Broncos Draft #9, Who are the Possibilities?
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Broncos 2022 NFL Draft Selection Possibilities
The Denver Broncos have officially made a bad habit of drafting in the top 15 of the NFL draft, with four straight drafts: Chubb (5th), Fant (traded back, but this was a #10 overall pick originally), Jerry Jeudy (15th overall), and most recently Patrick Surtain II (9th overall) … Now, for the fifth straight season, the Denver Broncos have a bottom 15 selection, pick at the number nine spot.
Many in the fan base have argued since the season ended and even before the season ended, that the Broncos would package our draft picks and players, for an elite aging quarterback like Aaron Rodgers, Russell Wilson, Kirk Cousins, and that may still happen. Some have argued that we may trade or pursue a non-elite, veteran quarterback like Jimmy Garoppolo or Ryan Tannehill. However, in the event the Broncos keep their pick, and are on the clock in April on the first day of the draft… what are the positions of need and who are the best players available?
Positions of Need
In a previous article, I went over the Broncos pending in-house free agents and made my best determination on who I suspect will stay and who will likely be gone. I will be using those previous assumptions to detail what I believe are the positions of need.
Right Tackle – The Denver Broncos have had an absolute blast of a time trying to nail down a long-term starter at right tackle, and as a fan it’s literally been a nightmare. This last season, we tried out both veterans Bobbie Massie and Cam Flemming, both played fine, but both are unrestricted free agents and likely championship or money hunting at this point in their careers. This draft has four top 15 selections who are offensive linemen, three of which are offensive tackles
Edge Rusher – Malik Reed is a Restricted Free Agent, and might be the recipient of the Franchise Tag, but in my honest opinion he should not be. I don’t think he played well enough or put up the numbers to warrant a giant annual salary. Edge Rusher command huge salaries nowadays, but I honestly just don’t think he earned that. If another team is willing to pay him, then I’m happy for him, but the Broncos should not reward him with a giant contract. If he ends up back on a mid-level pass rusher salary, then I can support that, but anything above top-20 pass rusher pay and I think is a mistake. I think the franchise tag will also make him overpaid as well. I believe this draft has 3-4 top 10 selection edge rushers and you can get better at that position in an instant.
Inside Linebacker – The Broncos started seven different inside linebackers this past season with Josey Jewell, Alexander Johnson, Kenny Young, Baron Browning, Jonas Griffith, Justin Strnad, and Micah Kiser at one point or another. Three of those players (Jewell, Johnson, Young) are Unrestricted Free Agents, and Jonas Griffith is on the free agent list, but the Broncos have an exclusive rights FA deal with him… The Broncos are going likely tag one of those players to avoid losing so much depth at the position. But with the major health concern at the ILB role, this could very well be one of the Broncos first three round selections.
Cornerback Depth – No secret the Broncos attacked the 2021 off-season with the idea of bolstering the cornerback position… bringing in Ronald Darby, Patrick Surtain II, Kyle Fuller and getting Bryce Callahan back from injury. Unfortunately, Kyle Fuller, Bryce Callahan, Mike Ford, and Nate Hairston are all unrestricted free agents and are likely gone this off-season. This leaves Patrick Surtain II, Ronald Darby, coming off an injury, and Michael Ojemudia as the remaining three corners on the roster. If Derek Stingley Jr is there at pick 9, I think the Broncos would have to be insane to pass that opportunity up.
Potential Options at Pick 9
Derek Stingley Jr – Cornerback – This is a pipe dream as many have viewed him as a sure thing top-5 pick since his freshmen year at LSU. Crazier things have happened, and who knows if another flurry of quarterback selections happens early in the first round, which has been known to happen.
Evan Neal – Right Tackle – Personally I think he will be off the board before the Broncos are on the clock, but the reality of the situation is that he’s exactly what they need. A giant, robust, athletic, versatile Right Tackle, that can come in and command the right side of the offensive line for the next 5-10 years. If there was a perfect pick, I think this is it. Him falling to pick nine isn’t unrealistic, but the Giants select two times ahead of Denver and they have a massive hole at RT with Nate Solder likely leaving in free agency.
Devin Llyod – Linebacker – Four interceptions in 2021, seven sacks, six pass deflections, he is the complete package for an inside linebacker. Team Captain and leader for a Utah team that went 10-4 and was the 12th ranked team in CFP rankings to end the season. Lloyd could be that inside presence that competes with Kelce and Waller, and anchors the defense inside out. The Broncos historically have not valued inside linebackers with first round grades, and have routinely passed on elite talent at the position, despite it being a weakness of the team in the past.
George Karlaftis – Edge – He’s a versatile edge rusher with explosive first step, that can line up on either side of the formation. He’s got a knack for getting his hands on the ball and can get to the quarterback in a hurry. Lining up opposite of Bradley Chubb, Karlaftis could wreak havoc on opposing teams and together they could resuscitate the Broncos vaunted pass rush duos, from the past. His highlight reel shows he has elite play recognition and sniffs out play action, RPO and deception incredibly well.
Charles Cross and Ikem Ekwonu – Left Tackles – I lump both players together because I feel like drafting a left tackle and slotting them in at right tackle is risky… I don’t believe the Broncos select either since Garrett Bolles is a pro-bowler and under contract long term. I think if one of these guys falls to pick nine, the Broncos will have to think long and hard as they might grade out as the top two tackles in the draft, but they don’t really fit the position we need them to. Other tackles in the past have made the transition, but it doesn’t feel like that’s a successful strategy, and pro-bowl caliber players have made statements saying the transition is tough.
Pro Football Focus would have the Broncos select Tyler Linderbaum, the Center from Iowa, who had the highest PFF grade for the last two seasons of all Centers, and the highest grade for a center ever from a Power Five school. He is their ninth highest rated player this draft. Unlikely selection by the Broncos, in my opinion since Lloyd Cushenberry III seems to be improving and incredibly important to the offensive line. The single game he missed this past season, the Broncos offensive line fell apart against the Raiders, running backs mustered only eight yards on 14 carries that game. I think all six of those prospects would fill a need for the Broncos, as well as possibly being the best player available. I ranked those players top down the way I’d love to see the team select them if all were available
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