged from draft weekend set for the present and maybe the future at a position that's been his Frankenstein ever since Peyton Manning retired three years ago.

Drew Lock will be Joe Flacco's understudy — providing he can beat out Boise State QB , who was among the undrafted players Denver signed after the draft concluded, for the backup job.

Lock, the second-round pick from Missouri will take a wait-and-watch approach like reigning NFL MVP Patrick Mahomes did for a year behind Alex Smith in Kansas City, or even like Aaron Rodgers did for three seasons behind Brett Favre in Green Bay.

By taking Lock with the 42nd pick and immediately declaring him Flacco's apprentice, the Broncos are dodging the kind of QB competition that blew up on them two straight summers with 2016 first-round bust Paxton Lynch.

Lock and head coach Vic Fangio also are avoiding the pressure cooker that awaits first-rounders Kyler Murray in Arizona and Dwayne Haskins in Washington, QBs expected to make immediate impacts.

"I think it will certainly take pressure off him and it will allow him to sit and learn," Lock's father, Andy, a restaurateur from Kansas City, told The Associated Press on Saturday. "And also I think from an organizational standpoint, maybe the Broncos don't feel as much pressure to get him on the field early.

"It's a great recipe, and I'm excited for that."

So is his son, who realizes he has a lot to learn as a pro.

"I think I'm just going to take it day by day here," Lock said, declining to declare any timetable for taking over as the starter. "I'm going to try to be the best teammate possible because I know if there's one thing to help win over a team and win over a locker room, it's come in and just be a good teammate.

"Then I think I'll gain the respect and the trust of everybody in that locker room" like Mahomes did in K.C. and Rodgers did in Green Bay.

Lock was hoping to be a first-round selection but said he knows deep down his landing spot was much more important than his draft slot.

"Obviously, you'd like to get picked a little earlier, but I'm here," Lock said. "We got Dalton (Risner) because of it, we got Noah (Fant) because of it, and if that's the way it was supposed to be, then so be it. I'm a Bronco now and I couldn't be more excited to be here."

Elway said he saw the draft as another step in his makeover of the Broncos, which has included the hiring of Fangio, acquisition of Flacco and free agent signings such as Ja'wuan James and Kareem Jackson.

Elway said Fant and Risner should start right away and with "Drew coming in and competing for the backup spot, he gives us some depth there."

"So, we feel much better where we're sitting here now today than we did coming out of last season."

WHO THEY GOT

In a draft loaded with defense, Elway focused first on improving a fetid offense. He used his first three picks on Iowa TE Fant , Kansas State RG Risner and Lock. His top defensive addition is Ohio State DT Dre'Mont Jones. Saturday's picks were versatile Oregon LB Justin Hollins and Colorado WR Juwann Winfree in the sixth. He also acquired former Broncos special teams stud Dekoda Watson in a trade.

SURPRISE MOVES

Elway didn't consider drafting a QB in the first round, but he traded with Cincinnati to move up to 42nd and select Lock 32 spots — a full round — after many projections had him going. Elway also pulled a stunner by taking Winfree , who started just seven games in college, missed the 2016 season with a torn ACL and sat out four games last year with a sprained ankle.

HOW THEY DID

Elway filled a major need by drafting Fant in the first round. Fant clocked a 4.5-second 40-yard time at the NFL scouting combine, faster than 17 wide receivers. In Hollins, they're hoping they landed the ILB who could help the Broncos smother opposing tight ends like who burned them for 210 yards and a TD in the first half of a game last season that essentially ended their slim playoff hopes.

WHAT'S NEXT

Addressing CB Chris Harris Jr.'s request for a hefty pay raise. The 30-year-old star is due $7.8 million in 2019, about half of what cornerbacks of his caliber are making. Harris is skipping the offseason program while Fangio installs his new defense and recently issued a pay-me-or-trade-me request after what he felt were disrespectful comments by Elway, who has a history of playing hardball with his stars.

Broncos take Oregon LB Hollins, CU receiver Winfree By Troy Renck KMGH April 28, 2019

The Broncos entered the draft wanting to add multiple starters. A need existed at inside linebacker to complement run-stuffers Todd Davis and Josey Jewell. But with Devin Bush on the board at 10, the Broncos elected for draft inventory, moving back to 20th overall for tight end Noah Fant while adding the 52nd pick used to land quarterback Drew Lock.

As fifth round arrived Saturday, the Broncos addressed the defense for the second straight pick, adding Oregon linebacker Justin Hollins in the fifth round with the 156th pick overall. Hollins brings versatility.

"Justin is a big and athletic linebacker who can play inside and outside," general manager John Elway said. "His athleticism also will help us on special teams."

Hollins played for former Colorado defensive boss Jim Leavitt at Oregon. Leavitt worked for Vic Fangio in San Francisco. Hollins delivered last season for the Ducks. He was the lone FBS player with at least five sacks, five forced fumbles and a pick. Hollins also projects as a special teams contributor. Earlier in the day, the Broncos acquired former Denver special teams standout Dekoda Watson for the 148th overall pick, while receiving the 212th selection.

Hollins remains ready to carve out a niche.

"I will play wherever they need me," Hollins said.

The Broncos finished their draft by acquiring the 187th pick overall from Carolina in exchange for 212th and 237th picks. The selected former CU receiver Juwann Winfree, a transfer from Maryland. He profiles as a project with intriguing talent that never manifested at CU because of injuries.

"It feels like everything. It was all I was working for as a kid. Proves God is real, and he's on my side. I have an opportunity right up the road," Winfree said. "And I know Phillip Lindsay put in a good word for me. He's super happy for me. I am blessed."

BRONCOS 2019 DRAFT PICKS

1st Round, No. 20 overall (from Pittsburgh), Noah Fant, TE, Iowa

2nd Round, No. 41 overall | Dalton Risner, OT, Kansas State

2nd round, No. 42 overall (from Cincinnati) | Drew Lock, QB, Mis

3rd Round, No. 71 overall | Dre'Mont Jones, DL, Ohio State

5th Round, No. 156 overall (from Minnesota) | Justin Hollins, LB, Oregon

6th round, 187 overall (from Carolina) Juwann Winfree, WR, Colorado Fast hands and sweet feet: How Dre’Mont Jones’ football skills were shaped by his father’s boxing career By Aric DiLalla DenverBroncos.com April 28, 2019

Third-round pick Dre’Mont Jones has battled with Big Ten offensive linemen for years.

Over the last three seasons, the defensive lineman has sparred with both tackles and guards — and he won enough matchups to record 22 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks during his Ohio State career.

“The Big Ten is definitely no joke,” Jones said Saturday at his introductory press conference. “I know how it feels to be double-teamed, I know how it feels to go against those 6-7, 330-[pound] offensive tackles, and those 6-4, 330-[pound] guards and I got a feel for both. I think I can handle myself in the league.”

After all, those linemen have nothing on Jones’ father, Sanderline Williams, who had an 11-year career as a professional middleweight boxer.

Williams, who fought top boxers that included James Toney and Iran Barkley, saw boxing potential in his son Dre’Mont.

“He was born with naturally fast hands and great footwork,” Williams said. “… His hands are just as fast as mine, [but] he’s a heavyweight. His footwork is magnificent, so I think he could have [had a professional career]. I look at him sometimes and shake my head and ask myself, ‘Why didn’t I encourage him to be a boxer?’ Because he’s got the skill set to be a boxer.”

Jones, though, learned as an 11-year-old that he preferred football to his father’s sport of choice.

“I was sparring with my dad — of course, he was taking it easy on me — but I was sparring with him and he hit me with something crazy,” Jones said. “And at that moment, I was like, ‘Yeah, this is not for me.’ But I did learn how to use my hands well.

“… It was embarrassing. My dad knocked me out. I thought I could get him.”

Jones’ brief boxing training and his fast hands did prepare him well for his eventual Big Ten competition.

“Pass rushing and fitting the run is basically like boxing,” Jones said. “You’re punching, you’re striking, you’re being physical with your hands all the time. That definitely translated over for being a D- lineman.”

And while Williams thinks his son could’ve found a career in professional boxing, he said he knows his son has ended up in a better situation than he could’ve imagined.

“It’s like a dream come true, because I think as a former athlete, I thought I was pretty good,” Williams said. "I could’ve taken it to the next level, but things got in my way. But to see him do it and take it even further than I did, it’s something I can’t explain.”

Broncos trade fifth-round pick to San Francisco for LB Dekoda Watson, sixth-round pick By Aric DiLalla DenverBroncos.com April 28, 2019

Dekoda Watson is headed back to Denver.

The Broncos traded one of their fifth-round picks (No. 148) to the on Saturday for the veteran linebacker and a sixth-round pick (No. 212).

Watson, a 10th-year veteran, played all 16 games for the Broncos in 2016. The former seventh-round pick forced a , recorded a sack and tallied six tackles during his season in Denver. He served as a key member of the Broncos’ special teams unit.

He is expected to provide the same impact on special teams and depth at linebacker.

In his career, Watson has played in 107 career games and recorded four forced fumbles, six sacks, 111 tackles and 10 tackles for loss.

The Broncos are scheduled to make their next selection at pick No. 156.

Broncos trade up to select WR Juwann Winfree in sixth round of NFL Draft By Aric DiLalla DenverBroncos.com April 28, 2019

The Broncos traded up in the sixth round of the 2019 NFL Draft to select Colorado wide receiver Juwann Winfree.

Denver sent the 212th-overall and 237th-overall picks to the in exchange for pick No. 187.

"We’ve selected Colorado WR Juwann Winfree in the sixth round," Elway tweeted. "He’s a tough, physical player with a lot of top-flight traits with his size, speed and hands. Great to add another player with in-state ties to the Broncos."

Winfree played in eight games as a senior and recorded 28 receptions for 324 yards and two touchdowns.

Winfree, who spent his freshman year at Maryland, totaled 60 catches for 807 yards and six touchdowns in his FBS career.

He was among the players who participated in the Broncos' local Pro Day earlier this month.

The Broncos have no more scheduled picks in the 2019 NFL Draft. Denver's six selections are the team's fewest in any draft since 2014.

Broncos select LB Justin Hollins in fifth round By Aric DiLalla DenverBroncos.com April 28, 2019

With the 156th-overall pick, the Broncos selected Oregon linebacker Justin Hollins.

Hollins, who should add depth at the edge-rushing position, recorded 174 tackles, 35 tackles for loss and 14 sacks over his final three seasons at Oregon.

"Our fifth-round pick, Justin Hollins from Oregon, is a big and athletic linebacker who can play inside and outside," John Elway tweeted Saturday. "His athleticism also will help us on special teams."

Hollins agreed Saturday with Elway's assessment of his positional versatility.

"I'm going to play anywhere you need me," Hollins said. "I'm one of those guys who's going to play wherever ... whether that's special teams, inside [linebacker], outside [linebacker], it doesnt' matter. I'm here to compete. I'm here to play as hard as I can, and provide the team with some type of impact."

The 6-foot-5, 248-pound player led the Pac-12 with five forced fumbles in 2018. He also ranked fourth in the Pac-12 with seven sacks last season.

Hollins joins defensive lineman Dre’Mont Jones as the Broncos’ two defensive selections in the 2019 NFL Draft. Denver also traded for linebacker Dekoda Watson from San Francisco on Saturday.

A look at John Elway’s plan for Drew Lock to be the future of the Broncos By Zac Stevens BSN Denver April 28, 2019

John Elway didn’t even consider drafting a quarterback in the first round on Thursday night.

Not when the team was sitting at pick No. 10 with Dwayne Haskins and Drew Lock on the board or at No. 20 when Lock was staring at them in the face.

“I said that yesterday? Oh. It changed overnight,” Elway said on Friday night with a big smile, followed by just as big of a chuckle.

“I didn’t totally lie,” he responded, after being reminded he only said that in regards to when he was on the clock with the No. 10 and No. 20 overall pick. “Okay, good.”

But stuff happened. And things changed.

The moment it all flipped was when the clock struck zero on the first round on Thursday night.

“Once the day is over, you start looking at it and looking at different opportunities before we left. It was late when we left,” Elway said, detailing the late-night change of plans. “Getting back in today, we started talking about different options and we kind of talked it through and thought that was our gameplay for today, and we’d do everything we could to make it happen. We were able to get that done.”

“And we’d do everything we could to make it happen.”

Elway “targeted” Lock.

Elway “really wanted” Lock.

“We were thrilled that [he] was still there,” Elway said, not holding anything back with his excitement for his new signal caller.

Drew was the Broncos’ No. 1 quarterback on the board.

“When he kept falling, we just kept an eye on it,” Elway said, taking the world through his night. “Then when he got into the second round, and where we were today, we thought that it was important for us with the extra ammo that we were able to pick up yesterday from Pittsburgh. It allowed us to move around a little bit and move up.”

With the No. 52 pick as ammunition, after just snagging offensive lineman Dalton Risner at No. 41, Elway pulled the trigger to jump up 10 spots to Lock up Drew.

The reason Elway believed that was the right call was because of two teams in that window he believed would take Lock: The Dolphins and, of course, the Raiders.

After the first round, Elway admitted the team didn’t have any first-round graded players left on their board. When pressed if he was “sandbagging” a little bit, Elway laughed and responded, “Let’s put it this way, we were very happy with all of the picks we got today. We feel like they are all very good football players and they’ll be able to help us.”

Regardless of the grade, the talent on the 6-foot-4, 228-pound gunslinger is undeniable.

“Drew has obviously got a lot of talent,” Elway said, evaluating his quarterback. “He’s got a lot of arm talent.”

“A future guy that we believe will hopefully be the future for the Broncos down the line—we felt we had to take advantage of that.”

The future.

Not the now. At least as of now.

“The bottom line is, he’s coming to compete as a backup. Joe’s the starter. When we look at it, we’re hoping that Drew is the future. Joe’s the starter and going to be the starter,” Elway emphasized multiple times on the night, making sure he made it perfectly clear that Joe Flacco’s the starting quarterback.

“We tend to look at it as the Brett Favre-Aaron Rodgers type situation. He’s going to have time to sit and watch Joe and take his time and learn and continue to get better. We feel we’re in a good situation there. Plus, we had guys compete for backup positions and he’ll be thrown in that bunch.”

Favre-Rodgers worked out nicely.

Alex Smith-Patrick Mahomes, anyone? That didn’t work out too shabby, either.

After Smith had a career year with the ultra-talented Mahomes on the bench, they flipped him for a second-round pick.

Then, Mahomes took the league by storm, throwing for 50 touchdowns on his way to being named MVP in his first year as a starter.

Much like both of those situations, there was no pressure or expectations for the young gunslinger, since there was no competition from the get-go.

“I’m hoping that it allows us to let him grow. The expectation is not as high as it would be with a top-10 pick. That’s what he needs,” Elway said, again tempering the initial expectations for the quarterback who will certainly steal the hearts of Broncos Country.

“He’s going to need that time and the patience and continue to work with it. He’s going to be able to watch Joe and how Joe works, and Joe has done it at a very high level for a very long time. He’s got a great guy to follow, watch, learn and see how it’s done.”

Although Lock was a four-year starter, and a captain for the final three years of his collegiate career, he’s been knocked for his accuracy and coming from a spread system.

“With what we’re going to do offensively, he’s going to have a lot of work to do,” Elway said, explaining why he needs time.

“I think technique is always a big thing. We talk about accuracy, accuracy a lot of times comes down to technique and throwing on rhythm. We believe he’s got a ton of talent, but we also believe that he’s got a lot to work on. But it’s nice to be able to have coaches work with his stable of abilities that he does have that I think Rich [Scangarello] is excited to work with.”

As for the starter, Joe, Elway hadn’t got around to calling him as of Friday night.

“We haven’t had a chance,” Elway stated. “We meant to talk to him today, but then we got going again.”

Since Peyton Manning hung ‘em up after the miraculous 2018 Super Bowl season, the Broncos’ quarterback position has been interesting for all of the wrong reasons.

Now, for the first time, there are two reasons for hope.

“We’re excited to have him because he does a nice job. He wants to be good. He is a competitor,” Elway said, complimenting his second-round quarterback. “The great thing too is that he knows the situation here and that is that Joe is the starter and he’s got a great opportunity to sit behind him and watch the guy and learn and get better.”

Joe’s the starter. For now.

Drew’s the future.

With the draft now behind him, John Elway provides another update to the Chris Harris Jr. situation By Zac Stevens BSN Denver April 28, 2019

Throughout the offseason, John Elway has maintained he will talk with Chris Harris Jr. about a potential contract extension once the draft is complete.

That time has arrived.

“Now that the draft’s over, we’ll make contact,” Elway said Saturday evening, after the conclusion of the draft in which the Broncos added six players.

“We’ll touch base with them and see where they are.”

Additionally, Elway told Orange & Blue 760 he’d personally like to talk to Chris himself, not just to his agent.

Harris and the Broncos first talked about a potential contract extension at the Combine, when Chris’ representatives met with the Broncos’ brass to express interest in a new deal.

The first public move was made when Harris did not show up for the start of the team’s offseason workout program on April 2, sending a strong message in his desire for a new deal.

Things then really heated up between the two sides on Tuesday, beginning at Elway’s pre-draft press conference when the general manager went out of his way to make it known a deal might not happen.

“I said we’re going to talk about it. It doesn’t mean we’re going to do it,” Elway said, after explaining how he hadn’t had time during the draft process to negotiate with Harris.

Later that afternoon, Chris’ agent, Frederick Lyles, gave the Broncos an ultimatum: Give Chris a new contract valued at at least $15 million per year or trade him.

Over the course of the next few days, the Broncos fielded calls from multiple teams about potentially trading the star cornerback, but didn’t get an enticing enough offer.

“There was no contact with Chris or about Chris today,” Elway said on Saturday evening. “So we’ll continue down that path and see what happens.”

If the Broncos were going to trade the four-time Pro Bowler the most valuable time would have been before the conclusion of the draft.

Following the draft on Saturday, Elway had his most positive tone regarding potentially getting a deal done.

“At corner, we’re still in pretty good shape at corner,” Elway said, endorsing the group set to cost over $25 million this year with Harris on the books.

“A lot of times, these things, the flames get bigger and bigger, they fan the flames, you really never know what’s true and not true,” Elway told Orange & Blue 760. “I’m looking forward to, at some point, having a discussion with him and seeing where he is. If he wants to be here, great! We’ll see if we can do something. If he doesn’t, then we understand that, too.”

Additionally, the Broncos did not select a corner in the draft, potentially positive news for Harris re- signing in Denver.

“It just didn’t fall that way. We had opportunities but the direction that we went, we felt that we were better off that way,” Elway said, explaining why the team didn’t draft a corner or inside linebacker.

Elway’s now on the clock again. This time, it’s with Chris Harris Jr.

John Elway didn’t even consider drafting a quarterback in the first round on Thursday night.

Here’s the thing about Drew Lock By Ryan Koenigsberg BSN Denver April 28, 2019

In Columbia, Missouri, they call it a “True Son.”

The term is reserved for the most pure-bred , for those who were born in Missouri, grew up as fans and attended the university.

Andrew Steven Lock, or Drew as we now know him, was the truest of True Sons. Born in Columbia with a dad and a grandfather who suited up for the Tigers back in their day. A legacy of the highest order. A Simone Award winner, which honors the best high school football player in Kansas City. The top recruit in the state. A U.S. Army All-American and an quarterback who chose Mizzou over offers from Ohio State, Tennessee and Texas, among many others.

Hometown hero is almost too light of a term for what Drew Lock was to Columbia.

But when you think of a hometown hero, you think of the All-American boy. The guy who says and does all the right things. He’s kissing babies and shaking hands at the local grocery store. He’s presidential.

Make no mistake, Drew has all of that on lock. He’s got the million-dollar smile and the press conference savvy; he comes from a family that looks like they’d be undefeated on the volleyball court at the Fourth of July barbecue.

But there’s something else burning inside of the Denver Broncos man of the future, and it’s why he’s chomping at the bit to go to the Darkside.

“He can certainly play the villain,” his father Andy said on Saturday with his eyebrows raised. “Oh, I promise you he has that in him. I promise you he does.”

Missouri’s Anakin has a little bit of Darth in him, and now that he’s in Denver, he can finally unleash it. You see, all those folks in Columbia, who have loved Drew Lock for years and fly the Missouri Tigers flag on Saturdays switch that flag out for a Kansas City Chiefs one on Sundays.

“I’ve been the good guy my whole life,” Lock said with a smirk. “Now I can finally be the bad guy.”

Most wouldn’t be so eager to flip, but to understand why Drew Lock is, we have to go back to his days at Lee’s Summit High School.

“He was not a trouble maker,” Lock’s mom, Laura, told BSN Denver. “Super good kid, always wanted to please, very empathetic. His chippiness didn’t start until probably his junior year when he got a little swag to him.”

It all started with Lock’s first love, basketball.

“When he was young and playing AAU ball, he would be in some tough environments,” dad explained.

“Those boys are always at each other’s ears,” said mom with an eye-roll.

“He’d be in some really physical, tough environments,” dad added. “And he either had to start getting a little chippy and a little talky and fight back, or he was going to go sit on the bench. He learned how to not only be physical, but he talks as good a game as anybody. Ever. He does. You’ll see it, man.”

Lock learned to talk.

“I think he realized the power of getting in people’s heads a little bit, getting them out of their game,” Andy Lock explained. “And he was really good at doing it. He’d even start talking to the crowds.”

It all came to a head in a game against Liberty High School, about 30 miles North of Lock’s Lee’s Summit High.

The student section at Liberty pushes right up against the court, and on this night, it was packed. They were primed and ready to get after Drew Lock.

On the first possession of the game, though, Lock pulled up from long range.

Splash.

“He turns right around, and they’re chirpin’ at him and chantin’ at him,” dad said in a Missourian accent with a slight southern twang.

It was nothing but fuel to Lock’s fire.

A few possessions later, he took another step behind the line and closer to the students who were all but literally at his throat.

Splash.

Now he was letting them know about it.

“He just kept shootin’ and talkin and shootin’ and talkin’.”

Eventually, Lock pulled up from as close to his new friends as he possibly could.

“He was almost out of bounds,” Mr. Lock said, with a whisper of disbelief. “He’s standing right next to the fans, shooting it.”

Splash.

“I remember right where I was sitting and watching him do that,” pops recalled. “That’s when I thought, ‘Man, there’s something to that, because if he’s not talking in that game, he’s not hitting all of those shots. His focus is just different when it gets to that point. It inspired him. It made him play better by doing that, so he just kept doing it. It’s just a snowball effect.”

Some people just have that. And when they do, you just have to let do their thing.

Right, mom?

“He eventually just took it to the football field as well, and you know what? I’m okay with it,” she said, knowing it was an unexpected statement. “I like that part of him. I like that swag to him.”

With the 42nd pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, The Broncos got themselves one of those guys. The guy that you absolutely love to be on your sideline and absolutely can’t stand when they’re on the other side.

Can’t you just see it now?

At the stadium he grew up in, in front of thousands of red-clad fans who used to adore him, Drew Lock is in Orange & Blue, doing the tomahawk chop in the visitor’s endzone, staring into the crowd as boos and beers rain down from the stands.

That’s the guy the Denver Broncos drafted.

“I’m going to carry that with me into this league,” he said. “There’s no reason to stop being like that. I think it also gets the guys around you fired up. I think it lets you see the passion that I have in my soul for this game. I’ll definitely keep that coming.”

The AFC West saw the birth of a superhero right before their eyes last season in Patrick Mahomes. Drew Lock is here to be that story’s supervillain.

Broncos add turnover-producing outside linebacker in fifth round By Henry Chisholm BSN Denver April 28, 2019

With the 156th pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, the Denver Broncos selected University Oregon outside linebacker Justin Hollins. The pick is the Broncos’ only fifth-round selection, following their decision to trade down with their other fifth-rounder.

Hollins was a fifth-year senior and team captain for the Ducks, where he served as a pass-rusher first from the defensive end spot before moving to outside linebacker.

In a tweet following the selection, John Elway said Hollins can play inside and outside linebacker in the Broncos’ defensive scheme. The comment is somewhat of a surprise, given that Hollins weighed in at 6- foot-5 and 248 pounds at the combine and spent most of his college career rushing the passer.

Out of 22 EDGE players at the combine, Hollins’ ran the second-fastest 40-yard dash (4.50 seconds), placed third in the bench press (25 reps), and fifth in the vertical jump (36.5 inches).

As a senior, Hollins posted 64 tackles, 14.5 for a loss and 6.5 sacks. He also intercepted a pass and forced five fumbles, the second-most in the NCAA. His eight forced fumbles over the last two seasons were the most in the country of that span. He was named first-team All-Pac 12 by the Associated Press.

This spring, Hollins was the defensive MVP of the East-West Shrine Game. Hollins was BSN Denver’s 122nd-ranked prospect.

The Broncos would have made the 148th pick in the draft, but instead traded it to the San Francisco 49ers for outside linebacker Dekoda Watson and a sixth-round pick (No. 212).

Watson, 31, played for the Broncos in 2016. He didn’t play much on defense since he was blocked by Von Miller, DeMarcus Ware, Shane Ray and Shaq Barrett. Watson was a big-time contributor on special teams.

This time around, Watson may have a chance to earn some playing time since Denver has little depth behind Miller and Bradley Chubb. At the very least, he’ll serve as a veteran voice in an inexperienced outside linebackers room while contributing as a special teams ace.

The Broncos have two picks remaining in the 2019 draft:

Round 6, pick 40 (No. 212 overall)

Round 7, pick 23 (237)

Broncos trade up to pick a CU Buff in the sixth round By Henry Chisholm BSN Denver April 28, 2019

The Broncos’ last pick is in. At least for now.

Denver selected University of Colorado receiver Juwann Winfree in the sixth round with the 187th overall pick. The Broncos traded their final two picks in the draft (No. 212 and No. 237) to move up into position to snag Winfree.

Winfree’s college numbers don’t jump off the page, in part because of injuries and in part because he wasn’t afforded much playing time. In his junior season, Winfree caught 21 passes for 325 yards and two touchdowns. As a senior, he caught 28 for 324 and two touchdowns.

Winfree wasn’t invited to the combine but, at his pro day, he measured in just over 6-foot-1 and 210 pounds. He ran a 4.50 40-yard dash with a 33-inch vertical. Winfree was not listed in BSN Denver’s top- 200 big board.

The wide receiver is a high-upside pick. If the high-ankle sprain that plagued him last season has healed, he could outplay his sixth-round tag.

The Broncos draft class is now final, assuming Denver doesn’t trade back into the 2019 draft. Here’s who John Elway snagged:

Round 1, pick 20, (No. ): Noah Fant, TE Iowa

Round 2, pick 9, (41): Dalton Risner, OL, Kansas State

Round 2, pick 10, (42) : Drew Lock, QB, Missouri

Round 3, pick 7, (71): Dre’Mont Jones, DT, Ohio State

Round 5, pick 18, (156): Justin Hollins, LB, Oregon

Round 6, pick 14, (187): Juwann Winfree, WR, Colorado

Denver also traded for outside linebacker Dekoda Watson, 31, and Pittsburgh’s 2020 third-round pick.

NFL draft grades 2019: Patriots' class among best, Giants' haul confounds By Nate Davis USA Today April 28, 2019

Time for my least favorite aspect of NFL draft season — the reactionary, postmortem grades NFL readership seems to demand the minute after Mr. Irrelevant has been announced.

PSA — this is a largely pointless drill, and a legitimate report card can't fairly be issued until 2022. But I'll play along and submit my annual, way-too-early, impromptu evaluations before all of these players have even set foot onto a pro practice field. Please note, I strive to assess each club's class holistically, assessing the players on merit and the associated costs of trades past and present that shape each group.

Onward ...

(Teams listed alphabetically by city within each grade tier.)

Cleveland Browns: A

You reel in a player the caliber of WR Odell Beckham Jr., especially in his prime, at the cost of your first rounder (plus a bit more), then you probably deserve an A grade. When you also snatch CB Greedy Williams and ILB , potentially both immediate starters (and good ones), then you've gone above and beyond.

Miami Dolphins: A

First-round DT is a highly productive, talented and versatile player and one likely to emerge as a strong locker room voice, all things this rebooting franchise badly needs. Third-round G was another nice pickup for a team that had deteriorated in the trenches. But the trade for QB looks like a heist. Not only did the Dolphins obtain a capable passing prospect for the next four years, they only have to pay about a third of his total salary. Factor in the acquisition of the Saints' 2020 second rounder, and Miami's new regime is off and running nicely.

New England Patriots: A

Sure appears like another impressive haul. First-round WR N'Keal Harry's skills seem perfectly suited to where is in the twilight (right?) of his career. All of the Day 2 picks (CB , OLB/DE , RB and, maybe, OT ) all appear poised to contribute immediately to a team that lost key players in free agency. And successions plans, perhaps, at quarterback () yet almost certainly at , Jake Bailey evidently so alluring that was able to overlook the fact he's not left-footed.

San Francisco 49ers: A

DE was widely regarded as the top player coming out this year and bolsters what should be a nasty Niners D-line. Spending next year's second rounder on a trade for established pass rusher looks like a bargain considering what his former team, Kansas City, subsequently surrendered for Frank Clark. WRs and should added needed zip to a passing game that got a disproportionate amount of its 2018 dividends from TE George Kittle.

Arizona Cardinals: A-

QB Kyler Murray in the first, CB and WR in the second, DE in the third, WR in the fourth, S in the fifth — sure felt like GM just knocked down pick after pick after pick. And if Murray operates this offense as well as everyone expects him to and embarks on the NFL version of an Allen Iverson career? If that happens, then we can forgive what seemed the fairly ham-handed handling of Rosen's situation.

Buffalo Bills: A-

Landing DT Ed Oliver at No. 9 may prove a steal for an underrated defense that may now garner deserved attention with ability like this to produce more highlights. After that, GM Brandon Beane returned to his offseason task of upgrading the supporting cast around second-year QB , adding a quality blocker () a needed tight end () and an infusion of youth and ability () to an antiquated running back room. This club might be sneaky good in 2019.

Chicago Bears: A-

It was light on quantity (5 selections), but it brought them . Period. Third-round RB David Montgomery seems much better designed for this offense than departed predecessor . WR came relatively cheaply in Round 4.

Jacksonville Jaguars: A-

Josh Allen was sitting there at No. 7, and the Jags didn't flinch even though they probably had more pressing needs elsewhere. But as Jon Gruden says, good pass rushers are "hard to find." And getting OT in Round 2, a player many mock drafts projected to Jacksonville in the first round, was a coup. Might have been nice to see them get a receiver in the middle rounds, but that's a nitpick.

Washington Redskins: A-

Pre-draft reports out of the nation's capital forecast a draft night train wreck. But the 'Skins not only averted the rumored disaster, they showed atypical patience and potentially walked away with two first-round blue chippers in QB Dwayne Haskins and OLB . Maybe the only person who didn't appreciate this draft was last year's second rounder, injured RB Derrius Guice. But who can fault Washington for its new insurance policy? Even late picks like fifth-round C and sixth-round WR could contribute early and often.

Dallas Cowboys: B+

They spent what turned out to be the 27th pick at last year's trade deadline for WR . Tough to say there was anybody that good available at that spot, right? Second-round DT could be a highly disruptive player between DEs Demarcus Lawrence and Robert Quinn. Hate to debate too much regarding third-round G Connor McGovern given this team's penchant for trotting out a strong O-line, but did Dallas wait to long to get the safety team brass openly coveted?

Indianapolis Colts: B+

GM Chris Ballard seems to be establishing his own reputation as a master draft board manipulator, ultimately picking thrice in the second round, where CB Rock Ya-Sin, LB and swift WR only seem to brighten this rising team's horizon. Perhaps the most meaningful player of Ballard's bounty next season will be fourth rounder , who projects as a perfect safety foil to .

New York Jets: B+

GM Mike Maccagnan has a pretty solid track record for sticking to his board and taking the best available player — doing so for Leonard Williams, and through the years ... though he wouldn't have been in position for any of those players if the Jets were better on the field, but I digress. Alabama DT , the third overall pick this year and the best player of the whole bunch according to some draft experts, is the latest in that mold and should make a high- potential player like third-round edge rusher better. And don't forget, this year's second rounder was swapped in the trade that produced Darnold last year.

Seattle Seahawks: B+

GM John Schneider began the week with a league-low four draft picks but added 11 players to his roster by the time the event concluded. Without the Seattle context, first-round DL L.J. Collier and second- round S both seem overdrafted. However Schneider gets another pass given his acute feel for this roster's needs. Getting WR D.K. Metcalf with the final pick of Round 2 may ultimately prove larcenous given how well his specific abilities should meld with this offense and the way QB Russell Wilson operates. The deal of Clark brings a second rounder in 2020.

Tennessee Titans: B+

Charlotte G Nate Davis was the pick of the draft in Round 3. (OK, I'm getting carried away. But make no mistake, Davis is a high-quality addition for a team that wants make its bones on the ground.) Ole Miss' A.J. Brown will arguably emerge as this draft's premier wideout after a stellar stint in Oxford and looks like a great value choice at No. 51. Last, but certainly not least, first-round DT could be another cagey choice by GM Jon Robinson. Simmons' ACL injury may shelve him in 2019, but his ability was worth the investment of the 19th overall choice.

Baltimore Ravens: B

Understandable that newly promoted GM Eric DeCosta would continue customizing this offense for second-year QB Lamar Jackson. The combo of Round 1 WR and Round 3 WR brings a nice dose of speed and size, respectively, and should dovetail nicely with what Jackson currently provides as a raw passer. The question may be whether DeCosta did enough to reload the gutted front seven of a defense that ranked No. 1 overall in 2018, especially given a fourth-round running back (talented ) seems like a luxury. Round 6 QB Trace McSorley is a great fit behind Jackson and might be able to contribute in other areas. This year's second rounder was used in the trade for Jackson last year.

Los Angeles Chargers: B

No bells, whistles or trades, just steady Eddie right down the fairway. First-round DT and second-round S have huge opportunities to flourish as they parachute into a defense with the potential to be exceptionally good.

Minnesota Vikings: B

The offensive line (and run game in general) got needed assistance with first-round C , fourth-round G and a back (third rounder ) who could take the load off injury-riddled . Second-round TE Irv Smith should do quite a bit of damage against defenses understandably eyeing this club's wideouts.

Philadelphia Eagles: B

Second-round RB could be a rookie of the year dark horse for a team that struggled to fill the position in 2018. First-round LT and the other second rounder, WR J.J. Arcega- Whiteside, look like shrewd investments who may not have to start for another year.

Pittsburgh Steelers: B

Admire GM deviating from his tendencies to trade up for LB Devin Bush — the first man this organization ever dealt into the top 10 for — particularly in light of this defense's ongoing struggles since went down in 2017. But it was a hefty gamble at the cost of a first, second and future third rounder. Third-round CB and fourth-round RB seem like solid choices, but will Colbert regret not tabbing an alternative to , the new starting right tackle?

Carolina Panthers: B-

First-round DE Brian Burns, second-round OT Greg Little, third-round QB and fourth-round pass rusher Christian Miller all seemed to arrive at the intersection of need and value — though it remains to be seen if any are ready to assume prominent roles out of the gate.

Green Bay Packers: B-

Kinda felt like a Ted Thompson draft with the priority on big guys and defense with the weapons for Aaron Rodgers coming later. First-round DE seems like good value at No. 12 even if the defensive line and edge looked well stocked already. But trading up to No. 21 for S might not have been necessary. Second-round OL and third-round TE should make Rodgers happy.

Los Angeles Rams: B-

They spent quite a bit of time on the phone accumulating picks, all of them basically spent on depth and developmental prospects — which makes sense given the state of a roster that just reached a Super Bowl. Second-round S seems the best bet to make an impact as a rookie.

Oakland Raiders: B-

You can quibble that the price was a little high for fourth overall pick , but there's no guarantee he would have remained available further down the board had the Raiders lured a trade partner — and they're hard to find when you're talking about a selection that high. And make no mistake, new GM wanted high-character, highly productive players who love the game, and Ferrell checks all of those boxes. Subsequent first rounders and also seem like the foundational players such picks warrant, and second-round CB could prove nearly as valuable. So why just a B-? Welp, it's not Mayock's fault ... but at the end of the day, these players must still prove they're worth the divorces from Mack and Cooper — and maybe the additional first rounder waiting in the 2020 draft will better make the justification. Stay tuned.

Denver Broncos: C+

GM John Elway seemed to get off on the right foot, first-round TE Noah Fant and second-round OL Dalton Risner near-optimal selections to prop up veteran QB Joe Flacco. But then, true to form, Elway couldn't resist rolling the dice on another passer, Missouri's Drew Lock, at the expense of three picks. You could argue he's justified to continue throwing resources at the QB quandary, but at some point he's also undercutting the rest of the team. Third-round DT Dre'Mont Jones doesn't seem like a guy ideally suited to Vic Fangio's defense, but he certainly has skills.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: C+

New coach must have had to show restraint as GM only gave him one offensive player, sixth-round WR Scott Miller. No. 5 overall pick looks like a home run linebacker and a personality this franchise can market. Otherwise, Licht continues to chase defensive backs and kickers, and we'll see if he did it more effectively this year than he has recently.

Detroit Lions: C

They didn't manage to fulfill their desire to move out of the No. 8 spot, but TE T.J. Hockenson might be the best kind of consolation prize. GM Bob Quinn's draft résumé is fairly checkered to date, so kinda hard to get overly excited about the rest of it — though apparently you can't go wrong with a Clemson D-lineman ... even when it's fourth rounder .

Atlanta Falcons: C-

They appear poised to field an offensive line with five first rounders after selecting and Kaleb McGary on Thursday. Make no mistake, this team needed to get better in the trenches. But did GM Thomas Dimitroff pull the trigger a bit early for both players — especially given McGary came at the price of this year's second and third rounders? Time will tell. But Dimitroff is the same guy who "overpaid" for in 2011, so ...

Kansas City Chiefs: C-

This is a challenging assessment. They gave Seattle a first rounder this year and second rounder next year for the opportunity to give Clark a nine-figure contract. OK, makes sense given the state of K.C.'s defense. But this organization is beginning to reap what it sows by throwing in with players who have burned it with notorious off-field incidents, and the franchise was forced to scramble for Georgia WR with its first pick (56th overall) as the hue and cry to cut WR Tyreek Hill gets increasingly louder.

Cincinnati Bengals: D+

It would appear they picked a blocking tight end () in Round 2. Um ... Even if he develops into a quality all-around player, the Bengals, who finished last in total defense in 2018, certainly should have been addressing other areas instead. No real qualm with first-round OL . But why pick QB Ryan Finley, who seems like a lateral move from , in Round 4 when you could have had Dwayne Haskins 11th and picked up decent blockers later. Sorry, but this is still perplexing.

New Orleans Saints: D+

Commendable move to aggressively land C Erik McCoy, who should immediately spell now-retired Max Unger, in the second round. needs such interior bodyguards to keep his uniform and sight lines clean. But the Saints continued a disturbing trend of mortgaging the future, parting with next year's second rounder to get into position for McCoy. And they had no first rounder after spending it in the 2018 draft on DE , a player who didn't provide much return on investment last season.

Houston Texans: D

To describe their draft as uninspired might prove kind. Only history will determine whether GM panicked by taking Alabama State OT in the first round after letting the Eagles jump him for Dillard, who seemed like the perfect guy to step in and safeguard battered QB . Also some skepticism as to how much Howard, second-round OT and third-round TE are equipped to help this team win immediately.

New York Giants: D-

They wound up with three first-round picks for the first time in franchise history ... and it sure felt like ever-salty GM Dave Gettleman reached on every one of them — most notably Duke QB Daniel Jones at No. 6. CB cost a second, fourth and fifth rounder. And, perhaps worst of all, DT basically takes the roster spot of Odell Beckham Jr. Only the benefit of the doubt precludes an F for Gettleman and Co.

2019 NFL Draft: Final quick-snap grades for all 32 teams By Chad Reuter NFL,com April 28, 2019

I've heard the argument that it's worthless to grade draft picks immediately after they are made, but I don't agree.

Keep in mind that my quick-snap grades for the 2019 NFL Draft are not based on how I expect a player's career to progress over the next four or five years -- no one knows what the future holds. These grades are, however, an evaluation of the process each team undertook to select the players they did, and whether each selection from this weekend is of appropriate value given the player's performance in college and overall athleticism.

Taking this snapshot now also gives a baseline evaluation of teams' decision-making processes. If a prospect is considered a great pick on the day of the draft, but ultimately doesn't pan out in the league, that's a completely different evaluation of his new team's decision than identifying a player who was considered a reach at the time he was picked. Waiting for three years to grade these picks leads to revisionist history, not an accurate evaluation of a decision that was based on what was known when the player was selected.

NOTE: These grades are submitted immediately after each day of the draft. As my analysis continued over the weekend, some grades were adjusted. Selections and trades in the early rounds carry a heavier weight in the overall grade than those in the later rounds.

AFC East Draft picks: Houston DT Ed Oliver (No. 9 overall); Oklahoma OT Cody Ford (No. 38); Florida Atlantic RB Devin Singletary (No. 74); Mississippi TE Dawson Knox (No. 96); Florida LB (No. 147); Miami S (No. 181); North Carolina A&T Edge Daryl Johnson (No. 225); Boston College TE (No. 228) Day 1 grade: A Day 2 grade: A- Day 3 grade: B+ Overall grade: A- Draft analysis: Buffalo got nice value in the top 10 by eschewing trade offers to take Oliver. He can play inside or outside for the Bills because of his athleticism, putting pressure on quarterbacks and disrupting run plays on a regular basis.

Ty Nsekhe was a solid swing tackle pickup in free agency, but trading up to select Ford early in the second round (giving up just a fifth-rounder in the deal) gives the Bills their future starting right tackle, although Ford could slide inside to guard if injuries to others dictate the move. Despite having LeSean McCoy, and T.J. Yeldon in tow, the Bills decided Singletary's short-area quickness was worthy of their third-round pick as the team's future at the position. After all, Gore and McCoy are both in their 30s. Knox is an athletic former quarterback who could be a worthy project in time.

Vosean Joseph provides speed at the second level, which the Bills needed. Jaquan Joseph is a pure football player who isn't big or fast but instinctual -- he'll play for a long time. Finding Sweeney in the seventh round really bolstered the thin TE depth chart.

Miami Dolphins Draft picks: Clemson DT Christian Wilkins (No. 13 overall); Wisconsin OG Michael Deiter (No. 78); Wisconsin LB (No. 151); Ohio State OT (No. 202); Auburn FB (No. 233); Washington RB (No. 234) Day 1 grade: A Day 2 grade: A- Day 3 grade: B Overall grade: A- Draft analysis: Wilkins is a quality person and an excellent player with the versatility to play anywhere on the line. The team never really replaced , and Wilkins has the ability to be really disruptive inside.

We absolutely take the Friday acquisition of Josh Rosen into account in this grade. Landing the second- year QB for a late-second-round pick this year and 2020 fifth-rounder was an absolute bargain. Trading down in Round 2 in a deal with the Saints before making the Rosen deal was also a great move. Deiter meets an important need at guard, especially with Rosen in place.

Van Ginkel is still growing as a player, but he has real potential as a pass rusher. Prince will get a chance to play at right tackle as a rookie, though he'll need to be more consistent to earn the job. Gaskin is not exceptional in any area but will be tough to cut.

New England Patriots Draft picks: Arizona State WR N'Keal Harry (No. 32 overall); Vanderbilt CB Joejuan Williams (No. 45); Michigan DE Chase Winovich (No. 77); Alabama RB Damien Harris (No. 87); West Virginia OT Yodny Cajuste (No. 101); Arkansas OG (No. 118); Auburn QB Jarrett Stidham (No. 133); Maryland DE (No. 159); Stanford P Jake Bailey (No. 163); Mississippi CB Ken Webster (No. 252) Day 1 grade: A Day 2 grade: A- Day 3 grade: A- Overall grade: A Draft analysis: When had to move outside in the playoffs this past season, it was pretty clear that New England needed a reliable big receiver to win downfield. Harry should meet that need quite well.

The Patriots' interest in Williams was not a well-kept secret -- he had the versatility they needed in the secondary. Giving up a third-round pick to go get him was not a Belichickian-type move, but if they had a first-round grade on him, I won't blame them for making the deal. They found a steal in Winovich in the third round. He's the type of high-motor, versatile lineman who will be a factor early on. Harris is an all- around talent who was worthy of a selection 20 picks earlier than his drafting spot. Cajuste has injury issues and doesn't have the greatest feet, but he could work his way into starting at right tackle.

Froholdt is an athletic and tough-minded Dane who fits the Patriots' Way. Bill Belichick hopes that he can work Stidham into another strong-armed pocket passer; choosing him was a solid value in the fourth round. Cowart and Webster add depth to the defense. Ryan Allen had the 19th-ranked net punting average in the league last year, so his days are numbered with Bailey in the fold.

New York Jets Draft picks: Alabama DT Quinnen Williams (No. 3 overall); Florida OLB Jachai Polite (No. 68); USC OT (No. 92); West Virginia TE (No. 121); Minnesota LB (No. 157); Rutgers CB (No. 196) Day 1 grade: A Day 2 grade: A- Day 3 grade: B Overall grade: A- Draft analysis: Williams was a dominant player at Alabama and will be a thorn in the side of NFL offensive lines. New defensive coordinator wanted an interior presence whether he calls in three or four-man fronts, and Williams is all of that. Jets fans may have been looking for an outside pass rusher in Round 1, but it's tough to fault them for taking Williams.

Polite's tape shows he has both power and bend to terrorize NFL quarterbacks. If he proves himself to be a professional, the Jets will have the steal of the draft. If Edoga is healthy and has his head on straight, he'll be an effective pass protector and nasty in the run game, much like the Jets' . Note that the team gave up its second-round pick this year in last year's trade to land Sam Darnold, and that deal should pay off.

Wesco will block and receive for the Jets. Cashman brings athleticism to the linebacker corps, and Austin would have been picked on Day 2 of this draft if not for a knee injury.

AFC North

Baltimore Ravens Draft picks: Oklahoma WR Marquise Brown (No. 25 overall); Louisiana Tech OLB (No. 85); Notre Dame WR Miles Boykin (No. 93); Oklahoma State RB Justice Hill (No. 113); Oklahoma OG Ben Powers (No. 123); USC CB (No. 127); Texas A&M DT (No. 160); Penn State QB Trace McSorley (No. 197) Day 1 grade: A Day 2 grade: A Day 3 grade: A Overall grade: A Draft analysis: Multiple NFL general managers told me they would have a hard time picking Brown, a 166-pound receiver, in the first round. Sure, he lacks size, but his talent reminds me of DeSean Jackson, who was also under 170 pounds at the NFL Scouting Combine when he came out. If Brown has that sort of career, the Ravens will have done well. Plus, they gained two Day 3 picks (Nos. 127 and 197) by trading down three spots in a deal with the Eagles and still selecting the guy they likely wanted at No. 22.

Ferguson joins former third-round pick Tim Williams as a developing pass rusher for the Ravens. Ferguson could have gone much earlier, so I suspect Baltimore fans will come to appreciate his talents. Adding a larger receiver in Boykin made sense with the lack of wideout depth for Ravens.

Hill brings speed and underrated toughness to complement Mark Ingram. Powers could take over for as a starter eventually. Marshall was a great pick for Baltimore because they will eventually need to replace and . Mack is yet another sparkplug in the middle for the Ravens. McSorley would seem to fit the Ravens' current offense and could contribute at another position, if needed.

Cincinnati Bengals Draft picks: Alabama OT Jonah Williams (No. 11 overall); Washington TE Drew Sample (No. 52); N.C. State LB (No. 72); N.C. State QB Ryan Finley (No. 104); Arizona State DT (No. 125); Ohio State C Michael Jordan (No. 136); Texas A&M RB (No. 182); Auburn LB (No, 210); Oklahoma RB Rodney Anderson (No. 211); South Dakota State CB Jordan Brown (No. 223) Day 1 grade: A Day 2 grade: C+ Day 3 grade: A Overall grade: A- Draft analysis: Cincinnati desperately needed help at offensive tackle, and Williams proved he can handle playing on the left or right side at Alabama. With both of the top inside linebackers off the board, this pick made a whole lot of sense. Just a solid pick.

Sample was considered one of the better combination tight ends (run blocker/receiver) in the draft, and the new Bengals coaching staff wanted that sort of player on the roster. It was probably two rounds too early, though. Pratt will be a good inside 'backer for Cincinnati, which needed to replace .

Finley has the chance to be a starter eventually, whether it is in Cincinnati after the Andy Dalton era concludes or with another team via trade. Wren's athleticism is just waiting to be tapped by the right coach -- don't be surprised if he becomes a top-notch starter. Jordan is a guard for the Bengals, who could use an upgrade there. Mark Walton's departure made Williams a must-pick, given his value. Anderson's injury history caused him to fall into the sixth round, but that pick could pay off if he can get healthy. The addition of Brown's coverage ability closed a strong draft for the Bengals.

Cleveland Browns Draft picks: LSU CB Greedy Williams (No. 46 overall); BYU LB (No. 80); Miami S (No. 119); Alabama LB Mack Wilson (No. 155); Oklahoma K (No. 170); Southeast Missouri OG (No. 189); Tulane CB (No. 221) Day 1 grade: A Day 2 grade: B+ Day 3 grade: A Overall grade: A- Draft analysis: To become a legitimate playoff contender in the AFC, the Browns needed another offensive weapon. They were certainly not likely to find a player of Odell Beckham's caliber available to them at No. 17, the first-round pick they sent to the Giants in the OBJ swap. Giving up a late third-round pick and safety as part of the deal was not exorbitant, either, and Cleveland signed veteran Morgan Burnett to help replace Peppers.

The Browns made their pick in this year's draft on Friday night, as GM John Dorsey parted with a fifth- round pick to move up three spots for Williams, who will be a factor in coverage early in his career with Cleveland. Takitaki is a solid linebacker prospect who will contribute right away; he had varying grades across the league, though.

Redwine's versatility made him worth a fourth-round selection, and Wilson was a big value in the fifth round. Seibert was the best kicker in the draft. Forbes could play tackle or guard for the Browns. Lewis was a good find in the seventh.

Pittsburgh Steelers Draft picks: Michigan LB Devin Bush (No. 10 overall); Toledo WR (No. 66); Michigan State CB Justin Layne (No. 83); Kentucky RB Benny Snell (No. 122); Michigan TE (No. 141); Northern Illinois Edge Sutton Smith (No. 175); Alabama DT (No. 192); Akron LB (No. 207); Maryland OT Derwin Gray (No. 219) Day 1 grade: A- Day 2 grade: A- Day 3 grade: B Overall grade: A- Draft analysis: I was so happy to see two inside linebackers go in the top 10 picks. Bush is worthy of that investment, as he moves like a safety and pounds ball-carriers with impunity. The picks they parted with to move up in the deal with the Broncos -- Pittsburgh sent them a 2019 second-round pick (No. 52) and 2020 third-rounder -- isn't a ridiculous price to pay, but the Steelers could have found a much-needed corner had they stayed at No. 20 and a starting inside 'backer in the second round (or later).

Pittsburgh hopes it found another steal at receiver by picking up Johnson, who has the toughness, hands and quickness to excel. He may have been available later in the draft, but honestly, how can I doubt GM Kevin Colbert's call on a receiver? Layne was a typical Colbert-like value in the third round, and he'll quickly earn playing time.

Snell is another powerful runner who will continue to pound defenses when James Conner and aren't in the game. Gentry could become a player in time, though there were four or five other tight ends available with higher grades. The team hopes Gray can eventually take over the right tackle spot.

AFC South

Houston Texans Draft picks: Alabama State OT Tytus Howard (No. 23 overall); Kentucky CB Lonnie Johnson (No. 54); Northern Illinois OT Max Scharping (No. 55); San Diego State TE Kahale Warring (No. 86); Texas DE (No. 161); Central Michigan CB (No. 195); Texas A&M RB (No. 220) Day 1 grade: C Day 2 grade: C+ Day 3 grade: A Overall grade: C+ Draft analysis: Howard has the athleticism to succeed in the NFL despite playing at FCS-level Alabama State; he proved that at the combine and acquitted himself nicely at the Senior Bowl. This really smells like picking for need, although they decided not to reach for their other big need, a cornerback. If Andre Dillard -- whom the Eagles traded up to select one spot before the Texans were on the clock -- stars in the league and Howard does not, people will wonder why Houston did not go up to get the top left tackle in the draft.

Johnson's length and foot quickness earned him fans in the scouting community this year, and the Texans really needed to bolster their secondary. Scharping is a solid tackle, but was taken at least a round earlier than was expected. Warring has great upside as a receiving threat for the Texans.

Omenihu's game screamed Day 2 (Rounds 2-3), so the Texans got a big break finding him in in the fifth round. Houston brought another long corner into the fold in Crawford, and Gillaspia will help as a blocker and special teamer.

Indianapolis Colts Draft picks: Temple CB Rock Ya-Sin (No. 34 overall); TCU OLB Ben Banogu (No. 49); Ohio State WR Parris Campbell (No. 59); Stanford LB (No. 89); Michigan State S Khari Willis (No. 109); USC S (No. 144); Tarleton State LB E.J. Speed (No. 164); Mississippi State Edge (No. 199); Utah OT (No. 240); Ole Miss OL (No. 246) Day 1 grade: A Day 2 grade: A Day 3 grade: B Overall grade: A Draft analysis: The Colts moved out of the first round to pick up a 2020 second-round pick, which is the type of move I like. Moving from 26 all the way down to 46 could have taken them out of the running for the best available players on Friday night, but that scenario didn't play out. Ya-Sin could have been picked late in the first round.

GM Chris Ballard says he wants to continue to build the defensive line, so finding a pass rusher like Banogu in the second round made sense. Finding Campbell later in the round will be a good value, especially if he continues to grow as a pass catcher and route runner. Okereke can play any of the stack linebacker positions.

The Colts added needed depth at LB and safety on Day 3. Getting Barton and Patterson in the seventh round brings competition to the backend of the offensive line depth chart.

Jacksonville Jaguars Draft picks: Kentucky DE Josh Allen (No. 7 overall); Florida OT Jawaan Taylor (No. 35); (No. 69); Murray State LB (No. 98); Temple RB (No. 140); Washington State QB (No. 178); Auburn DT (No. 235) Day 1 grade: A Day 2 grade: B Day 3 grade: A Overall grade: A- Draft analysis: The Jaguars got great value in Allen, a top-three talent, at No. 7 overall. They can play him all over the place to wreak havoc as a pass rusher, and he can make plays in coverage, too. It was either Ed Oliver or Allen at this pick, and I can't blame them for going in this direction with former first-round pick waiting in the wings.

Finding Taylor in the second round was a great pick, and the price they paid to move up for him is no big deal given that he was one of the top linemen in the draft. Hopefully his knees will allow him to maximize his abilities. Oliver will be an effective receiving target for the Jaguars. Williams was an unexpected pick in the third round who probably would have been available later.

Armstead went about where I expected, and was a decent find with the Jags in need of a backup behind oft-injured . Minshew was a fantastic pick in the sixth round as a young QB who will play in the league. Russell beefs up the inside of the defensive line.

Tennessee Titans Draft picks: Mississippi State DT Jeffery Simmons (No. 19 overall); Mississippi WR A.J. Brown (No. 51); Charlotte OG Nate Davis (No. 82); Iowa S (No. 116); Georgia OLB D'Andre Walker (No. 168); West Virginia LB David Long Jr. (No. 188) Day 1 grade: A Day 2 grade: A Day 3 grade: A Overall grade: A Draft analysis: If Simmons had not torn his ACL in February, he would have been picked much higher. Teams believe he has been a model citizen since his 2016 arrest. His physicality and aggressive play give him a shot at being special.

Tennessee found great value in Brown in the middle of the second round, adding him to 's arsenal, which already includes , and Corey Davis. Davis was projected to go in the third round as a guard, and he could compete for the spot opposite in 2019 or 2020.

The Titans added depth with Hooker, Walker, and Long on Saturday, all three of whom could be starters within two years.

AFC West

Denver Broncos Draft picks: Iowa TE Noah Fant (No. 20 overall); Kansas State OL Dalton Risner (No. 41); Missouri QB Drew Lock (No. 42); Ohio State DT Dre'Mont Jones (No. 71); Oregon OLB Justin Hollins (No. 156); Colorado WR Juwann Winfree (No. 187) Day 1 grade: A Day 2 grade: A Day 3 grade: A Overall grade: A Draft analysis: Fant is an athletic freak who will stretch defenses. He's not the complete package as a run blocker and receiver in the way former teammate T.J. Hockenson is, but he will be a weapon for veteran Joe Flacco. The Broncos made this pick after trading down in a deal with the Steelers, picking up an extra second-round pick this year (No. 52) and 2020 third-round selection in the deal. They did pass on a chance to pick Devin Bush, who could have been a great addition to the defense, but you can't blame the Broncos for taking the draft capital and running.

The Broncos made a splash in Round 2, selecting a versatile offensive lineman in Risner and a fantastic value in Lock. This pairing could be the team's battery for a decade if Risner lines up inside and the strong-armed Lock allows GM John Elway to move on from Flacco in two years. Jones is a five-technique in the making, at a place where the team needed to add depth.

Hollins is a fine pick in the fifth round as a backup pass rusher (something they really coveted) with movement skills to play in coverage.

Kansas City Chiefs Draft picks: Georgia WR Mecole Hardman (No. 56 overall); Virginia DB (No. 63); Western Illinois DT (No. 84); South Carolina CB (No. 201); Utah State RB (No. 214); Illinois OG (No. 216) Day 1 grade: B Day 2 grade: A Day 3 grade: B Overall grade: B+ Draft analysis: The Chiefs sent three picks to the Seahawks for Frank Clark earlier this week. Clearly, they viewed him as a better fit for their new defensive scheme than Dee Ford (who they traded to San Francisco this offseason), and Clark is indeed a superior player. The guaranteed money in his new contract is reportedly all in the first three years of the deal, so it's set up to potentially give the Chiefs some salary cap flexibility just as Patrick Mahomes' rookie deal is due to expire. They did give up two premium picks to land Clark (No. 29 overall this year, a second-round pick next year), though, and will have to hope he stays out of trouble off the field.

For some time, I've thought the Tyreek Hill situation might push the Chiefs to pick Hardman in the second round. Recent events -- a prosecutor has reopened a child abuse investigation involving Hill -- made it clear they needed another potent receiver and returner, and giving up a fifth-round pick to trade up for Hardman was surely an easy decision. Saunders is an excellent backup for , similar in stature and explosiveness off the ball.

Kansas City picked up Fenton to bolster the depth at cornerback, as well as a small but tough back in Thompson. Allegretti can play center or guard for the Chiefs this year, depending on how the team decides to fill the void left by 's departure.

Los Angeles Chargers Draft picks: Notre Dame DT Jerry Tillery (No. 28 overall); Delaware S Nasir Adderley (No. 60); Sioux Falls OT (No. 91); Notre Dame LB (No. 130); North Dakota State QB Easton Stick (No. 166); Houston OLB (No. 200); Cincinnati DT (No. 242) Day 1 grade: A- Day 2 grade: B- Day 3 grade: B Overall grade: B+ Draft analysis: The Chargers ignored needs at offensive tackle and in the secondary to address the need at DT in Round 1. Tillery is a load when allowed to get upfield, especially when he keeps his hips low to push through blocks. They were apparently not as worried as some teams about the shoulder surgery the tackle had before the draft.

Adderley is a versatile cover free-safety prospect who can replace the released and will complement quite well. Pipkins is a project player who has potential as an offensive tackle but was picked a round or two early because they felt the need to find one before Day 3.

I projected Stick to go to the Chargers in the sixth round, but they jumped on him a round earlier to compete with Tyrod Taylor and Cardale Jones for a roster spot. Tranquill meets a need at linebacker, and Broughton is an active interior defender.

Oakland Raiders Draft picks: Clemson DE Clelin Ferrell (No. 4 overall); Alabama RB Josh Jacobs (No. 24); Mississippi State S Johnathan Abram (No. 27); Clemson CB Trayvon Mullen (No. 40); Eastern Michigan DE (No. 106); Houston CB Isaiah Johnson (No. 129); LSU TE (No. 137); Clemson WR (No. 149); Prairie View A&M Edge (No. 230) Day 1 grade: B+ Day 2 grade:B+ Day 3 grade: B+ Overall grade: B+ Draft analysis: They started the day with their highly publicized three first-round picks, including two received in trades for veteran players (edge Khalil Mack to Chicago; WR Amari Cooper to Dallas). Ferrell is a good player, and it's not surprising the team felt pressure to replace Mack. Ferrell was the next best pure front-four pass rusher on the board after No. 2 overall pick Nick Bosa, but he came off the board well before most people expected.

The Jacobs selection at No. 24 was not a surprise, not only due to his immense talent but also the retirement of . Abram is a very good safety who brings pop and quickness to the secondary. He will be a leader for the Raiders in the future and it won't be surprising if former first- round pick is traded to make room for him on the field. Oakland had only one pick on Friday night, but used it on Mullen to address a big positional need.

Oakland found a high-effort pass rusher in Crosby in the fourth round, as well as an athletic, raw, quick- footed corner in Johnson. Moreau is the receiving tight end the Raiders needed, and Renfrow will be a long-time inside receiver in the league.

NFC East

Dallas Cowboys Draft picks: UCF DT Trysten Hill (No. 58 overall); Penn State OG Connor McGovern (No. 90); Memphis RB Tony Pollard (No. 128); Miami CB Michael Jackson (No. 158); Miami DE Joe Jackson (No. 165); Texas A&M S Donovan Wilson(No. 213); Ohio State RB Mike Weber (No. 218); Oregon Edge (No. 241) Day 1 grade: A Day 2 grade: A Day 3 grade: A Overall grade: A Draft analysis: Amari Cooper showed what he could become when teaming with last year. Yes, Dallas gave up a first-round pick to get him, but let's remember -- he's just 24 years old, not a veteran who will be in his 30s before too long. If the team can't sign him to a long-term deal, then the grade gets adjusted downward, but I don't see that happening.

Replacing David Irving just got easier with Hill bringing his quick get-off to Dallas. McGovern could play guard or center, depending on the health of veteran pivot Travis Frederick. Pollard's versatility as a runner, receiver, and kick returner made him a solid fourth-round pick. The two Jacksons from Miami are great values. Michael Jackson is a big corner who could take over for Byron Jones if he departs in free agency after the 2019 season, and Joe Jackson is an underrated power rusher. Weber gives the Cowboys another former Buckeye RB -- he will take pressure off of Zeke.

New York Giants Draft picks: Duke QB Daniel Jones (No. 6 overall); Clemson DT Dexter Lawrence (No. 17 overall); Georgia CB Deandre Baker (No. 30 overall); Old Dominion DE (No. 95); Notre Dame CB (No. 108); Wisconsin LB (No. 143); Auburn WR (No. 171); Washburn CB (No. 180); Kentucky OT George Asafo-Adjei (No. 232); Syracuse DT (No. 245) Day 1 grade: B Day 2 grade: B Day 3 grade: C+ Overall grade: B Draft analysis: I mentioned Jones as a sensible replacement for back in November. The QB possesses a lot of positive traits, and it was time for the Giants to find a successor for Manning. However, many people do not believe Jones is an elite prospect, so the value of the pick will be questioned until he proves otherwise. They received an extra first-rounder in the trade of Odell Beckham to the Browns, and they selected Lawrence, a massive defensive tackle, with the pick. If he shows the ability to push the pocket as well as provide a wall inside, he'll be a major success. GM David Gettleman moved back into Round 1 to pick Baker, the top prospect at a position of need, giving up two Saturday picks (which they had a lot of) in the deal.

Ximines should be a great fit for the Giants. He's agile and strong on the edge, where they needed an upgrade. Love and Ballentine were great values at cornerback. Connelly adds depth at 'backer. Darius Slayton is a downfield receiver who can help Manning and Jones, while Chris Slayton (no relation) consistently caused troubles for ACC offenses. The Giants picked up the underrated Asafo-Adjei in the seventh round, though the offensive line could have been addressed earlier in the day.

Philadelphia Eagles Draft picks: Washington State OT Andre Dillard (No. 22 overall); Penn State RB Miles Sanders (No. 53); Stanford WR J.J. Arcega-Whiteside (No. 57); Penn State DE (No. 138); Northwestern QB (No. 167) Day 1 grade: A Day 2 grade: A Day 3 grade: A Overall grade: A Draft analysis: has had a great NFL career, but he's 37 years old and his contract is due to expire after next season. Dillard and will form a great tandem whenever Peters moves on, and giving up a late fourth- and sixth-rounder to trade up for Dillard was more than acceptable to get an elite pass protector.

The Eagles decided not to pick Alabama RB Josh Jacobs in the first round, but they got the second-best back in the draft in the second round. Sanders will be an impact back who could see his role grow quickly with Jordan Howard due to become a free agent after the 2019 season. Arcega-Whiteside will be a red-zone stud and general safety valve for Carson Wentz.

Miller will offer a strong pass rush for the Eagles despite falling to the end of the fourth round. The Thorson pick made plenty of sense with Wentz coming off injury and gone.

Washington Redskins Draft picks: Ohio State QB Dwayne Haskins (No. 15 overall); Mississippi State OLB Montez Sweat (No. 26 overall); Ohio State WR Terry McLaurin (No. 76); Stanford RB Bryce Love (No. 112); Indiana OG (No. 131); Alabama C Ross Pierschbacher (No. 153); North Carolina LB (No. 173); North Carolina State WR Kelvin Harmon (No. 206); James Madison CB (No. 227); Oklahoma Edge (No. 253) Day 1 grade: B+ Day 2 grade: A Day 3 grade: B Overall grade: B+ Draft analysis: The fact that they did not have to move up to get Haskins was a major bonus. His arm is live and he has the ability to distribute the football to all parts of the field. Given the murky future of Alex Smith, finding Haskins waiting for them at No. 15 could prove to be franchise-changing. Finally, Washington traded up to grab Sweat, who will be a fine pass rusher if his heart condition does not prevent him from reaching his potential. They really needed depth at outside linebacker, where Sweat fits quite well. I am generally not enamored with giving up future second-round picks, but this guy's talent is worthy of taking that sort of chance.

Haskins' arm and McLaurin's speed will team up to make big plays in Washington as they did in Columbus. If Love's burst can return over the next year, Washington found a strong contributor in the run game. Martin and Pierschbacher fill a major need in the interior offensive line for the Redskins. Brailford is a pass rusher who was a value near the end of the draft.

NFC North

Chicago Bears Draft pick: Iowa State RB David Montgomery; Georgia WR Riley Ridley (No. 126); Kansas State CB (No. 205); Florida Atlantic RB Kerrith White (No. 222); Valdosta State CB (No. 238) Day 1 grade: A Day 2 grade: A- Day 3 grade: A Overall grade: A Draft analysis: Khalil Mack was 100 percent worthy of the Bears' interest. He played lights-out in 2018 and I suspect will be a force over the next few seasons, barring injury (which was a bit of a concern last year). There's no question he was worth giving up their 2019 first- and sixth-round picks, as well as the 2020 third-round pick as a sweetener. And parting with a 2020 first-round pick and swapping second- round picks with the Raiders next year may only be a minimal loss for the Bears if they are a playoff team and Oakland does not greatly exceed its win total from last season.

When they were finally on the clock Friday night (they dealt away their second-rounder this year in a draft day trade last year to land WR Anthony Miller), the Bears found their new running back in Montgomery, who can carry a heavy workload. They had to give up a 2020 fourth-round pick as part of the deal, though.

Getting Ridley in the fourth round was an absolute steal. I thought he was a second-round value. Shelley could be a nice slot corner. He hid behind Devin Singletary at FAU, but the Bears thought enough of White to pair him with Montgomery at RB in their draft class.

Detroit Lions Draft picks: Iowa TE T.J. Hockenson (No. 8 overall); Hawaii LB (No. 43); Boston College DB Will Harris (No. 81); Clemson DE Austin Bryant (No. 117); Penn State CB (No. 146); Old Dominion WR (No. 184); Maryland RB Ty Johnson (No. 186); Georgia TE (No. 224); Arizona DT P.J. Johnson (No. 229) Day 1 grade: B+ Day 2 grade: B- Day 3 grade: A Overall grade: B Draft analysis: I love Hockenson as a two-way tight end prospect. He will be a strong target for and a nice blocker in the run game. But he wasn't the top player available: it was defensive tackle Ed Oliver. Time will tell which way they should have gone with that pick.

Tavai was picked earlier than expected, much like was a few years ago, though NFL scouts believe Tavai can become a starter. The Van Noy pick didn't work out for the Lions, but hopefully this one will. Trading up for Harris helped the Lions meet a need at safety and he was an appropriate value.

Even with in the fold, adding another pass rusher in Bryant made a lot of sense. Getting a big corner was a must, so I'm on board with the Oruwariye pick. The Lions needed the depth they added at running back and receiver, too -- and I can't fault them for taking Nauta in the seventh to join Hockenson. Johnson could eventually replace , who's signed through 2020.

Green Bay Packers Draft picks: Michigan OLB Rashan Gary (No. 12 overall); Maryland S Darnell Savage (No. 21 overall); Texas A&M OG Elgton Jenkins (No. 44); Texas A&M TE Jace Sternberger (No. 75); Texas A&M DE (No. 150); Toledo CB Ka'dar Hollman (No. 185); Notre Dame RB (No. 194); TCU LB (No. 226) Day 1 grade: A Day 2 grade: A Day 3 grade: A Overall grade: A Draft analysis: Gary's production wasn't what you would have liked at Michigan and his off-field business interest turned off some teams. However, he has great athletic upside as a defender in the Packers' scheme. Announced as a linebacker at the draft on Thursday, Gary can play outside or inside and gives consistent full effort. Green Bay had an extra first-round pick from a 2018 draft-day trade with (No. 30 overall). The Packers traded up, though, and selected Savage, who fills an immediate need at safety. He will be an effective nickel defender and will pop ball-carriers whenever possible.

Green Bay finally used an early pick on the offensive line, picking up Jenkins, a strong and long player who played every O-line position for the Bulldogs. Head coach Matt LaFleur needed another tight end, and Sternberger turned out to be a nice value as a receiving threat in the mid-third round.

The Packers got a steal in Keke, who could become a starter. Hollman was a former walk-on who starred for Toledo. Depth at running back was a big need for Green Bay, so Williams will get a shot to play early.

Minnesota Vikings Draft picks: N.C. State C Garrett Bradbury (No. 18 overall); Alabama TE Irv Smith (No. 50); Boise State RB Alexander Mattison (No. 102); Oklahoma OG Dru Samia (No. 114); USC LB Cameron Smith (No. 162); Arkansas DT (No. 190); Wyoming S Marcus Epps (No, 191); Elon OT (No. 193); Texas CB Kris Boyd (No. 217); Oregon WR (No. 239); Colorado State WR Olabisi Johnson (No, 247); Air Force LS Austin Cutting (No. 250) Day 1 grade: A Day 2 grade: A Day 3 grade: B+ Overall grade: A Draft analysis: Bradbury is athletic and tough, considered one of the best center prospects to be picked in some time. Minnesota's offensive line was in dire need of improvement so this selection will make quarterback and running back Dalvin Cook extremely happy.

Smith is a move tight end who was a nice value. He could replace as a receiver and throw his body around as a blocker. Minnesota needs to have a solid backup at running back due to durability concerns with Dalvin Cook, and Mattison is a durable power back who can handle those duties.

Epps is an athletic safety who likes to hit, something the Vikings needed to add in this draft. Watts is a disruptive guy inside who is just scratching the surface of his potential. They hit the OL again with Udoh, a good value in the sixth round. The Spielman residence should be harmonious with a cornerback not being picked until Round 6 (Boyd was also a good value). Johnson was overshadowed by at Colorado State, but he has a chance to make the Vikings' roster.

NFC South

Atlanta Falcons Draft picks: Boston College OG Chris Lindstrom (No. 14 overall); Washington OT Kaleb McGary (No. 31 overall); Ohio State CB (No. 111); Charleston DE (No. 135); Pittsburgh RB (No. 152);Washington CB Jordan Miller (No. 172); Louisiana-Monroe WR Marcus Green (No. 203) Day 1 grade: B+ Day 2 grade: No picks, no grade Day 3 grade: B Overall grade: B+ Draft analysis: Lindstrom will be a decade-long starter in the interior for the Falcons. Surprisingly, GM Thomas Dimitroff did not manage to move up for a defensive tackle like Ed Oliver or Christian Wilkins to meet their top need. Lindstrom is a safe pick and an upgrade over the veteran free agents the team signed, but they could have used another difference-maker on defense. Then they picked McGary, who I figured Dimitroff was targeting in the top 45 to replace former starting right tackle Ryan Schraeder. They gave up a third-round pick (No. 79) and gained a sixth-round pick (No. 203) in this deal, which isn't a terrible price to pay if McGary protects Matt Ryan as an immediate starter. In the end, they basically copied what Indianapolis did to its offensive line in the 2018 draft (Colts picked and ). The Falcons had no picks on Friday night.

They addressed the cornerback spot with the raw Sheffield and tough-minded Miller. Cominsky reminds me of former Pro Bowler Jared Allen, who was also a fourth-round pick. Ollison is the power back they desired to join and Ito Smith, though most expected fellow Pitt RB Darrin Hall to be drafted first.

Carolina Panthers Draft picks: Florida State DE Brian Burns (No. 16 overall); Mississippi OT Greg Little (No. 37); West Virginia QB Will Grier (No. 100); Alabama DE Christian Miller (No. 115); Florida RB Jordan Scarlett (No. 154); South Carolina OT (No. 212); Georgia WR (No. 237) Day 1 grade: A Day 2 grade: A Day 3 grade: B Overall grade: A- Draft analysis: Burns made himself a lot of money by adding weight for the combine. With his explosiveness and bend, adding strength to his frame will help him meet his potential. They met their need for an offensive tackle in the early second round, giving up a third-round selection to move up 10 spots and select Little. He should help protect and Grier, a third-round selection who will likely beat out the team's current backup QBs for a job.

Miller is a stiff defender with an injury history, but the Panthers hope he can avoid the training room to reach his potential. Scarlett is a power back who will pair well with Christian McCaffrey. Daley's a swing tackle prospect that the team coveted. Godwin excelled at the East-West Shrine Game, which may be more indicative of his talent than his average workout numbers.

New Orleans Saints Draft pick: Texas A&M C Erik McCoy (No. 48 overall); Florida S Chauncey Gardner-Johnson (No. 105); Rutgers S (No. 177); Notre Dame TE Alize Mack (No. 231); Idaho LB (No. 244) Day 1 grade: C Day 2 grade: B Day 3 grade: A Overall grade: B- Draft analysis: It's too early to determine whether edge rusher Marcus Davenport was worthy of giving up this year's first-rounder plus a fifth-round choice last year. There wasn't another pass rusher available in the first round for which the Saints could have waited, but a wide receiver like D.J. Moore or could have helped the team in 2018 and beyond (and would have cost less draft capital). Davenport must excel as a pass rusher over the next three years to make this deal worthwhile.

Once again, the Saints traded future draft capital to land a player they wanted when they moved next year's second-round pick as part of the deal to land McCoy. He was a first-round value that they picked in the middle of Round 2, and Drew Brees needed a sturdy and smart pivot. Could they have found a center later in the draft without giving up a future second-rounder?

Gardner-Johnson is a versatile safety who presented nice value in the early fourth round, so they traded up to get him. Finding talents like Elliss and Mack in the seventh round could pay immediate dividends.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Draft picks: LSU LB Devin White (No. 5 overall); Central Michigan DB Sean Bunting (No. 39); Auburn CB (No. 94); Kentucky S (No. 99); Iowa OLB Anthony Nelson (No. 107); Utah K (No. 145); Bowling Green WR Scott Miller (No. 208); Missouri DT Jr. (No. 215) ch Day 1 grade: B+ Day 2 grade: C Day 3 grade: C Overall grade: C+ Draft analysis: White is a star inside linebacker who will lead the Bucs' defense for years to come. Thankfully, his talent was not overlooked due to the diminished value that's often placed on his position. If Josh Allen becomes a star pass rusher, though, Tampa Bay fans will wonder "what if?"

Bunting could be a good player for Tampa Bay, but there were other corners of higher value available in the early second round. Dean's film was quite inconsistent, but the team thought his potential on the outside was worthy of a third-round choice. The secondary got more help with Edwards, a starter- quality safety who will compete for playing time sooner than later. However, the Bucs ignored needs at running back, wideout, and offensive line to pick those defensive backs.

Nelson will be a starting power end in the NFL for many years. They certainly needed a kicker, though I don't believe Gay is the best in the draft and I figured they would wait until Round 6 or 7 to address the position. The team may see Miller as its new Adam Humphries. Beckner flashes great talent inside.

NFC West

Arizona Cardinals Draft picks: Oklahoma QB Kyler Murray (No. 1 overall); Washington CB Byron Murphy (No. 33 overall); Massachusetts WR Andy Isabella (No. 62); Boston College DE Zach Allen (No. 65); Iowa State WR Hakeem Butler (No. 103); Alabama S Deionte Thompson (No. 139); Fresno State WR Keesean Johnson (No. 174); Georgia C (No. 179); Morgan State OT Joshua Miles (No. 248); Temple DT (No. 249); UCLA TE (No. 254) Day 1 grade: A Day 2 grade: A Day 3 grade: A Overall grade: A Draft analysis: New head coach Kliff Kingsbury decided to bring in "his quarterback" rather than work with 2018 first-round pick Josh Rosen. I can't blame him. Coaching in the NFL is difficult enough without passing up a quarterback you believe in. Josh Rosen might succeed in Miami, and I hope he does, but taking Murray first overall was the right move for Kingsbury and the Cardinals.

Forget about 40 times -- Murphy has great ball skills and instincts, and he and will make a strong starting cornerback duo on the outside. Moving Rosen for a late second-round pick was fantastic, given the circumstances. Using that pick on Isabella will be questioned in some war rooms, especially with 2018 second-rounder already playing a similar role on the team. Getting Allen in the third was fantastic -- he's a -type bargain who gives his all on every down.

The fact that the era will eventually end forced the team to take advantage of Butler and Johnson as excellent values in the fourth and sixth rounds, respectively. I wasn't as high as many on Thompson, but selecting him in the fifth provides nice value at a position of need. Gaillard was one of the better deals on Saturday. Miles and Dogbe are strong and nasty linemen (offensive and defensive, respectively) who I expected to go earlier. Getting Wilson as Mr. Irrelevant was smart, as they needed a tight end, and he would have been coveted as a free agent.

Los Angeles Rams Draft picks: Washington S Taylor Rapp (No. 61 overall); Memphis RB (No. 70); Michigan CB David Long (No. 79); Oklahoma OG Bobby Evans (No. 97); Washington DT Greg Gaines (No. 134); Wisconsin T David Edwards (No. 169); Penn State S Nick Scott (No. 243); Texas Tech LB (No. 251) Day 1 grade: No picks, no grade Day 2 grade: B+ Day 3 grade: A Overall grade: B+ Draft analysis: General manager must have seen all of his first-round prospects come off the board, as the Rams traded back to No. 45 overall (from No. 31) so the Falcons could select Kaleb McGary. I liked that the Rams picked up a third (No. 79, in addition to the 45th overall pick) in the deal. Additional moves took L.A. out of the top 60 selections. Rapp is simply a heady football player who finds his way to the ball despite possessing average athleticism for the position. I suspect he'll be a long-term starter once retires (or if the veteran can't stay healthy this year). Henderson's size was brought up in the process, but guys had a hard time tackling his compact build. L.A. needed depth at corner, and Long was a good value in the third round. Evans isn't an elite athlete, but he could be a fair swing tackle, which the Rams need.

Gaines is a top-notch nose who won't just stand there on pass plays -- quarterbacks will know he's there. Edwards joined Evans to add names to a lean offensive-line depth chart.

San Francisco 49ers Draft picks: Ohio State DE Nick Bosa (No. 2 overall); South Carolina WR Deebo Samuel (No. 36); Baylor WR Jalen Hurd (No. 67); Utah P (No. 110); Arkansas LB (No. 148); Stanford TE (No. 176); Vanderbilt OT (No. 183); Virginia CB (No. 198) Day 1 grade: A Day 2 grade: A Day 3 grade: C Overall grade: A- Draft analysis: The 49ers picked the best player in the 2019 NFL Draft in Nick Bosa. Adding him to a D- line that already includes Dee Ford means the Niners will greatly improve their pass rush, as they generated just 37 sacks in 2018 (bottom third of the league). Bosa's power comes into play as a pass rusher and run defender, and his career floor comparison is -- that's pretty, pretty good.

Samuel's ability to work inside and outside, his toughness, and his strong hands made him a no-brainer pick for the receiver-needy Niners in Round 2. Hurd could be a big steal if he continues to grow as a receiver. The selection of two wideouts was somewhat expected, given their lack of talent at the position.

Wishnowsky was the top punter in the draft, so the Niners picked him up earlier than expected on Saturday. He likely was not the top player available on most teams' boards. Greenlaw brings speed to the team's defense. Smith is a solid tight end to back up George Kittle. Harris suffered through injuries in college but has starter potential.

Seattle Seahawks Draft picks: TCU DE L.J. Collier (No. 29 overall); Utah DB Marquise Blair (No. 47); Mississippi WR D.K. Metcalf (No. 64); Utah LB (No. 88); West Virginia WR Gary Jennings (No. 120); Wake Forest OG Phil Haynes (No. 124); Oregon CB (No. 132); Washington LB Ben Burr-Kirven (No. 142); Miami RB (No. 204); Florida State DT (No. 209); Hawaii WR (No. 236) Day 1 grade: A- Day 2 grade: B Day 3 grade: A Overall grade: A- Draft analysis: It was shocking to no one that the Seahawks moved down from the 21st overall selection to get more picks later in the draft (two fourth-rounders from Green Bay). With the extra pick they gained by trading edge rusher Frank Clark to the Chiefs, the Seahawks selected Collier, who is a very similar player. Forget about his 4.91 40 time -- he'll be a stout run defender and powerful pass rusher. Then, GM John Schneider acquired even more draft capital by trading the 30th overall selection to the Giants for a second-, a fourth- and a fifth-round pick.

The Seahawks apparently did not want to pick early as they moved down again to gain additional picks before selecting their guy at safety (Blair). Metcalf could be an Alshon Jeffery-type bargain for the Seahawks if he reaches his potential as a big-time downfield playmaker. Teams loved the intelligence and athleticism of Barton, and it's not surprising the Seahawks found him intriguing.

Jennings is a solid mid-round receiver who bolsters the depth for recently-signed Russell Wilson. Haynes jumped up boards with nice workouts after being a sturdy, reliable player for Wake Forest for four years. Amadi is as tough and versatile as they come in the secondary, and Burr-Kirven will be a special teams star. Homer is a speed back to complement and .

49ers trade Dekoda Watson to Broncos By Josh Alper Pro Football Talk April 28, 2019

Trades have been plentiful early on the third and final day of the 2019 draft and one of them includes a player rather than just an exchange of draft picks.

According to multiple reports, the 49ers have traded linebacker Dekoda Watson to the Broncos. The Broncos will send a fifth-round pick, No. 148 overall, to the 49ers and receive a sixth-round pick, No. 212 overall, in addition to Watson.

It’s a return to Denver for Watson, who played in all 16 games for the Broncos during the 2016 season before moving on to the Niners as a free agent. Watson has also played for the Buccaneers, Jaguars, Cowboys and Patriots since Tampa drafted him in the seventh round of the 2010 draft.

Watson had two stints on injured reserve last season. He had five tackles and two sacks in four games.