Denver Broncos: Mock draft sends Kyler Murray, defensive help

Third round: Khalen Saunders, DL, Western Illinois

Khalen Saunders would be one of my favorite picks if the Broncos were to select him in the upcoming NFL Draft.

The Broncos have two big unrestricted free agents in the middle of their defensive line with Domata Peko and Zach Kerr’s contracts expiring. They also have a significant restricted free agent in Shelby Harris.

It’s likely at least two of those players will be back, one being Shelby Harris. With that said, the Broncos could look at upgrading the defensive line in a talent-rich draft class and Saunders in round three would be an exciting move.

He’s an explosive playmaker off the ball who absolutely dominated Senior Bowl week, not only for his play on the field but his dedication to the event which happened at the same time of the birth of his first child.

Saunders flew home to be with his family after the last practice of the week, then flew back for the game, and generated a ton of attention for his strong work on the field.

His ascent this offseason is not unlike that of Nathan Shepherd last year.

Saunders is a 6-foot-1, 320-pound nose tackle who can play all over a defensive front and open things up for the Broncos’ star edge players. This would be a fantastic pick.