Broncos keep building around Drew Lock in 2021 7-round mock draft

The Denver Broncos just re-signed Garett Bolles to a four-year contract extension.

That has certainly diminished the team’s “need” for an offensive tackle early in the 2021 NFL Draft, but the possibility still exists that the Broncos could pursue someone in the first three rounds at the position.

Ja’Wuan James missed most of the 2019 season due to injury. He then opted out of the 2020 season due to concerns over COVID-19.

The Broncos have cycled through so many right tackles in the last five years, but they have truly gone through more players at that position in the last 12 months than probably any other team in the NFL.

Even with James projected back at a $13 million cap number in 2021, the Broncos need to start thinking about alternatives for beyond 2021.

Alex Leatherwood has been a starter at left tackle and right guard for Alabama, showing off his versatility. If he presents himself in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft like he did in this simulation, the Broncos would have to think hard about letting him past.

At the very least, the Broncos have proven how crucial it is to have depth on the offensive line, and his versatility as a tackle/guard could make him an even more valuable piece to this particular roster.