ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — With the 98th-overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, the Denver Broncos selected offensive lineman Quinn Meinerz.
The Wisconsin-Whitewater product was a two-year starter at left guard and was a first-team Division III All-American in 2019.
He did not play in 2020 after Wisconsin-Whitewater's season was cancelled.
Meinerz drew strong reviews for his 2021 Senior Bowl performance, and NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah rated him as his 45th-best prospect in this year's draft.
"It's been an amazing process," Meinerz said Friday. "To be Division III, have my season canceled, a late invite to the Senior Bowl and to be able to climb up the boards like I did, it doesn't happen very often. I'm just really excited to get into the offensive line room and start competing and help the Denver Broncos organization win football games."
The Wisconsin native should provide depth along the offensive line, which General Manager George Paton said the team would look to add in the draft.
"As of right now, I'm just looking to get down there to compete and slide in wherever I can solidify a spot," Meinerz said.
The 98th pick was the Broncos' first selection since No. 35 in the second round. They first traded the No. 71 pick to the Giants in exchange for No. 76 and No. 164. They then dealt the No. 76 pick to the Saints for No. 98 and No. 105. The last time the Broncos drafted at No. 98 was in 2016, when they selected future All-Pro Justin Simmons.
