The Denver Broncos could be in the market for some additional pass rush help in the 2021 offseason. Von Miller’s contract option could set in motion a domino effect that, frankly, could shape the entire 2021 offseason.
If the Broncos decide to keep Von Miller (or if Miller decides to stay at a reduced rate) they could turn to the 2021 NFL Draft crop for some depth off the edge behind Miller, Bradley Chubb, Malik Reed, and 2020 draft choice Derrek Tuszka.
One school that has a bunch of talent intriguing NFL teams in the 2021 NFL Draft is Notre Dame. Notre Dame’s 2021 prospect list begins with versatile slot defender and hybrid safety/linebacker prospect Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, who could go within the first 32 selections.
Although Owusu-Koramoah could be a fit for the Denver Broncos depending on how Vic Fangio and George Paton feel he could work within their defense, a Notre Dame-only mock draft scenario fit another underrated player (also on the all-name team in this draft) to the Denver Broncos in the later rounds.
Brad Weiss of Slap the Sign has the Denver Broncos taking Notre Dame pass rusher Adetokunbo Ogundeji in the fifth round of his all-Fighting Irish mock draft.
Ogundeji showed off his pass rush potential this past season for the Irish, racking up six sacks and six tackles for loss in just 10 games. He had five forced fumbles in his three seasons in South Bend, showing off his ability to finish plays.
Both the Notre Dame EDGEs (Adetokunbo Ogundeji first two clips, and Daelin Hayes the second two) had a good first day of practice in the one on one pass rushing drills at the #SeniorBowl pic.twitter.com/cpgIjqITfK
— Nick Falato (@nickfalato) January 27, 2021
One player we see shooting up NFL boards between now and April is @NDFootball DE Ade Ogundeji. Got to ND as 17 year old and best football still ahead of him. Relentless effort guy. Long, good with his hands, and he can really run. Fun to watch on tape. #TheDraftStartsInMOBILE pic.twitter.com/mOmQ4Qb8i4
— Jim Nagy (@JimNagy_SB) October 31, 2020
There is no question that the upside on Ogundeji is high. He started to put some production to that potential in 2020 and now there is a chance he could be a high-upside day three selection for some team like the Denver Broncos in the 2021 NFL Draft.
At 6-foot-4, 268 pounds, Ogundeji has the frame of more a traditional 4-3 defensive end but playing in Notre Dame’s defense, he has a real shot to play a versatile and multiple role at the next level.
On base downs, Ogundeji could play the outside linebacker role and on third down, he could put his hand in the dirt and rush from the edge or he could slide inside and play an interior defensive line position.
The Pterodactyl aka Notre Dame’s Ade Ogundeji takes Alex Leatherwood for a walk into Mac Jones. Yikes. pic.twitter.com/oH9b4ZSF4A
— Spencer N. Schultz (@ravens4dummies) January 29, 2021
This guy just plays with such great effort and he obviously has a full repertoire of athletic skills to work with as well.
Denver Broncos free agent options if Von Miller is not back
If the Denver Broncos part ways with franchise cornerstone Von Miller, how would they potentially soften the blow in free agency?
If the Denver Broncos are able to address needs at other areas in free agency, this guy would be such a great fit in the middle rounds as a high-upside pass rush flyer.