The Denver Broncos only drafted five players in 2023. For all intents and purposes only three played (JL Skinner played one defensive snap). Most NFL teams had seven picks. The Miami Dolphins (4), Carolina Panthers and Broncos (5) had fewer because of trades. The Broncos also had no pick in the first round. First round picks generally play as rookies. Often second round picks don’t.
NFL team picks by draft year
First round picks were also responsible for a great deal of the production that other teams for from their drafted rookies (more on this later).