Denver Broncos 2015 NFL Mock Draft: 7-Round Predictions

The annual NFL Scouting Combine is coming up, and the Denver Broncos are making preparations of how to improve the team and get ready for another run at the Super Bowl.

With free agency unknown at this point, it’s tough to get a true grasp on what the Broncos will target in the draft, but you can get an idea of some prospects they’ll take a look at through this seven round mock I’ve put together.

1. First Round, 28th overall: Carl Davis, DT, Iowa

This might seem like a bit of a surprising pick considering the Broncos’ significant need on the offensive line, but I think they will address the primary needs at right tackle and center/guard via free agency, and look to the first round of the draft to take the best player available. The best player available is certainly something that’s up for debate in any mock draft at any selection, especially when you’re looking at the bottom of the first round, but I think Davis would be a really good fit for the Broncos.

He is a 6-5, 320 pound disruptive force on the defensive interior that can eat up blockers, penetrate, make plays in the backfield, and I think the sky is the limit for him. Davis might need to be a two-down player or rotational guy his first year in the NFL as he gets his conditioning up, but this is a player with great size and technique that I think could be an absolute beast in Wade Phillips’ defense playing the nose, playing end, and generally wherever the Broncos would use him.

With Terrance Knighton possibly leaving via free agency, the defensive line becomes a bit of a question mark. The Broncos can try to re-sign him at a hometown discount, or they can rely on the young talent they already have. If they are running a 3-4, that means the top three defensive linemen would be Derek Wolfe, Malik Jackson, and Sylvester Williams. That’s not a bad group for the Broncos, but Williams is a former first round pick that has been a bit of a disappointment thus far.

Davis has the ability to step in and make an impact right away with incredible strength, size, and penetrating ability.

2. Second Round: Cody Prewitt, S, Ole Miss

Free safety built more like a strong safety or linebacker, the Broncos will have to determine whether or not Prewitt’s athleticism is good enough to warrant a second round pick, but his overall safety play and game film look good enough to make this kind of investment.

On the hoof, Prewitt is a 6-2, 225 pound safety prospect who has 11 interceptions over the last three seasons, including six as a junior. He looks like a stud NFL safety physically, but what does the tape say?

Prewitt doesn’t have great hip mobility because of his size, but he covers a lot of ground and can play upfield or centerfield. Plus, this —

The Broncos could lose Rahim Moore and Quinton Carter to free agency. If that’s the case, safety jumps near the top of the list of needs on this team, and this guy is currently among the best free safeties in the draft.

3. Third Round: Josue Matias, OL, Florida State

Mauler at the left guard position who can also play tackle if need be. If the Broncos keep Orlando Franklin, he could move back to right tackle but even if he doesn’t, they need a contingency plan at tackle/guard. Michael Schofield was selected in 2014 as a tackle/guard with great size as well.

Matias is a long-time starter with a mean streak that could be an interesting fit in Gary Kubiak’s offense. With some holes likely addressed in free agency, the Broncos can keep adding young depth and future starters.

4. Fourth Round (Compensatory pick): Stephone Anthony, ILB, Clemson

With their top compensatory pick, the Broncos take Stephone Anthony, the inside linebacker out of Clemson. They are currently loaded at the linebacker positions right now but there are plenty of question marks, specifically with size on the inside. Anthony is a team leader in tackles who also racked up 25 tackles for loss in the past two seasons. He is a very underrated inside linebacker who checks in at 6-3, 245. He has the physical skill set and production to be a really nice pick in the fourth round.

5. Fifth Round (from Bears): Xavier Williams, DT, Northern Iowa

Underrated due to playing at Northern Iowa, Williams is a nose tackle prospect with a ferocious motor and plays with great leverage. Excellent functional strength and a guy who can develop into a really nice rotational piece and eventual starter on a defensive line, especially in the Broncos’ new look defense.

6. Fifth Round: Shaq Mason, OL, Georgia Tech

Mason may out-price himself out of this range but he is a guy who has incredible power for his size that can play any of the interior line positions, some feeling he projects best to the center spot. Playing at Georgia Tech, Mason also has plenty of experience in an offense that utilizes moving linemen, so he should fit right in to a zone scheme.

7. Sixth Round: Wes Saxton, TE/H-Back, South Alabama

Intriguing small school pass catching tight end/h-back prospect, Saxton would be a nice developmental replacement for Julius Thomas while the Broncos continue to bring along Virgil Green and sign a veteran like Owen Daniels. Saxton has hands, length, speed, and nice size. If he can grow as a blocker, he could be a steal in the sixth.

8. Sixth Round (Compensatory pick): Andrew Donnal, OT, Iowa

Every year, the Hawkeyes crank out pro-ready offensive linemen, and it’s because Kirk Ferentz is a pro-caliber offensive line guru. With excellent coaching already, Donnal is a prospect that is more pro ready than he is given credit, and could be a dark-horse candidate to play some right tackle for the Broncos.

9. Sixth Round (Compensatory pick): Erick Dargan, S, Oregon

Special teams a strength already, Dargan had 95 tackles, seven interceptions, and two forced fumbles this past season. He is built really well at just under six-feet and 210 pounds. This would be a nice pick for depth at a position of need for the Broncos.

10. Seventh Round (Compensatory pick): C.J. Uzomah, TE, Auburn

Uzomah looks like an NFL tight end at 6-5, 265 pounds, but was underutilized at Auburn. He has more NFL potential than he showed as a Tiger, and is a former wide receiver who has a really nice upside in the 7th round.