Rookie mini-camps are underway around the NFL, as the teams get their first look at their draft picks in an NFL uniform. The Denver Broncos won the Super Bowl last year, but lost a lot of talent this offseason. They'll be counting on a few rookies to play notable roles in their attempt to make it back. But just what kind of impact will the Broncos' 2016 draft class have?
The short-term impact is based on what the rookies will do early in their careers. For the early round picks, that refers to their first year or first two at most. For some of the later picks, that might mean the entirety of their first contract. The long-term impact is what the Broncos are hoping these players become, if they are actually able to make a long-term impact. Remember, plenty of draft picks simply don't last long in the NFL.
With all that out of the way, here's the impact each Broncos draft pick could have.
QB Paxton Lynch - Round 1, Pick No. 26
Short-Term Impact: Backup
The Broncos traded up in the draft to take Lynch, but he's not going to start Day One if everything goes according to plan. The Broncos want Lynch to learn for a year or two, which is probably the best thing for him. In the meantime, Mark Sanchez will be the starter.
Long-Term Impact: Starter
At some point, whether that be next year or two years from now, Lynch will be the Broncos' starting QB. It's just a matter of how quickly he develops and acclimates to the NFL. How successful he'll be is still up in the air.
DE Adam Gotsis - Round 2, Pick No. 63
Short-Term Impact: Backup
Gotsis won't start for the Broncos, and will back up Adam Crick instead. He's simply not ready to start in the NFL, especially since he's still learning the game. He's also coming off a torn ACL from October and could very well start the season on the PUP list. The rawness of Gotsis and the injury is why the pick was considered a reach.
Long-Term Impact: Starter
Crick won't be in Denver long-term, and Gotsis will eventually take his starting spot. It could take a few years, however, but the Broncos think they have their Malik Jackson replacement.
S Justin Simmons - Round 3, Pick No. 98
Short-Term Impact: Backup
I like the pick of Simmons, a play-making free safety. He'll contribute on special teams early and will be the backup to Darian Stewart until he's ready to assume the starting role. He does need to add some weight to his frame.
Long-Term Impact: Starter
Notice a theme yet? Simmons will eventually take the starting free safety gig and he could have a very successful NFL career.
RB Devontae Booker - Round 4, Pick No. 136
Short-Term Impact: Backup
The Broncos have C.J. Anderson, Ronnie Hillman and Juwan Thompson at RB, which leaves few carries for Booker. But don't be surprised if he ends up getting work before the end of the season. He's a talented player and probably should have gone in Round 3. He can help in the passing game and on returns after he fully recovers from a knee injury.
Long-Term Impact: Rotation Back
Booker isn't a three-down back, but will find success in the NFL as part of a committee approach. And that success could come very quickly in the NFL, a league that loves young backs.
OG Connor McGovern - Round 5, Pick No. 144
Short-Term Impact: Backup
McGovern played tackle at Missouri, but should kick inside. His versatility will help him stick on the roster and he should start his Broncos career as the team's swing guard at the very least. He could compete for a starting gig.
Long-Term Impact: Starter
The Broncos badly need OG help and got very good value in McGovern. While he might not start his rookie year, McGovern should eventually take on a starting role for the Broncos.
FB Andy Janovich - Round 6, Pick No. 176
Short-Term Impact: Starter
If you draft a FB at any point in the draft, he better start. If not, he's likely out of the league quickly. The Broncos want to use the FB more going forward, and it should end up being Janovich. He'll help on special teams as well.
Long-Term Impact: Starter
See above.
S Will Parks - Round 6, Pick No. 219
Short-Term Impact: Backup
Parks is an in-the-box safety, and should make the roster as a backup to T.J. Ward. He'll help on special teams early and could offer some help in sub-packages.
Long-Term Impact: Backup
Parks doesn't look like a future starter, as he's a bit too slow. But if he adds some weight, he could become a LB/safety hybrid. He has the frame to do so.
P Riley Dixon - Round 7, Pick No. 228
Short-Term Impact: Fight For Starting Job
The Broncos already have Britton Colquitt, a talented player, as their starting punter. But Dixon will be more than just a camp leg. Colquitt has a fairly large contract for a punter, and cutting him would save Denver roughly $2.8 million (if we include Dixon's salary). Plus, he'll be a free agent after this year. Don't rule out Dixon actually winning the job.
Long-Term Impact: Potential Starter
See Above.