Grading Broncos rookies from the 2019 season

The Denver Broncos drafted a solid rookie class in 2019. How did each player grade out across the season?

After each school year, students are given letter grades to assess their accomplishments during the previous year. During every NFL offseason, grades are also commonplace.

Looking back at the Denver Broncos’ 2019 draft class, there is plenty of good that stands out, which means there is plenty to build on heading into the future.

Some of these players will be part of the foundation with which the Broncos look to rebuild on, looking to end a postseason drought that dates back to Super Bowl 50.

Here, we will review the 2019 season of each member of the team’s rookie class. This review will include statistics and the impact they made on the team. In addition to the team’s draft choices, Malik Reed, an undrafted rookie who made the 53-man roster, will also be graded.

There were other players that made the practice squad and then were called up to the active roster for various reasons, such as Josh Watson and Alijah Holder. Because their sample size is so small, they will not receive a grade for the season.

With all of that in mind, here we go.

1. Noah Fant, tight end

(Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports)

2019 stats

Receptions: 40

Receiving yards: 562

Touchdowns: 3

The Broncos originally held the No. 10 overall pick in the first round and many fans and analysts alike expected them to use the pick on Michigan linebacker Devin Bush. Instead, the team traded back to the No. 20 slot and chose Fant.

The Pittsburgh Steelers, who made the trade with Denver to come up to No. 10, did select Bush. Bush would have looked great in Denver and arguably better than Fant ever will, but Fant showed signs of being a future star.

His season got off to a slow start and concerns arose even in preseason among fans that the Broncos may have drafted a dud. He turned it on later in the season and finished second on the team in receptions and receiving yards, behind only Courtland Sutton.

In all, he did what was asked of him as a rookie and big things should be expected next season.

Grade: B-