Denver Broncos 7-round 2021 mock draft: Adding defensive playmakers

There are numerous avenues for Denver Broncos to attack in the 2021 NFL Draft.

A mock draft is a fun exercise that creates possibilities for our favorite football teams to upgrade at certain positions. This season the Denver Broncos do have a few places to upgrade and potentially add multiple players at the same position in the NFL Draft. The identity is still very much in question due to a new GM in the building at Dove Valley — George Paton.

One of the deeper positions Denver will look at building up is the secondary. In this draft, the corner position is pleasantly stacked up and down with players who could bring an impact.

Others are certainly looking at upgrading the tackle and linebacker positions. Denver’s decision regarding Ja’Wuan James will not stop them from adding developmental depth.

Due to the amount of speed coverage players in this draft at linebacker, it would be better if Denver looked in this direction. If the Super Bowl in 2021 showed anything it is that you need speed at linebacker position to keep up with teams like Kansas City and Las Vegas.

Plans of attack also can change due to free agency. In this scenario, Denver will presumably re-sign Justin Simmons to an extension, pick up Von Miller’s option, re-sign Shelby Harris, and Kareem Jackson was retained. Despite these decisions, Denver bolstered their depth everywhere on defense in this draft.

Let’s meet the “new” Denver Broncos in this 2021 mock draft.

Caleb Farley is one of the best players let alone the best cornerback in the class. The latter comment is subject to change for anyone depending on the flavor of ice cream. Farley may be unaffected due to opting out in 2020. As for the product on the field, Farley is top-notch.

He is one of the complete prospects in all phases. Since Denver lacks a true young shutdown corner it gives them a player who impacts the game in multiple phases in merely blocking out wide receivers all game.

Farley is a press, man-to-man corner and while Vic Fangio’s is primarily a zone defense system, this gives Denver a cornerback with potential as a shutdown corner. Farley displays tremendous instincts and playmaking at corner. His playmaker mentality also helps him show ball skills at the catch point. He is always around the football, impacting games.

Denver’s lacked a player who can shut down half the field. For the past two seasons, head coach Vic Fangio has done patchwork with the secondary. I’d expect Denver to be aggressive in some form at the position of corner.

Despite that, Denver would be best suited to go the best player at pick 9 if they stay there. This includes cornerback or another position. Much like edge rusher, you can never have too many cornerbacks. Since there were an uncanny amount of injuries past two seasons it’d be wise to upgrade the depth.