Denver Broncos add defensive firepower in 7-round mock draft

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Sep 21, 2019; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators defensive back Trey Dean III (21) celebrates as he intercepted the ball in the end zone against the Tennessee Volunteers during the first quarter at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Round 6, Pick 173. Daelin Hayes, DL Notre Dame

6’4″, 266 lbs

Key stats (career): 91 Tackles, 52 Solo, 17.5 Tackles for Loss, 8 Sacks, 4 Forced Fumbles, per Pro Football Reference

Daelin Hayes has excellent athletic traits but has struggled to put it all together at Notre Dame. Hayes has positional versatility to either play standing up, or with a hand in the dirt.

Hayes has the potential to be an explosive pass-rushing defensive end, but he must learn the nuances of the NFL game. A year of learning behind an experienced defensive line will serve him well. Look for Hayes to make an impact in 2022 as a situational rusher.

Hayes is the number 193 overall player on The Draft Network.

Round 7, Pick 193. Trey Dean III, DB Florida

6’3″, 194 lbs

Key Stats (career): 58 Tackles, 36 Solo, 4 Tackles for Loss, 2 Sacks, 2 Interceptions, 6 Passes Defended, per Pro Football Reference

Trey Dean III has great size and could be a huge part of the Broncos’ defensive plans moving forward. Dean played primarily corner at Florida, but he has played in the slot and has been successful as a blitzer.

I envision Trey Dean as a tight end eraser and a matchup weapon for bigger receivers in the NFL. The Broncos have struggled to find an answer for slowing down tight ends, but Dean could be an answer. Dean will have to improve his coverage skills and add some weight, but he has excellent length and instincts to shut down the NFL’s best tight ends.

Trey Dean III is the number 226 overall player for The Draft Network.

Pick 205. Khyiris Tonga, DT BYU

6’4″, 322 lbs

Key stats (career): 112 Tackles, 63 Solo, 15.5 Tackles for Loss, 8 Sacks, 9 Passes Defended, 1 Forced Fumble per Pro Football Reference

A four-year starter at BYU, Khyiris Tonga is a massive human being. Tonga will be a solid depth piece for the Denver Broncos, who are currently feeling the effects of life without Mike Purcell.

Tonga has great pass rush skills for a man of his size. While he isn’t an elite run defender, Tonga should see time early on as a situational pass rusher, and could take over a Shelby Harris role in 2022 should the Broncos fail to retain Harris.

Khyiris Tonga is the number 171 overall player on The Draft Network.

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