Led by general manager George Paton, the Broncos’ coaching and personnel staffs started their final stage of draft meetings Monday, 23 days before the first round and 24 days before they are on the clock.
The Broncos traded their first- and second-round picks to Seattle last month in a package to acquire quarterback Russell Wilson so the biggest position of need was filled, with a thunderbolt.
But (Part 1): The Broncos still have eight selections, including two apiece in rounds 3-4.
But (Part 2): They need those picks. Wilson, pass rusher Randy Gregory, defensive end/nose tackle D.J. Jones, and nickel back K’Wuan Williams are in the fold, but other needs must still be addressed.
Here is our first projection of the Broncos’ mock draft:
Second round (No. 64)
S Lewis Cine, Georgia
Why: The Broncos haven’t re-signed veteran Kareem Jackson or declared Caden Sterns to be his replacement so going safety with this selection makes sense.
Cine (6-foot-2, 199 pounds) ran the 40-yard dash in 4.37 seconds at the scouting combine, adding to a terrific junior year during which he had 73 tackles and nine pass breakups for the national champions. Cine’s speed and tackling ability would be a fit in the Broncos’ scheme, which requires versatile safeties.
Third round (No. 75)
OLB Nik Bonitto, Oklahoma
Why: The more edge rushers, the better. Bonitto would join a group that includes Gregory, Bradley Chubb, Jonathon Cooper and Malik Reed. He would also allow Baron Browning to stay put at inside linebacker.
Bonitto (6-foot-3, 248 pounds) had 15 sacks in his last two seasons for the Sooners and ended his four-year career (39 games) with 32 tackles for lost yardage, so he exhibited an ability to do more than rush the quarterback.
Third round (No. 96)
OT Kellen Diesch, Arizona State
Why: The Broncos’ current right tackle competition includes Billy Turner (one-year deal), Calvin Anderson (one-year deal) and Tom Compton (two-year deal, but likely more useful as a reserve interior player). This would be a look-ahead pick.
Diesch (6-foot-7, 301 pounds) started his career at Texas A&M but didn’t find a role until transferring to Arizona State. He started every game for two years. He played left tackle for the Sun Devils, but could flip to the right side to provide depth and/or challenge for a spot.
Fourth round (No. 115)
DL Matthew Butler, Tennessee
Why: The Broncos signed Jones and retained DeShawn Williams, but need more run-stopping depth because 2020 third-round pick McTelvin Agim hasn’t made an impact and 2021 seventh-rounder Marquiss Spencer spent all year on the practice squad.
Butler (6-foot-4, 297 pounds) played 53 games for the Volunteers and totaled 152 tackles (16 for lost yardage) and 9 1/2 sacks. Butler had five sacks last year, which suggests he can provide an interior pass rush on third down.
Fourth round (No. 116)
RB Brian Robinson, Alabama
Why: Currently, the Broncos don’t have a backup running back to Javonte Williams under contract if they consider Mike Boone more of a core special teams player/emergency tailback option. This could change if Melvin Gordon re-signs before the draft.
Robinson (6-foot-2, 225 pounds) waited behind Damien Harris and Najee Harris, never carrying more than 96 times in his first four seasons. But as a senior he rushed 272 times for 1,343 yards and 14 touchdowns.
Fifth round (No. 145)
TE Jelani Woods, Virginia
Why: The Broncos lack tight end depth — Albert Okwuegbunam, Eric Tomlinson, sometimes fullback Andrew Beck and Shaun Beyer are under contract.
Woods was listed at 285 pounds last year by Virginia, but checked into the combine at 6-foot-7, 259 pounds, and ran the 40 in 4.61 seconds. A high school quarterback, Woods moved to tight end at Oklahoma State and had 32 catches in three years, but 44 receptions (eight touchdowns) last year for Virginia.
Sixth round (No. 206)
CB Josh Thompson, Texas
Why: The Broncos are set with their top three cornerbacks (Pat Surtain II, Ronald Darby and Williams), but need to add competition and depth.
Thompson (6-foot, 194 pounds) was limited to nine games last year because of a broken leg, but recovered to play in the Senior Bowl and ran the 40-yard dash in 4.40 seconds at the combine. He has experience playing outside and over the slot receiver and totaled 108 tackles and two interceptions in 45 games (22 starts).
Seventh round (No. 232)
CB Jack Jones, Arizona State
Why: The Broncos need to add numbers to the cornerback position. They have only five corners under contract.
Jones (5-foot-11, 171 pounds) started his career at USC, but ran into academic and off-the-field issues and attended classes at Moorpark (Calif.) College. He ended up at Arizona State, where his high school coach, Antonio Pierce, was the Sun Devils’ defensive coordinator. Jones had 10 interceptions and 140 tackles in 51 career games.
