Just three weeks left before the NFL draft arrives. So do the Broncos do?
Denver Post’s Phillip Heilman has Denver selecting Penn State linebacker Micah Parsons in his second Broncos seven-round mock draft, writing “his instincts need to develop and maturity is a concern, but this pick would add a new dimension to the Broncos’ defense as a 3-4 inside linebacker.”
Meanwhile, many national writers are thinking the Broncos are thinking quarterback with names such as Justin Fields of Ohio State and Alabama’s Mac Jones floating.
So here’s a look at who national draftniks are thinking will land in Denver.
CBS Sports | Chris Trapasso | Updated April 7
Justin Fields, QB, Ohio State
“After tons of speculation about trading up, Fields falls into the Broncos’ lap. Ideal.” .
Trapasso’s other Broncos picks:
- Second round (40th overall pick): Levi Onwuzurike, DL, Washington
NFL.com | Cynthia Frelund | Updated March 30
Justin Fields, QB, Ohio State
“Same pick here as last time. Denver is in an interesting spot, with the opportunity to trade up or down, depending on the strategy at the QB position. If the team wants to add a first-round QB, Fields is a fit, but a prospect who forecasts to be in the range of a late-first or early second-round pick (that is, in the trade-down range) and who really pops for the Broncos is Michigan tackle Jalen Mayfield, who would slot in on the right side of the offensive line. Personally, I would also love to see what coach Vic Fangio would do with linebacker Zaven Collins, who also projects in that same trade-down range. Given Fangio’s teaching ability, Collins’ ability to limit both catches and yards after the catch when in coverage projects at a rate that is in the top 15 percent of the 15-season sample.” .
CBS Sports | Jeff Kerr | Updated April 2
Mac Jones, QB, Alabama
“Denver is able to take its quarterback in Jones, the fifth QB selected in the top 10. Jones is still a good prospect and could thrive with Jerry Jeudy, Courtland Sutton, Tim Patrick, and K.J. Hamler as his top four wideouts. The Broncos are a quarterback away from competing for a playoff spot — and Jones will get them in position to compete in December.” .
Sporting News | Vinnie Iyer | Updated April 5
Mac Jones, QB, Alabama
“The Broncos have taken a closer look at Jones just as their confidence in going forward into Year 3 with Drew Lock is fading. Cornerback is also less of a need with the pickups of Ronald Darby and Kyle Fuller in free agency. Now they don’t have to jump the Panthers to go QB. Jones’ strong pocket passing, quick decision-making and ample athleticism should have great appeal to George Paton and John Elway as finally a long-term solution. He can do what’s needed to excel in Pat Shurmur’s scheme, reuniting with wide receiver Jerry Jeudy and also inheriting a top receiving tight end in Noah Fant.” .
CBS Sports | Ryan Wilson | Updated April 6
Trey Lance, QB, North Dakota State
“Drew Lock has had mixed reviews in two seasons and with Trey Lance staring the Broncos in the face, it may be too good an opportunity to pass up.” .
Wilson’s other Broncos picks:
- Second round (40th overall pick): Christian Barmore, DL, Alabama
ESPN | Todd McShay | Updated April 5
Trey Lance, QB, North Dakota State
“Lance has a big arm, reads the field well and is productive as a runner. The 17-game résumé at the FCS level means he might require time to learn and develop before he is given the reins, though. Alternatively, Denver could take the opportunity to trade back with another QB-needy franchise and pick up more draft capital.” .
McShay’s other Broncos picks:
- Second round (40th overall pick): Asante Samuel Jr., CB, Florida State
Pro Football Focus | Ben Linsey | Updated April 5
Trade: Denver trades No. 9 overall pick (CB Patrick Surtain II) and more to Falcons for No. 4 overall pick
Trey Lance, QB, North Dakota State
“The Broncos have a legitimate, playoff-caliber roster assuming they get even average quarterback play. Drew Lock (62.1 PFF grade since 2019) hasn’t shown enough through his first two years in the NFL to have much confidence in that assumption entering 2021. The addition of Lance gives Denver one of the most talented quarterbacks in a loaded 2021 class and a better opportunity to find their guy at the game’s most important position.” .
ESPN | Mike Tennenbaum | Updated April 6
Micah Parsons, LB, Penn State
“Denver could do a lot of things here. The signings of Ronald Darby and Kyle Fuller push cornerback down the list, but taking Kyle Pitts to pair with Noah Fant at tight end or upgrading the offensive line could be in play. Parsons, though, can play inside or outside and impact a lot of different areas. I picture him helping to cover some of those high-end AFC West tight ends.” .
USA Today | Luke Easterling | Updated April 7
Micah Parsons, LB, Penn State
No analysis given. .
NFL.com | Daniel Jeremiah | Updated April 6
Penei Sewell, OT, Oregon
“LT Garett Bolles played really well last season, and now you add a bookend on the right side in Sewell.” .
Bleacher Report | Staff | Updated April 5
Rashawn Slater, OT, Northwestern
“Although the running back position struggled in 2020, the stable is still full of former All-Pro talent. Hopefully with a new addition like Rashawn Slater on the line, they could get back to playing as such,” Cory Giddings writes. .
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.” .
Reuter’s 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
NFL.com | Adam Rank | Updated April 1
Patrick Surtain II, CB, Alabama
“First of all, Elway, dude. You (and new GM George Paton) need to trade up if you want a quarterback. Otherwise, you’re going to have to go defense. I know a lot of people will say the Broncos filled their CB need by signing Kyle Fuller and Ronald Darby in free agency. But A) Fuller’s only on a one-year deal, and B) you can never have enough quality corners in this AFC West.” .
