Broncos 7-round 2021 mock draft: Offensive tackle early?
Day Three Broncos Picks
Running back? Running back?
Running back.
Melvin Gordon is likely to face a three-game suspension to start the 2021 season. Phillip Lindsay is in a contract year along with fellow 2018 classmate Royce Freeman. The Broncos have enough day three picks to throw a dart at a talented running back like Carter, who has been running bonkers for the Tar Heels this season.
He is averaging eight yards per carry and has nine rushing touchdowns along with 25 receptions and two receiving touchdowns.
Johnson has been a three-year starter for Tulane and has shown very well as an all-around edge player and pass rusher.
He had 10 sacks in his breakout sophomore season along with four forced fumbles and 14 tackles for loss. After a down junior year statistically, Johnson has been very productive again as a senior, racking up seven sacks, 11.5 tackles for loss, and a pair of forced fumbles in nine games.
Even after taking three receivers in the 2020 NFL Draft, the Broncos would be wise to dip into the 2021 class which might be just as talented from top to bottom.
Reggie Roberson Jr. is a big play threat who averaged 21.5 yards per catch in five games of the 2020 season.
Chris Rumph is listed at 235 pounds, which is far too small coming off the edge in the NFL. With that said, his production and versatility up front are undeniable and he could be a long-term development option with nice pass rush potential.
Thomas opted out of the 2020 season so we haven’t gotten to see his progression this year, but he showed nicely in his first year as a full-time player in 2019.
With 38 tackles, three interceptions, three tackles for loss, and a pair of fumble recoveries, Thomas was always around the ball and making plays for the Wolverines. He would add nice depth to the Broncos’ secondary.
It wouldn’t be a mock draft without a Hawkeye. The Broncos have taken at least one player from Kirk Ferentz’s program in each of the last three draft classes.
Golston should have much better value than round seven but he was there in the simulation, so he was a no-brainer here. A versatile weapon on the defensive line, Golston has 12 sacks and 27 tackles for loss for the Hawkeyes in his three seasons as a starter.