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Denver Broncos 7-round mock draft 1.0

By Sayre Bedinger

Oct 3, 2015; Gainesville, FL, USA; Mississippi Rebels defensive tackle Robert Nkemdiche (5) looks on prior to the game at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 3, 2015; Gainesville, FL, USA; Mississippi Rebels defensive tackle Robert Nkemdiche (5) looks on prior to the game at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 1, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Braxton Miller (1) carries the ball as Notre Dame Fighting Irish linebacker Jaylon Smith (9) attempts to tackle in the first quarter in the 2016 Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Braxton Miller (1) carries the ball as Notre Dame Fighting Irish linebacker Jaylon Smith (9) attempts to tackle in the first quarter in the 2016 Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Jaylon Smith, LB, Notre Dame

I don’t really know what’s going to happen with Jaylon Smith on draft weekend. I could be completely wrong about this. We saw Marcus Lattimore go through a gruesome knee injury a few years back, and the 49ers took a risk on him in the 4th round.

If Smith is on a similar path of Lattimore after his gross leg injury, then the Broncos should not hesitate here in the fourth round to bring him in. He’s the best defensive player in this draft when healthy, and I mean that as no slight to the likes of Jalen Ramsey.

Smith is just that good.

With the loss of Danny Trevathan, the Broncos will occupy the ILB spot with Todd Davis, who started in place of injured Nate Irving in 2014. Behind him will be Corey Nelson and Zaire Anderson, who can also excel on special teams. The Broncos need depth at linebacker, but they can also afford to redshirt Smith for a year and see if he’s able to get healthy.

Even if — Heaven forbid — he’s never able to play football again, this is a risk worth taking.

Next: 5th round

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