Paxton Lynch meets the media after the Broncos selected him with their first pick in last weekend’s NFL draft. (Troy E. Renck, The Denver Post)
Been shoveling snow? Skiing? Ice fishing? Well, here’s your chance to catch up on the Broncos draft with hopes that the sun might actually peek its head out this week.
QB Paxton Lynch, 6-7, 244, Memphis, first-round, 26th overall: Bears striking resemblance to Brock Osweiler (and Kevin from The Backstreet Boys). Big arm with quick release, can make people miss and competes with passion. Hasn’t played under center since freshman season in college. Team has luxury to be patient with him as improves footwork and learns West Coast offense.
DT Adam Gotsis, 6-5, 282, Georgia Tech, second round, 63rd overall: An Australian brute. Defensive line coach Bill Kollar loves his work ethic, attitude, mean streak. He sees some similarities to Derek Wolfe. Most teams didn’t have him ranked this high on their draft boards. He currently weighs 298 pounds with 10 percent body fat. “He’s a beast,” general manager John Elway said.
S Justin Simmons, 6-3, 202, Boston College, third round, 98th overall: Modeled his game after Brian Dawkins and Eric Weddle. Smart, well-spoken. Profiles as a David Bruton-type with his ability to play multiple positions. A center fielder who has a nose for the ball. Brian Dawkins told the Post on Saturday, “I have watched him on tape. He’s a GREAT open field tackler and his potential seems to be tremendous. And it is something we will enjoy watching come to fruition in this defense with these veterans if he is willing to work, listen and work.”
RB Devontae Booker, 5-11, 219, Utah, fourth-round, 136th: A top 50-to-100 player on most boards. Great value for a back with burst and good hands. One of the steals of the final day. Suffered torn meniscus and bone bruise in left knee in November OT loss to Arizona. Could make Ronnie Hillman expendable.
G Connor McGovern, 6-4, 306, Missouri, fifth-round, 144: Animal in weight room with 500-pound brench press and 700-pound squat. Can play guard, tackle or center. Provides depth and versatility. But must show can adjust to NFL with better footwork.
Broncos traded fifth-round, 157th overall, and seventh round, 253rd (Mr. Irrelevant pick) to Tennessee for sixth-round, 176th overall, and a 6th-round pick in 2017.
FB Andy Janovich, 6-1, 238, Nebraska, sixth round, 176th overall: Fits the scheme. Broncos wanted to add fullback to help when defenses bring extra player into the box. A former state champion wrestler who walked on for Cornhuskers. Broncos rated him as their top special teams player on the board. GM John Elway said Janovich reminds him of Howard Griffith.
SS Will Parks, 6-1, 194, seventh round, 219th overall: Seeks contract. Effective in run support. Forced two fumbles. Can get caught flat-footed in coverage. Broncos like how physical he is.
P Riley Dixon, 6-5, 219, seventh round, 228th overall: Booming leg. Delivered a 75-yarder last season. His presence leaves Britton Colquitt and his $3.25 million salary at risk. The Broncos drafted him rather than risk losing him as a free agent.
