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Denver Broncos 2017 Three-Round Mock Draft

By Steven Kriz

Dec 31, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Reuben Foster (10) during warm-ups before the 2016 CFP Semifinal against the Washington Huskies at the Georgia Dome. Alabama defeated Washington 24-7. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Reuben Foster (10) during warm-ups before the 2016 CFP Semifinal against the Washington Huskies at the Georgia Dome. Alabama defeated Washington 24-7. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 2, 2017; New Orleans , LA, USA; Oklahoma Sooners running back Joe Mixon (25) reacts with wide receiver Jarvis Baxter (1) after scoring a touchdown against the Auburn Tigers in the second quarter of the 2017 Sugar Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 2, 2017; New Orleans , LA, USA; Oklahoma Sooners running back Joe Mixon (25) reacts with wide receiver Jarvis Baxter (1) after scoring a touchdown against the Auburn Tigers in the second quarter of the 2017 Sugar Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

With the 51st pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, the Denver Broncos select Joe Mixon, Running Back, Oklahoma.

Notice a trend here?  Top-10 talent falling due to some off-the-field concerns.  Joe Mixon certainly fits that bill.  From an on-field perspective, Mixon is the best running back in this class.  However, a few years ago he was involved in a domestic violence incident in which he struck a woman in the face during an argument.  The incident was captured on tape, and has all but doomed Mixon’s hope of being a first round draft pick.

Mixon served a season-long suspension at Oklahoma and has gone through counselling following the event.  It is most certainly a very dark cloud, and would make for a very controversial pick.  However, John Elway has had Mixon in for a visit, and sources have told me that the Broncos are very high on Mixon, as they should be.

In 2016, Mixon rushed for 1,274 yards on 187 carries, good for 6.8 yards per carry.  He rushed for 10 touchdowns, but added five more receiving touchdowns for good measure.  In fact, he 37 passes for 538 yards making him the most complete back in this years draft.  Fournette is certainly a great back, but not nearly the receiving threat that Mixon is.  McCaffrey is likely a better receiver, but does not possess the size to be that workhorse back between the tackles the way Mixon does.  Again, Joe Mixon is the best running back prospect in this draft class.  Watch the tape:

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