The Denver Broncos are in a great spot heading into next season. With new head coach Nathaniel Hackett, new quarterback Russell Wilson and general manager George Paton, it’s ring season in Denver. After trading the ninth pick away, the Broncos still have plenty of ammunition in this draft to load up on talent. However, with a championship on the mind, patching up the holes in the roster is a must. While the Broncos have a mix of veterans and rookies starting, they still need depth in some areas and a replacement starter in others. Furthermore, what the team does in the second and third rounds will set the stage for how well the draft goes for them.
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: Arnold Ebiketie, EDGE, Penn State
Ebiketie offers speed and fineness off the edge. Alongside Bradley Chubb, the Broncos have revamped the defensive line from this draft. At the same time, rumors of Von Miller coming back to finish his career in Denver have surfaced. While Ebiketie needs time to refine his skill set, Miller could be the perfect mentor to refine his explosiveness off the edge. However, he still can be an impactful rotation player for the team in his first year. Therefore, getting Ebiketie in the late second is excellent value for the Broncos as he could blossom into a high-caliber starter. Furthermore, he will be a day one impact player for the Broncos and will only get better over time.
For more on Ebiketie, check out our scouting report on him.
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Round 3, Pick 75: Brian Asamoah, LB, Oklahoma
Asamoah is one of the better all-around linebackers in the draft. While lack of experience bumps him down to the third round, the Broncos can snatch him at pick 75. While the Broncos load up with defensive and offensive talent, Asamoah is a day one player. However, with little depth and solid starting play, adding Asamoah could be filling both needs. At the same time, Alexander Johnson is a free agent and could be looking for a payday. The 31-year-old is looking for one last big contract, meaning Asamoah can come in and be the next in line. Furthermore, with his ability to play, run, and pass at elite levels, Asamoah can step in and be an impact player right away.
Round 3, Pick 96: Coby Bryant, CB, Cincinnati
While the Broncos already have a good secondary, adding Bryant to the mix would make it even stronger. At the same time, the secondary for the Broncos are getting a little old. With the future being Bryant and Patrick Surtain, the Broncos could have another tarrying secondary. The team has gone all-in with the trade for Wilson, pushing all the chips to the middle of the table. Furthermore, Bryant is a day one rotation player, and adding him to the mix makes the depth more dangerous.
For more on Bryant, check out our scouting report on him.
Round 4, Pick 113: Jalen Wydermyer, TE, Texas A&M
With Noah Fant traded to Seattle, the tight end position is thin for the Broncos. However, with Albert Okwuegbunam entering his third year, he shows a lot of promise. While Okwuegbunam fills the role of a vertical field stretcher, Wydermyer does all the dirty work. Whether it’s blocking or running the intermediate routes and moving the chains, he does it all. While people criticize Wydermyer due to his lack of speed, he fills the role of a do it all tight end. With a player comparison to Jason Witten, Wydermyer has excellent blocking skills and a knack for catching the tough balls over the middle.
Round 4, Pick 114: Alec Lindstrom, iOL, Boston College
The brother of Chris Lindstrom, Alec is an excellent steal for the Broncos. After a few years, he could blossom into a star with a high upside. However, the Broncos will need a replacement for Lloyd Cushenberry shortly. With an ability to play guard or center, Lindstrom can grow into a starter role. However, he will need a year or two to develop his mechanics before starting. He will be a backup interior lineman his first year but will grow into a starting spot down the line.
Round 5, Pick 144: Jack Sanborn, LB, Wisconsin
The blitz-heavy linebacker out of Wisconsin is a perfect pairing to Asamoah. Sanborn will play the role of a WILL backer who can roam and blitz often, which is his skill set. However, Sanborn won’t be a day one starter but will play impactful snaps at linebacker for the Broncos. While he will have to get better with his coverage skills, he is comfortable near the line. Furthermore, Sanborn offers youth and contract security to the situation with aging veterans at the position.
Round 7, Pick 247: Kennedy Brooks, RB, Oklahoma
The Broncos already have a stud back in Javonte Williams and could bring back Melvin Gordon. However, Brooks fill in for Gordon if the Broncos don’t re-sign the veteran running back. The redshirt junior for the Sooners and featured back for Lincoln Riley could be a great developmental player. With Brooks being outstanding in a zone run scheme, he does offer a change of pace from Williams’ bruising style.
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