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Denver Broncos mock draft: Trading down and back up again

By Sayre Bedinger

ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 02: Roquan Smith #3 of the Georgia Bulldogs reacts to winning the game MVP trophy after beating the Auburn Tigers in the SEC Championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 2, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 02: Roquan Smith #3 of the Georgia Bulldogs reacts to winning the game MVP trophy after beating the Auburn Tigers in the SEC Championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 2, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /
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Denver Broncos mock draft update: The Broncos might be the favorites to move down among teams picking in the top five. Here’s an interesting scenario…

The closer we get to the 2018 NFL Draft, the more big trade rumors are popping up. Will the Denver Broncos be one of the teams that moves up or down in the first round?

Over at NFLMocks.com, I put together a full first round mock draft scenario where the Broncos did some serious wheeling and dealing around. It started with a trade with the Buffalo Bills, which wouldn’t be all that shocking at this point, and ended with a surprise trade at the bottom of round one.

Here’s a look at the top three picks I made, as well as what they might do with the rest of their picks in this Denver Broncos mock draft scenario…

The Broncos got a haul of picks from the Bills for the 5th overall pick in the draft, and after everything transpired from picks 5-11, the Broncos were left with a very good prospect at number 12 overall…

1. 1st round, 12th overall (from Bills): Roquan Smith, LB, Georgia

Smith is a big time playmaker at the linebacker position who might be the best player at that position in a loaded draft class.

The Broncos have two linebackers that can start, but Smith excels in coverage as well as playing the first two downs, so he could be an impact player in that regard right away as well as a long-term full-time starter.

After picking Smith, the Broncos were hoping for either a cornerback or Will Hernandez to fall to the 22nd overall pick, but Hernandez went off the board at pick 20 to the Lions.

2. 1st round, 22nd overall (from Bills): Josh Jackson, CB, Iowa

After trading Aqib Talib to the Rams, the Broncos left somewhat of a void at the cornerback position. They signed Tramaine Brock, but he might  only be around this season and hasn’t played a lot in a couple of seasons.

Josh Jackson may have the best ball skills of any corner in this year’s draft, and is instinctive. He could play inside or outside for the Broncos.

Rumor has it, the Eagles are looking to trade down out of that 32nd overall pick. The Broncos could be a willing trade partner.

Maybe the QB the Broncos want is this guy…

3. 1st round, 32nd overall (from Eagles): Mason Rudolph, QB, Oklahoma State

The Broncos would obviously be paying a high price to move back into round one here, but the Eagles would be getting good value and could offer the Broncos the chance to get their QB at the bottom of round one, and the fifth-year option that comes on his contract.

This would mean the Broncos might be in the market to trade Paxton Lynch, but also doesn’t put as much pressure on Case Keenum as a top five pick might.

4. 2nd round, 56th overall (from Bills): Rashaad Penny, RB, San Diego State

After releasing C.J. Anderson, the Broncos get a back that can eat up carries and also give them big plays and return ability.

5. 3rd round, 71st overall: DaeSean Hamilton, WR, Penn State

Hamilton combines a running-back-like frame with foot quickness and excellent route running ability. He was a team leader at Penn State, and is as sure-handed as they come in this draft class. He was extremely impressive at Senior Bowl practices.

6. 3rd round, 99th overall: Geron Christian, OT, Louisville

Christian has experience at both left and right tackle, and has excellent length and foot quickness to handle edge rushers. He could be an ideal developmental tackle for the Broncos.

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7. 4th round, 106th overall: Ogbonnia Okoronkwo, EDGE, Oklahoma

The Broncos need some depth off the edge, and Okoronkwo can come in immediately and bring a third down presence when called upon.

8. 5th round, 149th overall: Tyler Conklin, TE, Central Michigan

Tight end prospect who can provide value as a pass catcher as well as play in-line as a blocker. Conklin had a really good Senior Bowl week.

9. 5th round, 160th overall: Akrum Wadley, RB, Iowa

The Broncos only have two running backs on the roster currently, and it wouldn’t surprise me to see them double up on the position. Because of Wadley’s size, they could get themselves a big time steal here in the fifth round.

Overall Thoughts

As we continue to play through some of the scenarios the Broncos are facing, this one is one of my favorites. The Broncos only add one pick in total to their overall total of eight (without anymore trades) but they fill a bunch of areas of need and places they could add depth. They get some guys that can contribute on special teams as well as right away at their primary positions, and I think there’s a good variety with this potential class.

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