Denver Broncos Post Free Agency 2022 Seven Round Mock Draft

Welcome to Denver Russell Wilson. The Denver Broncos made the first of many big splashes this offseason, landing the star quarterback from the Seattle Seahawks. It came at a hefty price as they gave up three players, including two starters, and five picks. That doesn’t matter. Denver finally has a quarterback. The AFC and the division will be a blood bath this year. They’ve made some key additions in free agency but still need to fortify depth and try to find some long-term options. Even without their first two picks, the Broncos still have eight picks, with five in the top 120. Let’s dive into how they’ll attack it. 

To help with this mock draft, I used The Draft Network’s mock draft simulator.

Make sure to check out all of our other NFL Team Mock Drafts.

Round 2, Pick 64: Chad Muma, LB, Wyoming

Muma, a former player at Legend High School in Parker, Colorado, has the potential to be an excellent player in the league. He’s not an elite athlete but athletic enough and plays with great instincts to make up for it. The comp for him could be Josey Jewell, who Denver re-signed in free agency, with more coverage upside. He can start immediately in sub-packages but could grow into a three-down starter in a year or two. Bring the Colorado native home. 

For more on Muma, check out our scouting report on him.

Round 3, Pick 75: Travis Jones, DL, UConn

General manager George Paton made it clear early on that the Broncos needed to get stronger in the trenches on both sides, and adding D.J. Jones helps, but depth matters, and having multiple guys that can both plug the run and rush the passer makes a defense scary. Jones is a huge body that plays the nose tackle spot, which fits a 3-4 base defense well. He can take on blocks, move the line well in the run game, and push the pocket as a pass rusher. He’s a guy that can be a force starting day one for a defense that needs more push and aggression in its pass rush. 

For more on Jones, check out our scouting report on him.

Round 3, Pick 96: Sam Williams, EDGE, Ole Miss

Starting two players with a rather lengthy injury history is a bold strategy and must have good depth behind them. They have Jonathon Cooper, who showed surprisingly well as a seventh-round rookie last season, and they have a right of first refusal tender on Malik Reed. Williams provides good depth this year and is a potential starting option in the future. He plays with good power and athleticism. He’s strong at setting the edge and makes plays in the run, but he hangs his hat on being a forceful pass rusher. 

Round 4, Pick 115: Max Mitchell, OT, Louisiana

Denver signed three players to address right tackle and tackle depth already, but they’re in desperate need of a long-term option to fill that hole. He may not be ready on day one as he needs to gain more upper body strength to take on power rushers. He’s extremely athletic and can move well. He’s an intelligent player that can play on either side of the line. The Broncos signing Billy Turner likely fills the starting right tackle spot this year, but it will, once again, be up for grabs next season. That will allow Mitchell the chance to become the franchise right tackle the Broncos have been missing since Orlando Franklin last filled the role. 

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Round 4, Pick 116: Coby Bryant, CB, Cincinnati

Depending on where you look, this could be a reach or steal. Either way, Bryant is a good corner, and there’s always be a need for that in the AFC West. He’s played at least some all over the field and makes plays in coverage. Bryant has excellent ball skills and a high IQ. He’s a willing participant in the run game but needs to get much better as a tackler. The starting corner spots are filled, which will be good for him to learn behind and further develop, but he will be able to impact special teams immediately. 

For more on Bryant, check out our scouting report on him.

Round 5, Pick 145: Jalen Wydermyer, TE, Texas A&M

Wydermyer did not test very well in the pre-draft process, but his value isn’t in incredible measurables. He’s got a Jason Witten/Greg Olsen style of play. He’s got a big frame and strong hands as a receiver, and while he could use more development as a blocker but he’s willing and at least passable, which would go well with the new starter Albert Okwuegbunam.

For more on Wydermyer, check out our scouting report on him.

Round 6, Pick 206: Matt Araiza, P, San Diego State

Araiza could be the most electric punter in the nation. He’s got a nuke of a leg, known for dropping 80-yard punts, which fits nicely in Denver, where punters seem to lose several average yards per punt magically. He will not likely do it but can be a placekicker as well. He’s extremely athletic and can make a tackle in punt coverage. Sam Martin has been good in Denver, but they can release him and open more cap space with Araiza on the roster. 

Round 7, Pick 232: Smoke Monday, S, Auburn

The name of the game is versatility for Monday. He’ll likely get time immediately on special teams but can fit all over the defense. He’s a punishing tackler and makes strong plays in the run game. He can play high safety or in the box, and his size allows him to make plays on the ball against bigger receivers and tight ends. He could turn into an exciting chess piece for a defense that will throw a ton of different looks at an offense.

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