Denver Broncos Mock Draft

Thomas RitchieDraftLeave a Comment

Ahead of tonight’s NFL Draft, we run through a seven-round mock draft, and detail who we have picked for the Broncos.

Round 1 Pick 15 – Jerry Jeudy WR, Alabama

Henry Ruggs III and Mekhi Becton were also options who were still on the board at 15, but Jeudy was the choice. Wide receiver is a much more pressing need than offensive line for the Broncos who ranked 30th in the league in that position in 2019, and to compete it is vital that Drew Lock has a third pass-catching threat beyond Courtland Sutton and Noah Fant.

Jeudy had 2,478 receiving yards and 24 touchdowns in 28 games across his last two seasons at Alabama, leading one of the top receiving corps in the nation in receptions. Add in his elite route running and Jeudy is too good to turn down at 15. Potentially a trade up could be in play for the Broncos tonight to ensure they get their guy.

Round 2 Pick 46 – Austin Jackson OT, USC

The Broncos will need to address offensive line during this draft, with a hole at centre and question marks at both tackle positions. Value in the interior can be found in later rounds, so after finding a receiver in round one, round two is the perfect chance to acquire a tackle.

A left tackle at USC, Jackson won’t be under be pressure to start straight away for the Broncos, however with Ju’Wuan James’ injury concerns and Garrett Bolles’ lack of development, there is no doubt he can come in and start and provide an upgrade on Drew Lock’s blindside.

Round 3 Pick 77 – Cameron Dantzler CB, Mississippi State

Pairing another outside cornerback with AJ Bouye to allow Bryce Callahan to stay inside is a need for the Broncos if they want a high-end secondary.

Dantzler is a lengthy corner who had two interceptions and eight pass break-ups in 2019, and has been competing in the tough SEC conference. The 6’2”, 185 lb defensive back can come in and contribute straight away, and the Broncos shouldn’t be turned off by their previous third round cornerback selections.

Round 3 Pick 83 – Chase Claypool WR, Notre Dame

Taking two wide receivers who can be day one contributors has to be in John Elway’s mind, and Claypool was too good to turn down at this point.

The 6’4” receiver can come down with the ball in contested situations just like Sutton, and whilst some may think they are too similar, Claypool could play the role of a big slot, and can also contribute on special teams. For a team looking to surround Lock with weapons, it is difficult to pass on Claypool at 83.

Round 3 Pick 95 – Troy Dye LB, Oregon

It’s back to defence again for the Broncos with their fifth top 100 pick, and Troy Dye can be an excellent addition to the middle of the Broncos defence.

With Alexander Johnson, Vic Fangio has shown he doesn’t need first round linebackers for his defence to be successful, and the down hill linebacker Dye can be another great addition for Fangio to mould behind Johnson and Davis.

Round 4 Pick 118 – Tyler Biadasz IOL, Wisconsin

Biadasz was awarded the Rimington trophy in 2019, awarded to the nation’s top centre, but has dropped on draft boards after shoulder surgery in the offseason. The Wisconsin native is worth the risk after already filling the other major holes and, if healthy, the Wisconsin product can come in and be the team’s starting centre.

Round 5 Pick 178 – J.R. Reed S, Georgia

The Broncos are set at starting safety with one of the best duos in the league in Justin Simmons and Kareem Jackson, however there is room below them with a number of players currently fighting for roles on this team. The traditional strong safety Reed is an excellent tackler, and should upgrade the safety room behind Jackson and Simmons.

Round 6 Pick 181 – Khalil Davis IDL, Nebraska

With Shelby Harris on just a one-year deal and Jurrell Casey effectively year-to-year, the Broncos have room to add depth to their defensive line.

A potential pass rush specialist, Khalil Davis will the chance to develop and learn under Vic Fangio and Bill Kollar. A look to the future beyond 2020.

Round 7 Pick 252 – Joe Reed WR, Virginia

Joe Reed is a speedy receiver and return man who can provide competition for Diontae Spencer.

Reed can be used all over the field, and in 2017 rushed the ball 21 times, but it is perhaps in special teams where he can be the biggest asset. He averaged 33.2 yards per kick return in 2019, and returned five kicks for touchdowns in his time at Virginia.

Round 7 Pick 254 – Carter Coughlin EDGE, Minnesota

You can never have too many pass rushers in the NFL, and Coughlin certainly has the ability after recording 9.5 sacks in 13 games in 2018. Special teams could be Coughlin’s route onto the roster, and we have seen undrafted free agents such as Shaq Barrett and Malik Reed contribute. There is no reason why Coughlin could not develop into a role player on this team.

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