Denver Broncos: 2021 NFL Draft 7-round mock draft
By Noah Smith
Pick 75. Javonte Williams, RB, North Carolina, 5’10” 220 lbs
Many will question the selection of Williams in the 3rd round, but running back may be more of a need than many in Broncos Country realize. With Phillip Lindsay being a Restricted Free Agent this offseason, and Melvin Gordon facing a potential suspension, running back will certainly be an area the Denver Broncos should invest in.
Javonte Williams formed a lethal duo with fellow North Carolina running back Michael Carter during the 2020 season. Williams is an excellent player and will fit right in with what the Denver Broncos do on offense.
Williams has great size for the position and has good ability in the open field. While he may not see the carries he saw at UNC in his rookie year, Williams should be able to crack the rotation and see some playing time as a rookie.
With the potential losses of Phillip Lindsay and Melvin Gordon, adding an excellent running back like Javonte Williams will help bolster the depth of the running back room. Williams will have an opportunity in 2021 to make a huge impact and could take over as the team’s leading rusher.
2021 Role Prediction: Backup running back/spot duty starting role
Pick 105. Richie Grant, S
University of Central Florida, 6’0″ 194 lbs
With Justin Simmons only on a one year deal and Kareem Jackson nearing the end of his NFL life, the Denver Broncos would be wise to invest at safety this offseason. While Will Parks could potentially be the replacement to Jackson, Richie Grant would be an excellent pickup in the 4th round.
Grant has good size for the position, and showed his positional versatility at Central Florida. Richie Grant could follow the “Will Parks” role, playing both safety and nickel cornerback in the Broncos’ different defensive looks.
Richie Grant excelled in a deep safety role in college, showing off his vision and anticipation. Grant could form an exciting duo with Justin Simmons on the back end of the Broncos’ defense while Will Parks continues his role as a box defender and slot cornerback.
Overall, Grant would be a solid pickup for the Denver Broncos in the later rounds. Grant provides the Broncos with yet another developmental piece on defense, and an eventual replacement to Kareem Jackson.
2021 Role Prediction: Backup Safety/ “Dime” package player