Did the Broncos’ rookie class live up to expectations?

John Elway’s 2019 draft class entered their rookie season with extremely high expectations. After all, they were coming directly after the Broncos’ most productive rookie class in Elway’s tenure with the 2018 class.

Not only did the 2019 class not let the pressure get to them, as a group they blew those high expectations out of the water.

Before the season, DNVR set expectations for each rookie during their first season in the big leagues. Here’s a look at if each rookie lived up to their expectations.

NOAH FANT

Expectations entering the season: 42 receptions; 480 yards; 6 touchdowns

Actual output in 2019: 40 receptions on 66 targets; 562 yards; 3 touchdowns

Did he live up to expectations? Absolutely

Denver’s first-round pick had the most productive season a Broncos rookie tight end has ever had. Ever. That’s pretty good.

Did it always look pretty? Certainly not, specifically when he was asked to run the ball—which was never successful—or when he was asked to track a deep ball over his shoulder. But when he was put in a position to play to his strengths he looked like the explosive tight end he was drafted to be.

Not only did Fant surpass expectations, he had a historic season all while having plenty of room for growth.

DALTON RISNER

Expectations entering the season: 16-game starter

Actual output in 2019: 16-game starter

Did he live up to expectations? Without a doubt

Despite being a rookie, before the season I believed Risner would end his first year as Denver’s best offensive lineman. That’s exactly where he sits entering his first offseason in the NFL. Not bad for a second-round pick.

Not only did Risner play his position exceptionally well for most of the season, he continuously drew praise for helping Garett Bolles improve at left tackle. Additionally, he carried Phillip Lindsay into the end zone in Green Bay and was a central piece in the young leadership that swept through the locker room.

For the second year in a row, Elway hit a home run on a Colorado Kid. Only a few more and John can be considered an honorary member of the Blake Street Bombers.

DREW LOCK

Expectations entering the season: Joe Flacco’s backup

Actual output in 2019: 4-1 record; 204 passing yards per game; 7 touchdowns; 3 interceptions; 64.1 completion percent; 89.7 passer rating; 57.7 QBR

Did he live up to expectations? To infinity and beyond (lol)

Once the organization unlocked the training wheels from Drew, he took off faster and greater than anyone could have expected.

On the field, the rookie quarterback looked like a first-round pick, flashed immense potential against Houston and showed excellent mental toughness the last two weeks of the season to hold onto victories that the team otherwise blew earlier in the season with him on the sidelines in a ball cap.

Off the field, Lock was just as impactful as he played a large part in bringing hope and belief back to his teammates and reinvigorating the entire organization.

Once the keys were turned over to Lock, there was very little not to love.

DRE’MONT JONES

Expectations entering the season: 4 sacks; 16 games played

Actual output in 2019: 14 games played; 1 start; 3.5 sacks; 14 tackles; 3 TFLs; 6 quarterback hits; 1 interception; 1 AFC Defensive Player of the Week award

Did he live up to expectations? Yes

Denver’s third-round pick only played in 27 percent of the defensive snaps his rookie year yet still was able to have his presence felt, especially when he was named the AFC’s Defensive Player of the Week for his multi-sack performance in Week 16 against Detroit. The incredible aspect about that game was he did it with a sprained ankle that almost kept him out of the game.

Jones closed out the season playing in 52 and 61 percent of the team’s defensive snaps, which was a preview of the significant role he’ll play in 2020.

JUSTIN HOLLINS

Expectations entering the season: Special teamer

Actual output in 2019: 15 games played; 1 sack; 21 tackles; 1 TFL; 2 quarterback hits

Did he live up to expectations? Yes

Although Hollins was tasked with multiple positions during his rookie season, he still was able to have an impact on the defensive side of the ball. That alone was enough for him to surpass his expectations.

On the edge, Hollins showed promising burst off the line to make him an exciting backup behind Bradley Chubb and Von Miller if he doesn’t get moved to the inside full time.

JUWANN WINFREE

Expectations entering the season: Special teamer

Actual output in 2019: 3 games played; 14 offensive snaps; 11 percent of the special teams’ snaps

Did he live up to expectations? No

Denver’s final draft pick of 2019 was the only rookie that didn’t live up to his expectations, making Elway’s class pretty darn impressive.

In training camp and preseason, Winfree flashed incredible potential as a sixth-round pick. But once the season started, not only could he not get on the field when the offense had the ball, he couldn’t get a jersey most weeks.

The most perplexing aspect about it was the receiver appeared to be a solid special teams contributor.