Denver Broncos: Full 7-round 2021 mock draft
114. Israel Mukuamu, DB, South Carolina
As Coach Fangio has said, you can never have enough cover guys, and that is why I double dipped here at corner.
Mukuamu is another potential boundary corner for Fangio’s defense. He is a long, slower twitch corner, who has the potential to be a possible CB2 on the outside. He doesn’t provide the flexibility as saying an Ojemudia does, but between Mukuamu and Melifonwu, hopes are CB2 can be solidified moving forward.
He isn’t a perfect prospect, as I said he seems a bit “slow”, but he is 6’4″ so he isn’t going to be as fluid as the smaller corners. If he can keep the opposing receiver in front of him, he is very capable of closing, and being a sure tackler.
152. Jonathan Cooper, EDGE, Ohio State
Edge is still a need on this roster, but if I were leaning towards anyone returning out of the possible players leaving, it would be Von Miller. He should retire as a member of the Denver Broncos, but to be safe Cooper is a guy who could come in and learn under Miller and Chubb, but not have to push for heavy playing time as well.
Malik Reed will still be on this roster, and if Aldon Smith or another free agent were to be added he would likely be the fourth guy in the rotation, so Cooper would have time to adjust to the speed at the next level. He played at Ohio State with his hand in the dirt mainly, but he can play in a 3-point stance as well.
He isn’t pressed to be a major contributor this year, and with the help of defensive gurus Bill Kolar, and Vic Fangio, he hopefully transitions into an able stand-up outside backer, who can play in a pinch. His pass-rush ability is definitely there, so there is a chance for growth.
191. Alaric Jackson, OL, Iowa
The BIG 10 and the Iowa tradition lives on!
Munchak gets another guy to bring under his wing and develop as he also gets the addition of Little in the second round. Jackson, a bit more of a project, but like Cooper, he is in no rush to see the field.
In a perfect world, James starts a full 17 games as this is the rotational year in his play one season/miss the next routine. Yes, I said 17 games. Like corner, there is nothing wrong with having depth across the offensive line. He is a 6-5 320-pound offensive tackle that could provide solid depth for this team. I don’t believe he comes in and challenges anyone for a starting job, but I believe he could come in and be this team’s swing tackle for the next few years ala Elijah Wilkinson.
237. Mustafa Johnson, DL, Colorado
Seventh-round-draft picks are not meant to swing for the fences, hoping to just get to first base. This pick fits that mantra, as well as brings in-depth for the defensive line. Johnson has an almost identical frame to current defensive end Shelby Harris, who just re-signed on a three-year deal with the Broncos.
Johnson could sit behind Harris and basically be his backup as they are built similarly and should be able to fill a similar role in the Fangio defense.
239. Tuf Borland, LB, Ohio State
What better name for a linebacker than Tuf Borland, am I right? Borland brings in another body into camp and is reunited with his collegiate teammate in Baron Browning as they both transition from BIG 10 football to the National Football League.
The linebacker room needs depth, with Johnson being an RFA this year, and Jewell being a UFA next year. Justin Strnad, a second-year linebacker is thought of highly within the facility as well. With Browning and Borland, you have two guys who know how to play together, at a high level. This selection ensures that come 2022 NFL season, you have at least three bodies heading into camp.
252. Nick Eubanks, TE, Michigan
Eubanks will be brought into camp as a body, with a chance to crack the projected 53 man roster. With the extended regular season, he may have a higher shot at making it as we could see a slight roster expansion.
The top two tight ends on this roster are set with Fant, and Albert O. After the top two, guys like Andrew Beck or Austin Fort could be the next men up, so with an impressive offseason, Eubanks could work his way in. He is a solid blocker and could fill the void that the release of Nick Vannett created if needed.
He possesses a solid 6’5″ 250-pound frame and can run anywhere in the 4.5 to 4.6 range in the 40. This should be enough to take a late-round flyer on the former Wolverine, also he is a BIG10 tight end, the Broncos love BIG10 tight ends.
In conclusion, this “draft haul” would bring in solid depth and competition in several areas of need, especially the quarterback position.
Grant is one of my favorite players in this draft, Darnold is a guy who shouldn’t be written off yet.
Walker Little under the coaching of Mike Munchak should flourish, and the same goes for Baron Browning with Fangio coaching him up.
Carter is a beast and a very solid runner. Melifonwu has the potential to be a good corner and is athletic as they come. Jackson and Cooper are later picks that with the proper coaching, could be very solid contributors to this defense, and who better to lead the way for those guys than a Hall of Famer in Munchak, and one of the most respected defensive coaches in the league with Vic Fangio.
This class would fill needs and provide depth in every area that the Broncos need, as well as taking a swing at “solving” the quarterback position.