ESPN NFL Draft guru Mel Kiper Jr. has released his second full first round NFL Mock Draft, and he has the Broncos taking an inside linebacker that could become the face of the Denver defense.
Kiper projects the Broncos to take Miami (FL) linebacker Denzel Perryman, who has –to this point — been considered a solid second round prospect but with the opportunity to sneak into the first round if the right situation arose. That situation could well be with the Denver Broncos, who have a need at inside linebacker and could look to address it via the draft.
Most people are projecting the Broncos to take an offensive lineman or tight end right now, but I like Kiper’s selection of Perryman. At 6-0, 242 pounds, Perryman finished this past season with 110 tackles, 9.5 for loss, three forced fumbles, and an interception. He can be the type of run-stuffing enforcer the Broncos need for the inside linebacker spot that they tried to get last year when it was reported they attempted to trade up to get Alabama’s C.J. Mosley, who was drafted by the Ravens.
Perryman is a big time hitter with speed to get to the sideline in a hurry. His height allows him to play with a low center of gravity and allow more punishing hits, driving his legs all the while.
While on the surface, Perryman seems more like a second round pick option, his stock could be on the rise after a strong week at the Senior Bowl and a really good collegiate career. I think the Broncos would do really well to pick him up.
You can see the full mock draft by Kiper Jr. (with ESPN Insider access) here.