The Broncos, like most teams, prefer to build their core primarily from the draft. Von Miller, Derek Wolfe and Demaryius Thomas are examples of the benefits of great early round draft selections while cornerback Chris Harris and running back C.J. Anderson show the value of great scouting. Both were undrafted free agent pickups.

Denver needs a great draft this spring to help fill holes on its roster. Here’s a look back on the impact the Broncos’ rookie class made in 2016. Season grades are based on player performance balanced against their draft position.

Round 1, Pick 26: Paxton Lynch, QB, Memphis

Let’s be frank, the 2016 season didn’t go well for the Broncos first-round pick. It wasn’t entirely unexpected given that the Broncos knew he needed significant work to make it as an NFL quarterback after running a spread offense at Memphis. Those problems, such as footwork and reading defenses, were apparent early on and something Lynch struggled with in training camp and games.

Lynch played in three games, started two, and and completed 59 percent of his passes for 497 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. He was sacked nine times. The Broncos remain high on his potential due to his overall athleticism and strong arm. Lynch is headed into an off-season competition with Trevor Siemian for the starting quarterback job in 2017. He’ll have to learn a new offense once again, this time under Mike McCoy.

2016 grade: D

How do you think the Broncos rookies did in 2016? Grade them here.

Round 2, Pick 32: Adam Gotsis, DL, Georgia Tech

Like Lynch, another high-potential, raw talent who didn’t see much action as a rookie. Coming off a Super Bowl victory, the Broncos had the luxury of selecting more high-ceiling, long-term prospects rather than immediate contributors for their defense. Defensive line coach Bill Kollar “banged the table” to draft the strong, hard-working Australian.

Gotsis played 19.3 percent of the Broncos defensive snaps, but he had just 14 tackles and no sacks. He was largely ineffective when pressed into action on an injury depleted defensive line. Gotsis’ progression from year one to year two could lead to him becoming a key contributor in 2017.

2016 grade: D

Round 3, Pick 35: Justin Simmons, S, Boston College

Simmons was the Broncos most productive draft pick. Denver needed safety depth after losing David Bruton in free agency. Simmons, and sixth-round pick Will Parks, filled that role on both defense and special teams. Simmons’ athleticism and size made him a NFL Combine star, and those traits translated well to the field, too.

Simmons made his mark with splash plays – two interceptions, a sack and a blocked extra point that led to Parks’ game-winning score against the Saints. In the Broncos last two games, Simmons had two interceptions and three pass breakups filling in for T.J. Ward, who was out with a concussion. He’s likely to be a Broncos starter soon.

2016 grade: A-

Round 4, Pick 38: Devontae Booker, RB, Utah

Booker was the Broncos leading rusher, thrusted into a starting role for the second half of the season after C.J. Anderson tore his meniscus. The running game dipped significantly when Booker became the starter, but the offensive line played poorly, too, so it’s hard to consider him the main culprit.

Booker had 877 total yards and five touchdowns, but he described his season as average. He hopes to work on diversifying his route-running and becoming more patient as a runner. Ball security, which was a knock on Booker at Utah, was a problem. He had four fumbles.

2016 grade: C+

Round 5, Pick 5: Connor McGovern, G, Missouri

It’s hard to evaluate a player who didn’t play. McGovern got a red-shirt season to start his NFL career, which isn’t a great sign considering the Broncos offensive struggles.

The Broncos are hopeful he can at least be an active backup guard/center next season.

2016 grade: Incomplete

Round 6, Pick 1: Andy Janovich, FB, Nebraska

Gary Kubiak wanted a true fullback and he found a gritty one in Janovich. Denver saw success with Janovich as a lead blocker and he ran for a 28-yard touchdown in the opener.

Janovich’s season ended with a severe ankle injury. His role in 2017 and beyond is dependent on how much the new coaches like fullbacks.

2016 grade: B

Round 6, Pick 44: Will Parks, S, Arizona

Parks was the Broncos’ best value pick. They snagged a key contributor late in the sixth round. His high-energy personality and work ethic will likely make him a valuable player for many years.

Parks had an interception and played a healthy amount of defense. He was one of the team’s best special teams players. The Broncos safety depth may keep Parks as a reserve for a while, but he’s proven he can make big-time plays.

2016 grade: A-

Round 7, Pick 7: Riley Dixon, P, Syracuse

Beat out incumbent Britton Colquitt in training camp. After an inconsistent start, Dixon had a strong finish, including a successful fake punt.

Dixon finished ninth in net punting average, 17th in overall punting average and 10th in punts inside-the-20. All of those numbers bested Colquitt at a cheaper rate. He will be the Broncos punter moving forward.

2016 grade: B

How do you think the Broncos rookies did in 2016? Grade them here.

Undrafted players: Receiver/returner Kalif Raymond, nose tackle Kyle Peko, outside linebacker Vontarrius Dora, tight end Henry Krieger-Coble and linebacker Quentin Gause all spent time on the Broncos active roster, but none made a big impact.