The rookies might have to carry a few pads, but their main priority in training camp will be earning a roster spot and playing time on a veteran-laden Broncos team.
Here’s a quick breakdown of Denver’s drafted rookies:
QB Paxton Lynch, 6-foot-7, 244 pounds, Memphis, first round, 26th overall selection: There’s little doubt that Lynch is the Broncos’ future quarterback, but it’s unlikely he’ll be Denver’s 2016 Week 1 starter. The drastic difference between the offense at Memphis and in Denver will have the talented rookie spending the majority of camp working on footwork, learning the playbook and consistently making NFL reads and throws against talented defenders.
DE Adam Gotsis, 6-4, 287, Georgia Tech, second round, 63rd: What the Australian defensive lineman lacks in American football experience he makes up for in work ethic, tenacity and potential. Gotsis, a personal favorite of defensive line coach Bill Kollar’s, is recovering from a torn anterior cruciate ligament suffered last October, but he’s expected to be on the field during camp and crack the defensive line rotation.
S Justin Simmons, 6-2, 202, Boston College, third round, 98th: The best way to describe Simmons, according to defensive backs coach Joe Woods, is that he’s exactly what a coach asks for in a safety — a disciplined, sound tackler who does his job. Simmons, who can play both safety spots and some cornerback, will be expected to take over the No. 3 safety and dime back role vacated when David Bruton signed with Washington.
RB Devontae Booker, 5-11, 219, Utah, fourth round, 136th: The Broncos’ potential Day 3 draft steal will be the subject of much attention once camp opens as he’s expected to be healed from torn meniscus and a bone bruise suffered last November. Running backs coach Eric Studesville said he was impressed by the rookie’s all-around game in limited repetitions during organized team activities. Booker has the power, feet and hands to overtake veteran Ronnie Hillman for the No. 2 running back job.
G Connor McGovern, 6-4, 306, Missouri, fifth round, 144th: McGovern isn’t a guy you want to go pound-for-pound with in the weight room, and he won’t lose many strength battles against defensive linemen. He should provide immediate depth at guard, but coming from a spread system, he’ll have to improve his footwork and hand technique.
FB Andy Janovich, 6-1, 238, Nebraska, sixth round, 176th: He’s already a favorite of special-teams coach Joe DeCamillis’, which makes Janovich a strong bet to make the team. Coach Gary Kubiak stressed the importance of having a fullback in his offense, and Janovich is the only pure one the Broncos have heading into camp.
S Will Parks, 6-1, 194, Arizona, sixth round, 219th: A high-energy, aggressive safety who will have to make a name for himself on special teams first to make the roster. His versatility and ability to find the ball impressed the Broncos’ staff during predraft scouting and OTAs.
P Riley Dixon, 6-4, 221, Syracuse, seventh round, 228th: He’s a punter with a knack for big hang time and controlling the direction of his kicks. With a good camp, Dixon could unseat the incumbent Britton Colquitt and his $3.25 million salary.
