Meet the fifth-rounders who ‘kept the faith’ while waiting for their names to be called

Broncos Country, you can include Kris Abrams-Draine and Audric Estimé in your 2024 lineup.

There might not be such thing as a perfect draft, but addressing the quarterback, wide receiver (x2!), cornerback, running back, and guard positions is inarguably a feat of which George Paton’s front office can be proud.

As promised, let’s talk about the fifth-rounders. The Denver Broncos covered both sides of the ball in this round with the selections of CB Kris Abrams-Draine and RB Audric Estimé, both of whom made formal introductions to Broncos Country today.

Abrams-Draine “kept the faith” while he was waiting to be called, and he was honestly surprised by which team ended up picking him, as he only talked to them “really a couple of times.”

“I’m just blessed to be in this opportunity. I waited on it all the time,” he shared.

Estimé, in a similar response, was ready for an opportunity and waiting for that phone call. “I got the phone call, and I am just ready to be a Bronco,” he said, “They have a winning culture and winning tradition. I am ready to add to that and help contribute to a championship.”

One thing that Abrams-Draine and Estimé have in common is a history with the offensive side of the ball, with Abrams-Draine originally starting out as a wide receiver. He also made it clear that he’s comfortable having return duties, as he’s played it before. “If the coaches want me to be in that role, then I’m all for it.”

He is, at the end of the day, mostly a defensive player. “I feel like DB is more [where] I can show my athletic ability and stuff like that,” he shared, noting that it was an easy transition for him as a competitive person, “I just never turn down a challenge.”

With Estimé joining the offensive scheme, he can’t wait to work with Bo Nix and Troy Franklin, who were also selected in this year’s draft.

“They are really good players. I saw them play in college. I am just excited to come in and work with them,” Estimé told reporters, “Hopefully, we can be together for a couple years and take the championship together.”

Estimé has a connection with the Broncos in fellow Notre Dam alumni T Mike McGlinchey, although they never played together or even made contact. “Being a Notre Dame running back I definitely know the offensive linemen that went to my school,” he said, “He is a really great guy. I am excited to be a part of it and represent the [Notre Dame Fighting] Irish with him.”

Both picks shared what they hope to accomplish for Sean Payton’s team. Kris’ emphasized his route-reading abilities and ball skills to force turnovers. “I’d say just knowing the route concepts and schemes that a lot of offenses like to do. Just recognizing them, and just having ball skills to go up and fight for the ball when it’s in the air,” he explained.

Estimé is psyched about developing as a player under Payton. “I am just looking forward to being able to learn from him. My goal coming into the NFL is to learn, excel, and become my full version of myself,” he said, “I believe he has the attributes to help me achieve that.”