Call this latest Broncos mock draft tracker the edge rusher edition.
Perhaps with the speculation and wishful thinking that Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers could be Broncos bound (one such scenario is listed below), several mock drafters have zeroed in on finding a replacement for Von Miller in Denver. The Broncos ranked 18th in the NFL in sacks (36) last season and 23rd in quarterback knockdowns (45), .
Among the names popping up is Florida State’s Jermaine Johnson II. A strong showing at the Senior Bowl practices has his stock rising — and landing in Denver with the No. 9 pick, according to two mock drafts.
Here’s a look at who national draftniks are thinking will land in Denver.
CBS Sports | Ryan Wilson | Updated Feb. 22
Jermaine Johnson II, Edge, Florida State
“The Broncos have their new coach in Nathaniel Hackett who, incidentally, has ties to Aaron Rodgers. If Rodgers isn’t behind Door No. 2, Denver could certainly consider drafting a QB here but instead we have them taking one of the most athletic edge rushers in the class. No one had a better Senior Bowl week than Jermaine Johnson. We liked his 2021 tape a lot, but thought of him as a fringe 1st/2nd-rounder. He put any such doubts to rest with a dominating practice week in Mobile.” .
NFL.com | Daniel Jeremiah | Updated Feb. 22
Jermaine Johnson II, Edge, Florida State
“Johnson continues to check every box. He followed up a productive fall with a dominant week at the Senior Bowl. Denver could draft a QB but there are veteran options available.” .
USA Today | Mark Schofield | Updated Feb. 18
George Karlaftis, Edge, Purdue
“The idea here is that the Denver Broncos, one of the teams that could make a legitimate case at being just “a quarterback away,” look to address that position via a veteran rather than the draft. Provided that is their plan, they can look to add on the edge after the Von Miller trade. George Karlaftis is explosive off the edge, with a solid pass-rushing plan for each snap and he displayed good hands on the outside throughout his college career. With a need to find a replacement for Miller, the Broncos do just that. Of course, this assumes they have addressed the quarterback needs through other means.” .
NFL.com | Cynthia Frelund | Updated Feb. 11
Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah
“Could I have put a QB here? Sure. But I believe, heading into Super Bowl LVI, that Denver will be a big player in the veteran QB market. My model also doesn’t believe that any of the draft-eligible QBs are prudent picks at No. 9 overall (especially in this no-trades-allowed mock). Now that that’s out of the way, we can talk about Lloyd, given one of the highest ceilings in this entire class by my model, in large part due to his high production in each of the areas he was asked to handle: blitzing off the edge, coverage, taking on blocks and covering tight ends, among others. Computer vision shows he has elite pursuit (top 90th percentile in ability to get his hips in the right direction toward the ball) on passing plays in zone coverage.” .
Sporting News | Vinnie Iyer | Updated Feb. 13
Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah
“The Broncos should be strongly considered in play for Aaron Rodgers after hiring former Packers offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett as their head coach. So for now, until that situation is settled or not during the free agency period, it would make sense to pivot to the rangy, active Lloyd, given both Alexander Johnson and Josey Jewell are pending free agents.” .
NFL.com | Lance Zierlein | Updated Feb. 8
David Ojabo, Edge, Michigan
“Unless the Broncos grade this year’s QB class differently than I expect, Ojabo could very well be the pick. He’s not ready as a run defender but his pass-rush talent is undeniable.” .
NFL.com | Chad Reuter | Updated Feb. 14
Kenny Pickett, QB, Pittsburgh
“Pickett’s double-jointed thumb should not distract people from his ability to lead an offense. The Broncos will appreciate his underrated athleticism and competitive nature.” .
Other Broncos picks:
- Second round, 40th pick: Nik Bonitto, Edge, Oklahoma
- Second round, 64th pick: Channing Tindall, LB, Georgia
- Third round, 75th pick: DeMarvin Leal, DT, Texas A&M
- Third round, 96th pick: Coby Bryant, CB, Cincinnati
The Draft Network | Damian Parson | Updated Feb. 21
Derek Stingley Jr., CB, LSU
“This defense has Bryce Callahan and Kyle Fuller due to hit the open market. Adding Derek Stingley Jr. opposite of his SEC brethren Patrick Surtain II would give this defense a “No Fly Zone” type of vibe. Uber-athletic and technically sound, Stingley Jr. remains my CB1.” .
CBS Sports | Chris Trapasso | Updated Feb. 23
Travon Walker, DL, Georgia
“Walker is bound to be picked early because of his athleticism at around 275 pounds. The Broncos have to maintain the strength of their defensive front.” .
Bleacher Report | Zach Buckley | Updated Feb. 22
Malik Willis, QB, Liberty
“There is an abundance of talent at other positions, though, and quarterback-needy clubs might climb the ladder anyway and hope for the best.” .
Trade scenario
Pro Football Focus | Austin Gayle | Updated Feb. 21
Broncos trade pick to Green Bay
Broncos get: QB Aaron Rodgers
Packers get: 2022 first-round pick (USC WR Drake London), 2023 first-round pick, 2022 second-round pick and 2022 third-round pick
“The writing is on the wall for 2021 NFL MVP and future Hall of Fame signal-caller Aaron Rodgers to play elsewhere in 2022. And after hiring former Packers offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett as head coach this offseason, Denver is a likely trade destination for Rodgers if both parties can get a deal done.” .
