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

The 2021 season will be a contract year for veteran Kareem Jackson. His fit in the Vic Fangio defense has been obvious, but with his age and playing style, can the Broncos already plan on re-signing him?

Even though he could potentially be a cap casualty next year, it’s likely the Broncos bring back Jackson who has been a tremendous fit, but they might draft his eventual replacement in 2021.

Jevon Holland out of Oregon might be one of the more ideal replacement options in college football.

Holland is a downhill striker just like Jackson. He can play safety or nickel and his versatility reminds me a bit of Jackson since, prior to coming to Denver, Jackson was a full-time outside cornerback. He also had nine interceptions in two seasons for the Ducks, showing off his playmaking ability.

The Broncos could look as high as the first round for edge defender help.

There are reasons not to do that as well, however.

Von Miller is still under contract for 2021 and the team should undoubtedly be looking to make him a Bronco for life with one final long-term contract.

Even if that doesn’t happen, the Broncos can keep Miller in 2021 and keep rolling with 2019 undrafted free agent Malik Reed, who has developed into a starter-quality player off the edge in Vic Fangio’s defense.

Reed’s every-down ability doesn’t necessarily negate the need for edge help, but the Broncos don’t have to reach for an edge thanks to his emergence, and they could reasonably wait for the best value at that position in the 2021 class.

Shaka Toney of Penn State is one of many talented edge defenders with speed, quickness, and bend off the edge. He has been a consistent player for Penn State for four seasons and is enjoying his best year yet for the Nittany Lions, even if the team has stunk overall.

His ability to win with speed off the edge along with players like Derrek Tuszka hopefully continuing to improve gives the Broncos some fun options.