Denver Broncos: 2018 NFL Draft grades for Day 2 picks

Denver Broncos general manager John Elway was able to get potentially two immediate starters on Day 2 of the 2018 NFL Draft.

The Denver Broncos entered the 2018 NFL Draft with big plans and opportunities. That started with the fifth-overall pick, and they made moves with that selection by adding Bradley Chubb to the defense. However, the Broncos needed more pieces than just another pass-rusher.

As such, that put pressure on general manager John Elway heading into Day 2 of the draft with Rounds 2-3 ready to take place. The Broncos needed to come away with starters that would also fill major holes on their roster.

With the picks completed, we look at how they did.

No. 40: Courtland Sutton, WR, SMU

The Broncos went into the draft pegged to take a wide receiver at some point. Terrible quarterback play resulted in a lack of production from their top wide receivers, Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders, but their ages and contract situations can’t be ignored. There’s a possibility that both Thomas (30) or Sanders (31) are playing for their Broncos future this season.

Enter the 6-3 218-pound talented receiver who could come in as an immediate red zone threat. Because of his physical style, strong hands, and ability to body corners he’d be a great target across the middle especially on third downs. 

Grade: A

No. 71: Royce Freeman, RB, Oregon 

The Broncos were in the running back after they released their leading rusher, C.J. Anderson. Royce Freeman is a bigger, stronger, back who better fits what offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave is used to. Freeman is 6-0 and nearly 230 pounds at running back. He runs physically and between the tackles.

His downhill style is reminiscent of backs like Carlos Hyde and Jeremy Hill. With Case Keemun, the Broncos will utilize their running game and now they have Freeman as the thunder to Devontae Booker’s lightning.   

Grade: A 

Next: NFL Draft 2018: Grades for each first-round pick

No. 99: Isaac Yiadom, CB, Boston College 

Isaac Yiadom is an ideal fit for what Broncos head coach Vance Joseph likes to do. He’s 6-1, 190 pounds with good length and excels on the boundary as a press corner and zone coverage. At the Senior Bowl, Yiadom put his skills on display during one-on-ones. Because of his skill-set Yiadom can come in and compete for the boundary spot opposite Bradley Roby with Chris Harris dominating the slot. 

Grade: A 

Overall Grade: A