Monday, May 31, 2021

Denver Broncos Post-Draft 2021 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2021 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: 21.6 (22nd)
  • Best ranking: 16th (The Athletic)
  • Worst ranking: 26th (Multiple)

Below you will find a post-draft roundup for the Broncos in our consensus 2021 NFL Power Rankings.

ESPN -- Rank: 26

Player who benefited most from draft: OLBs Von Miller and Bradley Chubb

It's a tie because life could be far better for the Broncos' two most prominent pass-rushers given all of the team's offseason work on the secondary. Not only did they sign cornerbacks Kyle Fuller and Ronald Darby in free agency, re-sign safety Justin Simmons to a megadeal and bring back safety Kareem Jackson on a one-year deal, the Broncos also selected Alabama CB Pat Surtain II with their first-round pick. Surtain will be in the mix for significant playing time from the moment the equipment staff hands him his helmet. It all points to improved coverage and more sack opportunities for Denver's pass-rushers. -- Jeff Legwold

NFL.com -- Rank: 26

The Broncos improved their roster with a strong draft. Cornerback Patrick Surtain II could end up being the best defensive player to come out of his class, while second-round pick Javonte Williams is a running back with star potential who profiles as a significant upgrade over Melvin Gordon. Quarterback remains the mystery position here, however. Trading for Teddy Bridgewater gave Denver much-needed Drew Lock insurance. But is that it? Perhaps the rumors about a pursuit of Aaron Rodgers ends with a seismic move a la Peyton Manning's arrival in 2012. Rodgers would make Denver a Super Bowl contender. The current personnel keeps this team in the mid-20s.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 16

After a good draft, the Broncos now have to hope either Drew Lock or Teddy Bridgewater is good enough to take the team to the postseason. Lock will get the first shot, and I think he will play well this season.

USA Today -- Rank: 17

A team undermined by injuries in 2020 may have already lost RT Ja'Wuan James to a torn Achilles. Still, wild-card potential if QB Drew Lock (or newly acquired Teddy Bridgewater) stabilizes this offense.

The Athletic -- Rank: 23

There are several indicators to suggest the Broncos could get a few more bounces their way this year -- with or without Aaron Rodgers. No team was more hurt by turnovers last season, according to TruMedia's EPA metric. Again, that can be a sign of a bad team. But it can also indicate that they were pretty unlucky. The Broncos were decimated by injuries and also faced the fifth-toughest schedule.

Denver's defense has a chance to be one of the league's best with Von Miller back healthy and the additions of Kyle Fuller and Patrick Surtain II. If Teddy Bridgewater wins the starting QB job and can offer competency, this looks like a potential playoff team. And if the Broncos can somehow find a way to lure Rodgers to Denver, it's not hyperbole to view them as Super Bowl contenders.

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