PFF has dream mock draft scenario for Denver Broncos
The Denver Broncos need to use the 2017 NFL Draft to get better at tight end, offensive tackle, and receiver. This PFF mock draft would be a dream…
The Denver Broncos need to hit some home runs in the 2017 NFL Draft, and Pro Football Focus has certainly done that in a recent three-round mock draft.
PFF analyst Steve Palazzolo took a crack at a very detailed three-round mock draft, one that I think Broncos fans will be more than pleased with…
In the first round, Palazzolo picked Alabama tight end O.J. Howard for the Broncos, passing up on the available tackles to take the playmaker. That’s a scenario that Broncos fans dream of, but may not necessarily see as a reality at this point.
Howard is a top 10 player in this year’s draft, so if he falls to pick no. 20 overall, John Elway had better have someone tripping over themselves to rush a card to the commissioner. Here’s what Palazzolo had to say about the selection of Howard:
"While Ramczyk would have been a great fit, Denver adds a playmaking tight end in Howard who averaged 7.1 yards after the catch per reception over the last three years. He’s a solid run-blocker, both in-line and on the move, as he led the nation with an 81.5 run-block grade and he’s just scratching the surface on his play-making ability in the pass game where he has the size and speed to win against linebackers and safeties."
As if it could get any better than simply drafting Howard and calling it a weekend, Palazzolo wasn’t done there for Denver. In the second round, he had the Broncos snatching up Alabama’s Cam Robinson, arguably one of the best tackles in this year’s class and someone who could likely step in and start at left tackle this season.
"Denver gets their offensive tackle here, as Robinson may not have played up to his first-round hype over the last three years, but he’s continued to improve. The right situation may just get him to play up to his potential. Robinson allowed a career-low 14 QB pressures in 2016."
In the third round, the Broncos have two selections, and Palazzolo picked a pair of Big Ten players after going with two Alabama teammates. With the 82nd overall pick, the Broncos took Nebraska safety Nate Gerry, whom Palazzolo feels is a great fit for new head coach Vance Joseph.
"Another safety comes off the board, this time in the form of Nathan Gerry, who posted the No. 2 coverage grade in the nation in 2016, at 90.6. He excels in two-high looks, particularly working downhill and making plays on the ball—both good fits for new Denver head coach Vance Joseph."
With the 101st overall pick, Palazzolo picks Penn State wide receiver Chris Godwin, one of the winners of this year’s Combine and a guy who could be an instant impact playmaker as a rookie. Here’s his explanation of the pick:
"Godwin adds a potential deep threat to Denver’s offense, as he has the size, speed and ball skills to stretch the field. He uses his frame well, and will make life easier for whichever quarterback Denver trots out there in the coming years."
Selections Recap
1. O.J. Howard, TE, Alabama
2. Cam Robinson, LT, Alabama
3. Nate Gerry, S, Nebraska
4. Chris Godwin, WR, Penn State
With the Broncos’ major needs coming at left tackle and tight end, this would be an incredible start to the draft. If the first two days turned out like this, I think John Elway would be able to sleep easy knowing he’d already be essentially guaranteed to have a top five class out of this year’s crop without even knowing what would happen on day three, where he has unearthed some gems.
This would be an incredible draft for Denver.