I am a huge fan of the NFL draft, my viewing time of NFL content increases in the offseason, as I seek out information on the players emerging from the NCAA and heading into the NFL. With the national title being won by Joe Burrow and the LSU Tigers, I feel that it is now the right time to look ahead to who the Broncos could bring in, when the Draft is held in Las Vegas on April 23^rd.

The Broncos have the 15^th pick in the first round of the draft, not an ideal position to be picking in, it was bittersweet to send the Raiders on their way to Las Vegas with a defeat at Mile High, but that win saw us lose 5 places in the pecking order. This, could cost us the chance to secure the number one Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy from Alabama, but will still allow John Elway to pick up a player who can be pivotal to our team for the next 10 years. Where am I focussing? There are many holes on the roster, but we need juice in offense, genuine elite speed for Drew Lock to be aiming at, as well as some ballast on the Offensive line to protect the Missouri man. Using the simple but effective mock Draft tool at www.thedraftnetwork.com/mock-draft-machine I have made several attempts at picking 7 rounds of talent who I would like to see heading to Denver next season.

Round 1 Pick 15

Henry Ruggs III- Wide Receiver Alabama (Highlights Here)

The Kansas City Chiefs have broken their Superbowl drought this year, mainly due to the explosiveness of their offense, which has seen them pull away from teams when playing Knockout Football. This draft has insane Wide Receiver depth, so far, the predictor has Jeudy going as the first wide man. Next is Cedee Lamb from Oklahoma, the dilemma for the Broncos will be who they pick between Ruggs and Colorado Buffalo Laviska Shenault Jr.  As the week has progressed Ruggs has been claimed just before the Broncos pick, I would be extremely happy with the versatile Shenault, but Ruggs gets my pick here. He has the potential to match Tyreek Hill for Speed, which combined with the thin Denver air, could see Lock racking up some serious yards to Ruggs for years to come. The ceiling is extremely high for Ruggs, due to his speed, the only concern I have? Is for every Tyreek Hill, there is a John Brown, players who smash the NFL combine and then fail to live up to the hype on the field. Shenault has missed significant game time with injuries in Boulder, which could see him missing more time in the NFL. So it’s Ruggs for me, for now.

Round 2 Pick 46

Tyler Biadasz Centre Wisconsin (Highlights Here)

Andrew Mason has been praising the aggressive leader of the fabled Wisconsin offensive line, which Jonathan Taylor has been feasting behind for the last few seasons. Since Matt Paradis exited the scene, Connor McGovern has been shaky starter who had significant issues snapping the ball last off season. McGovern is seeking a new contract, with the DNVR podcast stating this could be for as much as $10 million dollars. That’s too much for me, let’s get a talented, hungry player in who can work under offensive line coach Mike Munchak to hone is skills at the next level. I like the idea of Biadasz alongside Dalton Risner, who impressed in his rookie season. This is Biadasz’s farewell video to the Wisoncin Badgers.

Round 3 The third round, sees Denver have three picks, this is the crucial time of the draft, the make or break round where we can hope to pick up some talent with points to prove or injuries to overcome.

Pick 77 Trey Adams Left Tackle  Washington (Highlights here)

6ft 8inches tall and weighing 327lbs, Adams is a giant of a man, with a ruthless edge. But, he has struggled with injury during his time at College. With Garret Bolles facing unprecedented scrutiny heading into his 4^th season, Adams can come in, get healthy and then aim to claim the starting Left Tackle role. Would provide security to Drew Lock and protect his blindside, could also be a useful player in the run game, with Adams, Biadasz and Risner our front line looks fierce.

Pick 83 Darney Holmes Cornerback UCLA (Highlights Here)

I think Free agency plays a bigger role than the draft in the future of the Cornerback division in Denver this year, are we going to bring Chris Harris Jr back for his last contract, or see who else is available. Holmes is an athletic player who has shown up well for UCLA in his college Career, he also adds value on special teams, which is always welcome in my book. Holmes is still a work in progress, but he can learn and shows to have more ability than some of the other CB’s we have drafted in recent history. Holmes appears to be a good tackler and an Athletic presence in the backfield.

Pick 96 Jordyn Brooks Linebacker Texas Tech (Highlights Here)

A lively Middle linebacker, who plays at a high tempo, Linebacker is not as much of a need, due to A.J Johnson’s emergence last season, but I would like to see a new face in the mix for training camp.

Round 4 Pick 108 Kyle Dugger Safety Lenoir-Rhyne (Higlights Here)

Small school superstar, who was a two time team captain in College. Dugger has been a standout performer on Defense and on special teams. If John Elway decides to let Will Parks go, Dugger can add depth alongside Justin Simmonds and Kareem Jackson in the Safety department.

Round 5 pick 128 Antonio Gibson Running Back/ Wide Receiver Memphis (Highlights Here)

Elway, will want to replace Devontae Booker who has regressed over the last few seasons. I am sold on the idea of bringing him to Denver, he has been the figurehead of the Memphis offense, lining up at Running back and Wide receiver, he has played a similar role to Leviska Shenault Jr at Colorado. Gibson has size and speed, he has been invited to the Senior Bowl in Mobile Alabama and I feel his stock will rise considerably after his week in the spotlight. He measured in at 6ft 2 inches and weighed 223 pounds at the official Senior Bowl measuring and has already impressed with his media appearances. He adds versatility, speed and power to any team. I would love, to see Gibson in Denver, working alongside Philip Lindsay as a Fizz and Bang type Running back duo. Watch out for Gibson’s name.

Round 6 pick 161 LaBryan Ray- Defensive Edge Alabama (Highlights Here)

Ray, has struggled with injuries and has also been caught up in some off field drama during his time in Tuscaloosa, but he is a big guy, who was once the number 26 recruit in the country at high school. Would he develop from being around Miller and Chubb, well, he could be in worse places to try. A decent pick for the 6^th round, In reality I don’t think we will pick Ray at this point and feel that Elway would prefer to gamble on players from other schools than Alabama. But the prospect of Ray coming into the Denver, provides Food for thought.

Round 7 pick 214- Charleston Rambo- Wide receiver Oklahoma. (Highlights Here)

Now Rambo, sticks out for a few reasons, he is lightning quick, but is a very slight player who could struggle to cope with the big hits in the professional league. But, that pace could cause problems for teams, if he can catch the ball. Would Rambo be worth a punt? Or could he come in as a punt returner?

‘Dude has absolute Wheels, off the line and in space…….. Desperately in need of increased thickness in his trunk and legs, which could lean to a drain on his top speed’

Ben Solak’s key observations on Charleston Rambo on thedraftnetwork.com

There we have it, a draft focused on providing some gas and physicality to the Offense. A post Senior Bowl mock draft could be very different. I will try and return to my mock Draft in four weeks’ time, to see what changes I would make. I appreciate that there is a lack of balance to this draft, this was done with the focus being on speed.