Broncos: 2021 NFL Draft prospects who could replace free agents

2. Daviyon Nixon for Shelby Harris/Jurrell Casey

The Denver Broncos anticipated having some kind of need on the defensive line in the 2021 offseason.

They used a third-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft on Arkansas defensive lineman McTelvin Agim, and Agim played sparingly as a rookie but should be factored into the rotation this season.

With that being said, if the Broncos are not able to re-sign Shelby Harris because he prices out of their range in free agency, they would have to replace both him and Jurrell Casey who was recently a cap casualty himself.

Although a variety of players could work well replacing those guys, one of the best options the Denver Broncos could consider is Iowa Hawkeyes defensive lineman Daviyon Nixon, an All-American in 2020 who took a huge leap forward in his all-around game.

Nixon has the type of versatility defensive coaches covet at the next level. He is explosive off the line of scrimmage and he does a great job of fighting through double teams to make plays.

He has outstanding athleticism and would give the Broncos another very disruptive interior player who is disciplined in addition to being tenacious.

The Broncos have been using Iowa as a pipeline of sorts for the past few years. In 2018, they used a fourth-round pick on Hawkeyes linebacker Josey Jewell. In 2019, they used a first-rounder on tight end Noah Fant. In 2020, they used a third-round pick on cornerback Michael Ojemudia.

In 2021, they might as well hit for the cycle and use a second-round pick on Nixon if he’s still sitting there.