2021 NFL Draft: How did the KC Chiefs rivals fare on Day 2?
By Evan Mead
The K.C. Chiefs had their first selections of the NFL draft on Friday night with two picks close to each other in the second round. The Chiefs landed linebacker Nick Bolton and center Creed Humphrey in the process, giving them more talent and competition.
Although the Chiefs didn’t get a selection in day one, the competitors in the AFC West did. Although the Chargers made an excellent selection to boost their offensive line, the Raiders and Broncos are looking to bounce back after making questionable picks.
After a look at Day 1 in the AFC West, let’s continue our review by looking at how the second and third rounds played out for the Chiefs rivals in the division.
DENVER BRONCOS – DAY TWO
DEN 2.35: Javonte Williams, RB, North Carolina
The Broncos drafted cornerback Patrick Surtain II on day one which left many experts around the league speechless. The Broncos have many needs to fill on their roster, but cornerback was not one of them. Then in the second round, they made another head scratching move by selecting running back Javonte Williams.
The Broncos selecting Williams makes little-to-no sense, and yet they traded up to get him. Williams offers similar traits to Melvin Gordon given his play style, but they don’t need another Melvin Gordon on their roster. Williams is a fantastic player with a high motor and great hands, and he is going to be a big threat in the AFC West. However, they do not need a running back and the Broncos are not looking to draft positional needs at this point in the draft.
DEN 3.98: Quinn Meinerz, IOL, Wisconsin-Whitewater
The Denver Broncos actually made a very good pick with Quinn Meinerz here in the third round. Meinerz stood out at the Senior Bowl with his ability to play anywhere on the line, and his ability to play each at a elite level. The Broncos have previously done well by drafting offensive linemen, and that continues here. They drafted Dalton Risner two years ago, Lloyd Cushenberry III last season, and now Quinn Meinerz.
Meinerz, although neither a big name nor a product of a big school, shouldn’t be discounted as a great player. He trained very hard and performed well enough to be noticed by NFL coaches. He’s going to be playing every opportunity he get’s like it’s his last and it will be a challenge for the Chiefs, Broncos, and Raiders to get past him and get to the quarterback. Great pickup here by the Denver Broncos.
DEN 3.105: Baron Browning, LB, Ohio State
The Broncos have had four picks so far, and this may be the best pick they have made. Baron Browning is one of the most athletic linebackers in the draft, and is one of the most enticing players to watch, period. Browning has an elite level of athleticism, and he’s very tough to break free from when wrapped up. He is able to use his speed and strength combination to great effect in the open field, which will neutralize the run game by the competing teams.
Browning doesn’t necessarily fit their system due to the scheme fit, but with a player as talented as Browning just sitting there, they did well by pulling the trigger on him. He’s going to have his work cut out for him with the AFC’s running backs, but he’s got an All Pro ceiling, and he is going to give it his all.