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

Von Miller’s situation is one to monitor despite the legal battle being dismissed means Denver still needs to decide on the $7 million option by next week. The depth and adding another edge rusher to the mix is still a point of emphasis for the Denver Broncos in this year’s draft. Enter Patrick Jones the pass rusher from Pittsburgh.

Jones is a physical bull rusher who can show his strength using great leverage. But he’s also pretty wiry to show his athleticism to blow by a tackle. Jones is a 4-3 end but has enough athletic ability to potentially drop in coverage in some cases.

One of the better traits from Jones is his effect in the run game. Denver’s run defense is one that was affected by depth in 2021. The effect happened more when Mike Purcell went down with an injury. That said Bradley Chubb, Malik Reed, and a healthy Von Miller with Jones in the mix would help the outside lanes in run defense.

Production and instincts from Jones beg question if he will be taken a little higher, but depends on where his true fit will be. Jones is a smart instinctual player who can think on the fly changing course when facing a tackle. He does a great adapting to new scenarios that arise. He would be a terrific piece for Vic Fangio to develop.