Denver Broncos Three Round Mock Draft

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Using the PFF Draft Simulator, I took a shot at the first three rounds of the 2022 NFL Draft, from the Denver Broncos perspective. The Broncos have five selections in the first three rounds, and depending on how the draft falls, could address most of their major needs (outside of quarterback) in the first three rounds.

In previous articles, I reviewed the highlight film from all three projected first round qbs, I spotlighted the likely draft picks at the #9 overall position, and covered the projected roster holes based on in house free agents and other teams free agents. Using these previous articles as a baseline, the team needs are RT, CB, LB, Edge, DI, Franchise QB.

Mock Draft Results

https://www.pff.com/draft/nfl-mock-draft-simulator?ref=e76e4edc-ee77-429d-96e0-60b03610f976

9th Overall

Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner never gave up a touchdown in his college football career. This player is long and tall at 6’3” and will immediately slot in to give the Broncos a fearsome tandem of corners for the next decade. With Fuller and Callahan likely gone in free agency, and Ronald Darby playing only two full seasons in his NFL career, first round cornerback seems like a perfect fit. With the credentials and a nickname like Sauce, he will fit in nicely on Denver’s talented defense.

Second Round

In the second round, I was able to secure a first-round talent at defensive interior in Devonte Wyatt. This is a massive defensive lineman from the University of Georgia, he is explosive and disruptive. With multiple players along the defensive line set to leave Denver in Free Agency, they get a breath of fresh talent, depth and youth along the defensive line. This pick would be a no-brainer. Drafting a top 25 talent falling to the Broncos, at a position of need, at pick 41 is a magical scenario.

Many people doing these Mocks have Denver taking a linebacker in the first round, and to me personally, I don’t believe the team will do that. History has shown that they are willing to pass up guys like Jeramiah Owusu-Koramoa, Jaylon Smith, Reggie Ragland, Devin Bush, Rueben Foster. All first or second round linebackers, that the Broncos had a shot at, when middle linebacker was a position of need. It’s not that Denver doesn’t value the position, I think they typically believe that you can get elite talent later in the draft, and using early picks on that position is wasteful.

So, as the Broncos second selection in the second round, I had the Broncos learning from their past and not repeating the Josh Allen mistake and simply taking the University of Wyoming star, at a position of need, in Linebacker Chad Muma. Muma was an absolute standout on the stout Cowboys defense. I watched a few of their games as a Colorado State fan, and he leaped off the screen as an undeniable impact player. The Broncos, as of today, only have Baron Browning under contract as far as linebackers go, and they started eight different linebackers’ last season. It was reported that the George Paton was trying hard to get Josey Jewell to resign, and many fans believe that Kenny Young must be a re-signing target as well, but as of right now both are free agents.

Third Round

Abraham Lucas was a three-year starter at right tackle and was a redshirt senior, meaning he will come to Denver with a ton of experience at a position of need. Standing at 6’7” nearly 320 lbs. he’s a monster of a human being. Abraham will need to test well at the combine, and has room for improvement and growth in pass protection, but he’s a mauler in run blocking and has a mean streak.

I chose Kirby Joseph, safety from Illinois, as my second pick in the third round because of the hole a player like Kareem Jackson leaving in free agency creates, moving Caden Sterns into the starting role, and elevating Jamar Johnson to the backup safety and special team’s ace. This opens the door depth, competition, and covering for injuries. Kirby Joseph was the highest graded player left when I was on the clock, and he fell almost 30 spots lower than his project draft position.

About Post Author

Aaron Hubert

Major Colorado sports fan who was once, for an entire year, a paid writer covering the entire Colorado sports scene. I grew up in Fort Collins, Colorado, a huge fan of all the professional sports Colorado had to offer. I played Football and Basketball in High School. I attended Colorado State University for undergrad, earning my degree in Business with a concentration in Computer Information Systems. I work as a professional Product Manager in the software development space for Fanatics.com the sports apparel company. I am a Fantasy Football and Fantasy Hockey participant, not sure if that will ever be worked into these writings, but keeping my option open! I really enjoy the process of being a huge fan of sports, being a passionate Colorado sports advocate, and using social media and writing to express my beliefs and opinions about sports.

aaronh92@hotmail.com

http://www.centennial-sports.com