There was a shakeup in the NFL draft landscape last week. San Francisco jumped to the No. 3 spot after a trade with Miami and many draft experts are expecting the 49ers to pursue a quarterback with the pick.
Meanwhile, the Broncos shored up their defensive secondary in recent weeks, picking up cornerbacks Ronald Darby and Kyle Fuller, as well as securing safety Justin Simmons to a long-term deal.
So, what now for Denver? Do they still look at another cornerback in Caleb Farley or Patrick Surtain II? Will they (or rather can they) entertain a quarterback with the No. 9 pick? How about beefing up the inside linebacking corps?
Here’s a look at who national draftniks are thinking will land in Denver.
SB Nation | James Dator | Updated March 30
Caleb Farley, CB, Virginia Tech
“If this draft broke in a way that allowed the Broncos to get a quarterback I assume they’d go in that direction, but instead of reaching for a passer, Denver waits and gets the best cornerback in the draft. Denver allowed 66 percent of opposing passes to be completed last year, and Farley will go a long way to fixing that.” .
Sporting News | Vinnie Iyer | Updated March 25
Caleb Farley, CB, Virginia Tech
“The Broncos will think about quarterback if either Lance or Fields drops, but their other big need lines up close with the best player available value. Denver did spend to land former Washington starter Ronald Darby, but could use a strong second option on the back end of Vic Fangio’s defense. Farley was one of the first top prospects to opt out for his final college season. He has great size and solid all-around coverage skills to the point he can develop into a sound shutdown player.” .
NFL.com | Lance Zierlein | Updated March 29
Justin Fields, QB, Ohio State
“Selecting Fields would be a bold — but potentially necessary — move for the team to take the next step.” .
ESPN | Mel Kiper Jr. | Updated March 23
Micah Parsons, LB, Penn State
Denver trades No. 9 pick (Oregon OT Penei Sewell) to Minnesota for No. 14 pick and other future selections.
“Denver moves down five spots in my projected trade and still gets the best off-ball linebacker in this class, a defender with the flexibility to play every linebacker spot. He could also put his hand in the dirt and rush the passer. Parsons opted out of the 2020 season, and I’m excited to see how he tests at his pro day on March 25. There’s a wide range on where Parsons could go, but his athletic testing numbers could make him a top-15 lock. I had thought this team would target a corner at No. 9, and that could still be an option with Kyle Fuller getting only a one-year deal in free agency.” .
CBS Sports | Pete Prisco | Updated March 30
Micah Parsons, LB, Penn State
“They upgraded in a big way at corner in free agency by landing Kyle Fuller and Ronald Darby, so it’s time up improve the linebacker group. Parsons can be an every-down player. He does have some character questions.” .
CBS Sports | Ryan Wilson | Updated March 29
Micah Parsons, LB, Penn State
“The Broncos addressed their secondary in free agency so they target the best LB in the class here. Parsons is coming off an impressive pro day and Denver has very little depth at the position.” .
Other Broncos picks:
- Second round (40th overall pick): Levi Onwuzurike, DL, Washington
- Third round (71st overall pick): Michael Carter, RB, North Carolina
Los Angeles Times | Sam Farmer | Updated March 29
Micah Parsons, LB, Penn State
“Parsons, who ran a 4.39-second 40-yard dash, fits what coach Vic Fangio wants to do. Parsons is similar to Roquan Smith, who played for Fangio in Chicago.” .
Pro Football Focus | Austin Gayle | Updated March 29
Micah Parsons, LB, Penn State
“The Broncos’ biggest need is quarterback, but if Carolina and New England target signal-callers early in the draft, it’s likely five will have come off the board before Denver’s selection at No. 9 overall. Vic Fangio and company would have no choice but to enter the 2021 season with Drew Lock as the starter and take the best player available in the first round.
“Fangio can get the best out of Parsons at the next level and should put him in a position to make an immediate impact at off-ball linebacker.” .
Other Broncos picks:
- Second round (40th overall pick): Jackson Carman, OL, Clemson
NFL.com | Chad Reuter | Updated March 26
Rashawn Slater, OT, Northwestern
“The Broncos brought in veteran cornerbacks Ronald Darby and Kyle Fuller as free agents, so they use this selection to solidify their offensive line. Slater’s pro-day athleticism test results were similar to those of eight-time Pro Bowler Trent Williams. Slater could easily play right tackle for the Broncos to go with Garett Bolles on the left side. That said, GM George Paton made it clear he’s not ruling out bringing in another quarterback to compete with Drew Lock, so it won’t be a shock if they’re in the mix to move up and nab a signal-caller.” .
Other Broncos picks:
- Second round (40th overall pick): Nick Bolton, LB, Missouri
- Third round (71st overall pick): Davis Mills, QB, Stanford
- Fourth round (114th overall pick): Ta’Quon Graham, DT, Texas
CBS Sports | Chris Trapasso | Updated March 29
Patrick Surtain II, CB, Alabama
“The Broncos need to rebuild their secondary, and Surtain is a good start.” .
Other Broncos picks:
- Second round (40th overall pick): Joseph Ossai, LB, Texas
- Third round (71st overall pick): Darius Stills, DL, West Virginia
- Fourth round (114th overall pick): Andre Cisco, S, Syracuse
- Fifth round (153rd overall pick): Kary Vincent Jr., CB, LSU
- Sixth round (193rd overall pick): Larry Borom, OL, Missouri
- Seventh round (237th overall pick): Mekhi Sargent, RB, Iowa
- Seventh round (239th overall pick): Victor Dimukeje, DE, Duke
- Seventh round (254th overall pick): Damon Hazelton, WR, Missouri
