Denver Broncos mock draft: Finding the missing pieces
![SOUTH BEND, IN - OCTOBER 17: Quenton Nelson #56 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish celebrates after a 10-yard touchdown reception by Corey Robinson against the USC Trojans in the fourth quarter of the game at Notre Dame Stadium on October 17, 2015 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) SOUTH BEND, IN - OCTOBER 17: Quenton Nelson #56 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish celebrates after a 10-yard touchdown reception by Corey Robinson against the USC Trojans in the fourth quarter of the game at Notre Dame Stadium on October 17, 2015 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/https-3A-2F-2Fpredominantlyorange-com-2Fwp-content-2Fuploads-2Fgetty-images-2F2017-2F07-2F493146200-usc-v-notre-dame-jpg-8f9556d2141135e0590da13db4527aedbb06e13339a4dbd896292fa33594e9f9.jpg)
Third Round (pick 2/2): M.J. Stewart, DB, North Carolina
If the Broncos lose Aqib Talib to free agency, they’re going to need to add some more swagger to the defensive backfield.
M.J. Stewart is certainly a player that can bring toughness at either cornerback or safety.
If Talib is out, that means Bradley Roby and Chris Harris Jr. are manning the outside spots and Stewart is a player capable of kicking inside and playing nickel.
This would allow the Broncos to keep using Will Parks in a safety/linebacker hybrid role and keep options open in the defensive backfield.
Stewart had one of the best weeks of practice at the Senior Bowl, showing his abilities in man coverage. I would love to have this type of aggressive player at the nickel spot.