Broncos 2021 NFL Draft prospects who raised stock during bowl season

Many draft prospects lift their draft stock significantly with their bowl performances, and this year is no different.

Aside from stud performances from BYU quarterback Zach Wilson (against Central Florida), Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields (against Clemson), and Alabama quarterback Mac Jones (against Notre Dame and Ohio State), there were lots of other players who should catch the eye of Denver Broncos talent evaluators as 2021 NFL Draft season begins to heat up.

I have no doubt new General Manager George Paton and the Denver Broncos paid close attention to the 2021 CFB bowl season, as these five players fraised their draft stock with impressive performances.

Paton’s philosophy is to focus on the draft and develop talented players. So, I looked at the CFB Bowl Season and found five prospects who could entice the Broncos to pull the trigger on them at some point in the upcoming 2021 draft.

Broncos 2021 prospects on the rise: Christian Barmore – DL – Alabama

Christian Barmore has all the tools to be an impactful defensive lineman in the NFL. Barmore checks in at 6-foot-5 and 310 lbs. The Number 75 overall recruit in 2017, Baremore seemed destined to be a force for the Alabama Crimson Tide football team.

He started out slowly. In 2019, Barmore had 2.0 sacks and had yet to scratch the surface of what he could become. In 2020, he raised his game and produced 8.0 sacks while causing havoc throughout the bowl season.

Barmore terrorized one of the best offensive lines in the country (Notre Dame, Ohio State). He racked up pressure after pressure, causing both Ian Book (Notre Dame Quarterback) and Justin Fields (Ohio State Quarterback) to rush throws and leave the pocket early. Barmore’s performance in the CFB National Championship Game earned him the Defensive MVP.

The Broncos may be in the market for a defensive lineman early in the NFL draft if they are unable to bring back Shelby Harris, and Barmore might be a nice addition to a young defensive front.

Broncos 2021 NFL Draft prospects: DeMarvion Overshown – LB -Texas

DeMarvion Overshown was moved from safety to linebacker this season. He measures in at 6-foot-4 and 217 pounds. Overshown struggled quite a bit this season with the physicality of being a linebacker in the Big-12.

However, against the Colorado Buffaloes in the Alamo Bowl, he showed his versatility throughout the game. Overshown was able to change the game both in coverage and as a pass rusher.

Although he was not a game-wrecker against the run, he showed more physicality that he had throughout the season. This bodes well for him as he adapts to the NFL game.

Against Colorado, coverage ability necessary for today’s NFL was on full display as he picked off passes and had pressure blitzing leading to a sack. If he decides to enter the draft, this would be a player that Vic Fangio could mold into that nickel-linebacker role that seems to be missing in this defense.

Though he may not choose to enter the 2021 draft, he’s a prospect to keep an eye on for the Denver Broncos.

Broncos 2021 NFL Draft prospect: Tommy Togiai -DL – Ohio State

Tommy Togiai had a tremendous season for the Buckeyes, but it was an abbreviated look for NFL evaluators. His game-breaking ability was on full display against Clemson in the CFB playoff.

Togiai was a real game-changer inside, shutting down the Clemson run game and likely day one draft pick Travis Etienne. The Tigers were unable to get anything on the ground moving and changed the momentum of the game.

Togiai measures 6-foot-2 and 310 pounds. His play could be impactful both as a zero-technique (over the center) or in a traditional 5-technique (between the offensive guard and tackle). As with Barmore, the Broncos may be looking at adding some more impactful players upfront.

Togiai was hard to miss as he often in the backfield. Newly hired general manager George Paton could easily envision Tagiai’s play against the likes of Patrick Mahomes, Justin Herbert, and Derek Carr in 2021.

Broncos 2021 NFL Draft prospect: Liam Eichenberg – OL – Notre Dame

Liam Eichenberg has been a tremendous player for Notre Dame for several seasons. Against Alabama in the CFB playoffs, he brought his best effort.

As many Notre Dame players faltered, Eichenberg flourished against the nation’s most talented defensive roster. Eichenberg is a rare draft prospect who’s college game should translate directly to the NFL game.

His ability to both pass-protection and run-blocking should create quite a market for him leading up to the 2021 draft. Both of those traits were on full display against the Crimson Tide defense.

Per PFF, Eichenberg only allowed two pressures on his 55 pass-blocking reps while grading out with a 91.6 run-blocking grade.

As questions surround the Broncos’ right tackle situation long-term that Eichenberg could answer for many years to come.

Broncos 2021 NFL Draft prospect: Najee Harris – RB – Alabama

The Broncos have both Phillip Lindsay and Melvin Gordon on their roster. Both are good NFL running backs. Both players may also not be here long-term as their contracts run out by the end of the 2021 season.

Najee Harris brings what both players do best into one complete player. In the CFB playoffs, Harris showed his versatility by catching touchdowns and running for scores against two very good defenses (Notre Dame and Ohio State).

Harris capped off his college career with three touchdowns against the Buckeyes and could have had more if head coach Nick Saban didn’t put in the second and third-string as the game wore on.

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Harris should definitely get a look at the back end of the first round or early second round of the 2021 draft.