Broncos 2021 NFL mock draft tracker 3.0: What the national experts predict Denver will do

Getting your player ready...

The 2020 NFL season is officially over after the Buccaneers defeated the Chiefs on Sunday to win Super Bowl LV. Onward to the 2021 season.

Attention now turns to see what moves are made now that the offseason is in full swing. The Broncos and new general manager George Paton have a lot of work to do to improve on a 5-11 campaign.

Here’s a look at who national draftniks are thinking will land in Denver.

CBS Sports | Ryan Wilson | Updated Feb. 9

Caleb Farley, CB, Virginia Tech

Defensive back Caleb Farley #3 of ... — Michael Shroyer, Getty Images
Defensive back Caleb Farley (3) of the Virginia Tech Hokies breaks up a pass intended for wide receiver Hasaan Patterson (2) of the Old Dominion Monarchs in the second half at Lane Stadium on Sept. 7, 2019 in Blacksburg, Va.

“Bryce Callahan was a bright spot in the secondary in 2020 but he, along with four other CBs, will have his contract expire next spring. Farley, who opted out for 2020, is our CB1.” .

NFL.com | Lance Zierlein | Updated Feb. 4

Caleb Farley, CB, Virginia Tech

Caleb Farley #3 of the Virginia ... — Michael Reaves, Getty Images
Caleb Farley (3) of the Virginia Tech Hokies intercepts a pass from Dee Wiggins (8) of the Miami Hurricanes during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium on Oct. 5, 2019 in Miami, Fla.

“My guess is that we may see the Broncos address linebacker and maybe pass rush in free agency, which would give them the opening to add a big, talented CB like Farley to contend with the division’s explosive, young QBs.” .

Pro Football Focus | Michael Renner | Updated Feb. 8

Trey Lance, QB, North Dakota State

North Dakota State quarterback Trey Lance ... — Bruce Kluckhohn, The Associated Press
North Dakota State quarterback Trey Lance rushes against Central Arkansas in the first quarter of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 3, 2020, in Fargo, N.D. North Dakota State won 39-28.

Renner has the Broncos trading up to the No. 7 spot from Detroit. “This isn’t giving up on Drew Lock; it��ap admitting he hasn’t been good enough. Lance isn’t necessarily the guy you want to start Year 1, but he’s got the tools required to open up the Denver Broncos offense.” .

ESPN | Todd McShay | Updated Jan. 7

Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, ILB, Notre Dame

Wide receiver Slade Bolden #18 of ... — Tom Pennington, Getty Images
Wide receiver Slade Bolden (18) of the Alabama Crimson Tide is tackled by linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (6) of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the fourth quarter of the 2021 College Football Playoff Semifinal Game at the Rose Bowl Game presented by Capital One at AT&T Stadium on Jan. 1, 2021 in Arlington, Texas.

“Still no Justin Fields? It’s a legitimate possibility and something I considered heavily here, but I think Denver ultimately will give Drew Lock another year to prove he’s the guy. Cornerback is another position to watch, especially with Alabama’s Patrick Surtain II still out there. But I love Owusu-Koramoah’s range, instincts and suddenness. He found his way into just about every statistical category in 2020, including racking up 11 tackles for loss.” .

ESPN | Mel Kiper Jr. | Updated Feb. 7

Micah Parsons, LB, Penn State

Micah Parsons #11 of the Penn ... — Scott Taetsch, Getty Images
Micah Parsons of the Penn State Nittany Lions reacts after recording a sack against the Purdue Boilermakers during the second half at Beaver Stadium on Oct. 5, 2019 in State College, Pa.

“Is pass-rusher Von Miller going to return to the Broncos? What about free-agent safety Justin Simmons? This defense could look very different in Year 3 under Vic Fangio. I thought about a cornerback here, but I see linebacker as the bigger position to upgrade, and Parsons could play inside or outside. I see him more as an inside linebacker for a 3-4 defense, but his versatility would be a fit for any type of defense. Parsons, who opted out of the 2020 season, was a force at Penn State in 2019, with 109 tackles, five sacks and four forced fumbles. He has some upside as a pass-rusher.” .

NFL.com | Chad Reuter | Updated Feb. 8

Micah Parsons, LB, Penn State

“If Drew Lock is the Broncos’ starting QB again in 2021, or if the team finds a veteran to compete with Lock instead of drafting one early, then shoring up the defense with a stud like Parsons makes all kinds of sense.” .

Reuter’s other Broncos picks:

Second round, 40th pick: Trevon Moehrig, S, North Dakota State
Third round, 71st pick: Jackson Carman, OT, Pittsburgh

Bleacher Report | Brent Sobleski | Updated Feb. 8

Micah Parsons, LB, Penn State

“Parsons is a potential difference-maker as a three-down linebacker with the athleticism to prowl sideline to sideline while also factoring into multiple pressure packages. … If Miller, who turns 32 this year, doesn’t play for the Broncos beyond this season, he can give way to Parsons as the new defensive face of the franchise.” .

Yahoo Sports | Eric Edholm | Updated Feb. 9

Patrick Surtain II, CB, Alabama

Patrick Surtain II #2 of the ... — Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images
Patrick Surtain II of the Alabama Crimson Tide reacts after intercepting a pass intended for Austin Shaw #13 of the New Mexico State Aggies at Bryant-Denny Stadium on Sept. 7, 2019 in Tuscaloosa, Ala.

“This is a position in Denver that was beat up pretty badly last season and could use an influx of talent. Surtain might not be better in the eyes of some who prefer Virginia Tech’s Caleb Farley. But Surtain is a very solid, well-built corner who can fit Vic Fangio’s system and be a safer pick for new GM George Paton, who might not care to make Farley, who sat out in 2020, his first selection in charge.” .

NFL.com | Bucky Brooks | Updated Feb. 1

Patrick Surtain II, CB, Alabama

“Coach Vic Fangio knows that he needs more cover corners to contain the high-powered offenses in the AFC West. Surtain is an elite CB with a refined game that could make him a star from Day 1.” .

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