ILB, TE should be top two selections
Since our initial Broncos mock draft earlier this month, the team added a ninth pick to their cupboard as a result of an NFL clerical error, re-signed safety Kareem Jackson and shifted Baron Browning from inside to outside linebacker.
The latter two developments have impacted our final attempt at projecting the Broncos’ selections.
Second round (No. 64)
ILB Troy Andersen, Montana State
Why: Browning is learning the new defense with fellow edge rushers Bradley Chubb, Randy Gregory, Malik Reed, Jonathon Cooper, Andre Mintze and Aaron Patrick. For now, that removes him from starting alongside inside linebacker Josey Jewell.
Enter Andersen, who had 147 tackles and nine pass break-ups (two interceptions) last year, leading his team to the FCS title game and unanimous All-america honors.
Previous mock draft: S Lewis Cine, Georgia.
Third round (No. 75)
TE Greg Dulcich, UCLA
Why: The Broncos have only three true tight ends under contract — Albert Okwuegbunam, Eric Tomlinson and Shaun Beyer. Not only is another body required, but a player who can be an option for quarterback Russell Wilson and a run blocker.
Dulcich (6-foot-4, 243 pounds) had 68 catches and 10 touchdowns in his last two years for the Bruins. He has experience playing in a three-point stance and throughout the formation, so the NFL game should not be a difficult learning transition.
Previous mock draft: OLB Nik Bonitto, Oklahoma.
Third round (No. 96) Southern
OT Braxton Jones,
Utah
Why: The Broncos’ current right tackle competition includes Billy Turner (one-year deal), Calvin Anderson (one-year) and Tom Compton (two-year, but likely more useful as a reserve interior player).
Like Andersen, Jones (6-5, 310) played at the FCS level. And like Andersen, he dominated. Jones was twice named All-america and started 29 games at left tackle
and one at right tackle.
Previous mock draft: OT Kellen Diesch, Arizona State.
Fourth round (No. 115)
DL Matthew Butler, Tennessee Why: The Broncos signed D.J. Jones and retained Deshawn Williams, but need more run-stopping depth.
Butler (6-4, 297) 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.
Previous mock draft: Butler.
Fourth round (No. 116)
RB Brian Robinson, Alabama Why: 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.
Robinson (6-2, 225) 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.
Previous mock draft: Robinson.
Fifth round (No. 145) WR Velus Jones, Tennessee Why:
Even though the Broncos appear set with their top four (Courtland Sutton, Jerry Jeudy, Tim Patrick and KJ Hamler) and maybe top five (Kendall Hinton) receivers, they have a gaping hole in the return game.
Jones (6-0, 204) ran the 40-yard dash in 4.31 seconds at the scouting combine. In 61 games for USC and Tennessee, he caught 120 passes (11 touchdowns), but he would be an instant return man for the Broncos. He had kick-return averages of 24.5, 23.0, 24.3, 22.1 and 27.3 yards in his college career.
Previous mock draft: TE Jelani Woods, 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 K’waun Williams), but need to add competition to the group of Michael Ojemudia and Essang Bassey.
Thompson (6-0, 194) 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).
Previous mock draft: Thompson.
Seventh round (No. 232)
S Tariq Carpenter, Georgia Tech Why: The Broncos re-signed Jackson to a one-year contract to possibly give Caden Sterns another year to develop. But that doesn’t mean they can’t add a physical presence like Carpenter.
Carpenter (6-3, 230) played the box safety role at Georgia Tech and finished with 223 tackles and four interceptions in 52 games. He ran the 40 in 4.47 seconds at his pro day.
Previous mock draft: CB Jack Jones, Arizona State.
Seventh round (No. 234)
OLB Jeffrey Gunter, Coastal Carolina
Why: The more rushers, the better, right?
Gunter (6-4, 253) produced 174 tackles (40 for lost yardage), 18 sacks and nine forced fumbles in 48 games. He was twice a firstteam All-sun Belt selection and could be an instant sub-package rush option.