Denver Broncos 2021 Mock Draft: New defensive weapon heads to Mile High
The Broncos originally cut Kareem Jackson earlier this offseason but chose to re-sign him on a much more reasonable deal: 1-year, $5 million.
At some point, the Broncos need to look forward. Richie Grant could be considered as Jackson’s eventual successor.
Grant can play either safety positions (strong or free), but some feel that his best role is at free safety. The Broncos can still make this addition work despite Justin Simmons at that spot.
Grant has great ball skill, as proven by his 10 collegiate interceptions, including six during his sophomore season in 2018.
His athleticism really jumps off the tape in my opinion.
Jackson has hardly missed any time on the field, while Simmons has missed no snaps over the past couple of years. That being said, adding another safety into the fold for the future is going to be crucial for the Denver Broncos.
Safety isn’t an immediate need, but there’s a chance that Grant won’t be on the board too long. The Denver Broncos need to go and get their guy.
NOTE: This pick was acquired from the Chargers in the trade mentioned earlier.
Out goes Phillip Lindsay, in comes North Carolina running back Javonte Williams.
Williams had a lot of success at the collegiate level alongside Michael Carter in the backfield.
Williams only got better over the course of his three seasons, averaging 5.2 yards per carry in his first year, 5.6 in his second year, and an incredible 7.3 in his third and final year.
In those three years, he gained 224 yards in 2018 but improved to an impressive 933 in 2019, and 1,140 in 2020. He scored a total of 29 rushing touchdowns including 19 in 2020 and put up four receiving touchdowns, including three in 2020.
Williams can also catch the football, as shown by his 50 receptions for 539 yards and four touchdowns in three years. Those aren’t magnificent numbers, but it still shows that he can do it.
The Broncos sent running backs coach Curtis Modkins to UNC’s Pro Day recently. He got a first-hand look at the Tar Heels’ stellar running backs. I would personally love if they added either one of them, but in this situation, I took Williams.