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

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WEST LAFAYETTE, IN – AUGUST 30: Lorenzo Neal #9 of the Purdue Boilermakers looks on during a game against the Northwestern Wildcats at Ross-Ade Stadium on August 30, 2018 in West Lafayette, Indiana. Northwestern won 31-27. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

Purdue. 233. 45. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. DT/NT. LorenzoNeal. player

The interior defensive line could be a potential target early in the NFL Draft, but another of depth in this class is the defensive line. There is a bunch of NFL royalty in this year’s class. A majority is through the defensive back position, but one NFL royalty is Lorenzo Neal.

Neal spent time at Purdue being one of the better run defenders in the Big Ten. Neal is a hard-nosed run defender and physical in how he attacks after the snap. He has enough array of moves to create pressure in rushing plays.

Neal would be added depth for a team that was battered with a defensive line. Mike Purcell and Jurrell Casey were both injured last season. The Denver Broncos will need a bunch of depth at the line to where Neal can be stashed away on the practice squad.

For as big as Neal is he does get knocked down a bit. As a stout run defender, it is ideal to not be pushed around as often. Neal will need to work more on leverage and consistency, but with Bill Kollar, in the defensive line coaching room, Neal might be a diamond in the rough developmental piece late in the seventh round.

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