Denver Broncos mock draft: Kirk Cousins and trading down

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - DECEMBER 31: Kirk Cousins #8 of the Washington Redskins throws a pass during the first half of their game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on December 31, 2017 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Ed Mulholland/Getty Images) /

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First Round (from Cardinals): Will Hernandez, LG, UTEP

If the Broncos secure Kirk Cousins in free agency, their draft becomes extremely flexible.

People seem to think the Broncos have a wide range of immediate needs, but the reality is, they have just a few really glaring needs and then other areas that could be upgraded, or that need depth.

One of the Broncos’ pressing needs is at left guard, and a player like Will Hernandez is exactly what the doctor ordered.

I don’t care if you take Quenton Nelson at five overall, or if you get Hernandez somewhere else in the first round, but getting one of those two players would be an instant upgrade to two, if not three positions on the line.

Adding Hernandez would obviously make the entire interior line for the Broncos stronger, but it would also tremendously help Garett Bolles at left tackle.

Hernandez is one of the most pro-ready players I think that you could find in this year’s draft. He’s got great size, functional strength, foot quickness, and he is both a mauler in the running game and a brick wall in the passing game.

This guy is going to be a stud at the next level for a very long time.

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