The Post’s sports staff weighs in with grades after the Denver Broncos drafted Utah edge rusher Jonah Elliss on Day 2 of the NFL draft.
Parker Gabriel, Broncos beat writer
Grade: B+
A solid grade for Denver on two fronts and with one caveat. The Broncos hit a position of need at No. 76 overall in Utah edge rusher Jonah Elliss. They also stayed patient. After picking at No. 12 instead of trading back Thursday, the only way to move up from No. 76 in a meaningful way would have been to deal a player or dip into 2025 draft capital. Instead, Denver held on to its assets and picked a player with the skill set to help early — if he stays healthy. Some risk there, given Elliss’ shoulder and hamstring issues, but a solid bet to make deep into Day 2.
Ryan McFadden, Broncos beat writer
Grade: B
Elliss plays with a high motor, a trait that helped him collect 12 sacks in his final season at Utah. He will need to improve as a run defender, and his shoulder injury, which forced him to not work out at the scouting combine, is a bit concerning. But Elliss has the potential to be a solid rotational player as a rookie who could develop into a starter on the edge in the future.
Troy Renck, sports columnist
Grade: B
Utah’s Jonah Elliss brings energy and intensity to the edge. He has good hands but needs to add more counter moves to his arsenal. He likely will need to bulk up to help him support the run. He profiles as a sub package pass rusher as a rookie for a group that hasn’t had a player reach double-digit sacks since 2018. That is too much to ask for as a rookie, but his ceiling suggests it is possible by Year 3 as he grows into a full-time role.
Sean Keeler, sports columnist
Grade: B
Troy Franklin? No? Anyone? Elliss is fine — lean, mean, great bloodlines. If you love your edge rushers with a no-quit engine, you’re going to love this guy. His first-down, short-yardage mileage is still TBD, but Luther’s kid won’t be awed by the stage. Or by Patrick Mahomes. Promise you that.
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Matt Schubert, sports editor
Grade: C+
The Broncos pass rush needs help. That much is true. Jonah Elliss has the pedigree (dad, Luther, could play) and the production (16.5 sacks at Utah). But it sure would’ve been nice to give first-round pick Bo Nix an extra weapon on offense — especially with so many good ones still on the board.
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