INDIANAPOLIS– The NFL scouting combine is in the books, and that means it’s time for another seven-round Broncos mock draft.
The last mock draft explored the possibility of Denver trading back to acquire more picks. In this version, the Broncos will try to make the most out of the six picks they have.
First Round (No. 12)
LT Olu Fashanu, Penn State
Why: There are so many directions the Broncos can go with their first-round pick. Ultimately, Denver will land its left tackle of the future. Broncos head coach Sean Payton emphasized last year the importance of offensive linemen to a team’s development. At 6-foot-6, 312 pounds, Fashanu has the prototypical size for an offensive lineman. He can fit into any scheme and could be an immediate starter.
As a starter for two seasons at Penn State, Fashanu was one of the top offensive tackles in the country. Fashanu was named the 2023 Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year after he allowed zero sacks in 382 pass-blocking snaps, according to Pro Football Focus.
Third Round (No. 81 via New Orleans)
QB Spencer Rattler, South Carolina
Why: Rattler has helped his draft stock during the Reese’s Senior Bowl and the NFL combine, and he has a strong chance of being a Day 2 pick. The Broncos will take him with their lone third-round pick with the hope of him becoming a competent starter down the road. Rattler’s journey has been a rollercoaster — once a top prospect before getting benched at Oklahoma and then transferring to South Carolina — but he has the tools to play at the next level. He’s accurate, completing 68.9% of his pass attempts, and has a solid arm. Rattler can extend plays with his legs if needed and has a quick release.
Rattler’s numbers in 2023 — 3,186 passing yards, 19 touchdowns and eight interceptions — were not eye-popping. But he put up quality numbers despite dealing with inconsistent protection. Rattler was sacked 40 times — fifth-most in the country — and pressured on 37.9% of his drop backs, according to Pro Football Focus.
Fourth Round (No. 121 via Miami)
TE Theo Johnson, Penn State
Why: The Broncos need help at tight end. While Denver drafting Georgia’s tight end Brock Bowers in the first rounds sounds enticing, this mock draft has the Broncos addressing this position in the later rounds. Johnson is an athletic freak: His 40-yard dash time (4.57 seconds) and vertical jump (39.5 inches) were second among tight ends at the combine.
Adam Trautman is a free agent, while Greg Dulcich has battled hamstring issues since he has been in the league. Johnson, an All-Big Ten honorable mention in 2023, had 669 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns in his last two seasons. In 2022, he averaged 16.4 yards per reception.
Fifth Round (No. 143)
EDGE Javon Solomon, Troy
Why: Solomon didn’t have a problem getting after the quarterback in 2023. He finished with 16 sacks and three forced fumbles. He ended the season on a high note, notching 10 sacks in the final five games. Broncos edge rushers Nik Bonitto and Jonathon Cooper made strides this past season, but it wouldn’t hurt Denver to add more help in the pass rush.
Fifth Round (No. 145)
DT Mekhi Wingo, LSU
Why: Wingo missed LSU’s last five games of the regular season due to injury but returned for the Tigers’ matchup against Wisconsin in the ReliaQuest Bowl. He notched three tackles and two sacks to help his team to a 35-31 victory. Wingo will provide depth at the defensive line and potentially create a bigger role for himself in the future.
Seventh Round (No. 209)
RB Isaac Guerendo, Louisville
Why: Denver’s offense lacked speed in 2023. Guerendo has the potential to fix that issue, as he completed the 40-yard dash in 4.33 seconds — the fastest time among running backs at the combine. Guerendo, a former Wisconsin running back, rushed for 810 yards and 11 touchdowns on 132 carries in his lone season at Louisville. He was also effective as a pass catcher, totaling 234 receiving yards (10.6 yards per catch) on 22 receptions.
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