Monday, May 16, 2022

Denver Broncos Post-Draft NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2022 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Here is where the Denver Broncos rank in terms of average, best and worst:

  • Average ranking: 11 (10th)
  • Best ranking: 8 (Multiple)
  • Worst ranking: 18 (USA Today)

Below you will find a post-NFL Draft roundup for the Broncos in our consensus 2022 NFL Power Rankings.

ESPN -- Rank: 18

Player who benefited most from draft: RB Melvin Gordon III

When the Broncos concluded their pre-draft meetings, they weren't that excited about the class of running backs available, so they signed Gordon two days before the draft. Before then, Gordon had drawn some interest leaguewide in free agency, but not enough to induce him to accept a short-term, incentive-filled deal. But that is what he did with the Broncos on a one-year deal. Then the Broncos did not select a running back. Granted, Javonte Williams is expected to be the lead back this season, but the Broncos like what Gordon can give the offense, and with Russell Wilson at quarterback the offense should give Gordon some opportunities to put up numbers. -- Jeff Legwold

NFL.com -- Rank: 12

The blockbuster trade for Russell Wilson was a massive lift for the franchise, and it's hard to quibble with any transaction that ends with the arrival of a potential Hall of Fame passer in his prime. One minor drawback of the deal was the departure of tight end Noah Fant, who was sent to Seattle. Denver addressed this hole in its attack through the draft, selecting UCLA's Greg Dulcich in the third round. Dulcich was a downfield playmaker in college, and he should have a clear path to an immediate role in Nathaniel Hackett's offense.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 8

Adding Russell Wilson via trade immediately changed the entire outlook for this team. With a ton of talent on both sides of the ball, and now a franchise quarterback, they can push for a division tittle and a lot more.

USA Today -- Rank: 9

Can they reach postseason for the first time since 2015 with a new coach and new quarterback while trying to navigate the AFC West gauntlet? Just maybe. Might even be a divisional playoff sweep if these four teams don't beat each other up too much.

The Athletic -- Rank: 8

Does the arrival of Russell Wilson as starting quarterback make the Broncos legitimate Super Bowl contenders? We're not there yet. But the upgrade from the Teddy Bridgewater/Drew Lock combo of 2021 should make Denver a factor in the stacked AFC West, and the teams that emerge from that division certainly deserve championship consideration. The Broncos climbed 14 spots since our last rankings, which were voted on a month before the Wilson deal.

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