George Payton’s draft pick for Jonah Elliss is looking better and better

Here’s a look at which players saw their value increase or decrease after the Broncos defeated the Packers 27-2 in their first preseason game on Sunday night at Empower Field at Mile High Stadium.

Increase

WR Tim Patrick: It took two years, but Patrick managed to cross the goal line one more time, catching a 2-yard play-action pass from Bo Nix in the first quarter. Patrick, who is returning from back-to-back season-ending injuries, was the Broncos’ best receiver against Green Bay, catching four balls for 30 yards on four attempts. After signing Josh Reynolds and rookie wideouts Troy Franklin and Devaughn Vele, it seemed like an uphill battle for Patrick to make the roster given his age and injury history. Now it will be hard for Payton to keep him out of the team.

Safety Keidron Smith: Smith has done his best to earn a spot in Denver’s secondary, recording two interceptions in two preseason games, including a second-quarter interception against Green Bay that resulted in a 56-yard return. There’s no better way to make a good impression.

Senior Leaguer Jonah Elliss: Elliss was perhaps the best defensive player on the field. The former Utah star had three tackles, a sack and a forced fumble. His strip sack in the third quarter helped kicker Wil Lutz get a field goal. He also put pressure on Clifford, which led to Smith’s first-half interception. After two preseason games, it’s starting to look like George Payton hit a home run when he drafted Elliss in the third round last spring.

Share price falls

QB Jarrett Stidham: After Stidham watched Nix pick apart Green Bay’s defense, the fifth-year veteran didn’t do much to improve his position. Stidham scored a 9-yard touchdown but completed 7 of 11 passes for 65 yards and an interception. If Stidham hadn’t already lost his starting spot before Sunday night’s game, it’s obvious now.

OT Frank Crum: Crum struggled with the Packers’ defensive line during the opening drive of the third quarter. The undrafted rookie allowed a sack of Packers defensive end Brenton Cox Jr. Four plays later, Crum let defensive end Arron Mosby get past him, putting pressure on Stidham that led to a deflected interception by linebacker Kristian Welch. In the fourth quarter, with Wilson at quarterback, Crum allowed another sack of defensive lineman Brevin Allen.