Denver Broncos: Defense-only 2021 NFL Mock Draft

MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - JANUARY 11: Patrick Surtain II #2 of the Alabama Crimson Tide warms up before the College Football Playoff National Championship football game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Hard Rock Stadium on January 11, 2021 in Miami Gardens, Florida. The Alabama Crimson Tide defeated the Ohio State Buckeyes 52-24. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images) /

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Denver Broncos 2021 NFL Draft: Patrick Surtain. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Round 1 (9): CB Patrick Surtain II, Alabama

Yes, the Denver Broncos struggled at the cornerback position in 2020. Yes, the Denver Broncos signed cornerbacks Kyle Fuller (1 year) and Ronald Darby (3 years).

So, why a cornerback in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft?

Denver struggled with injuries throughout the season, and the cornerback position was struck hard, with A.J. Bouye missing time, and Bryce Callahan too.

Now, Bouye is gone and one of the biggest mistakes the Broncos can make is to trust in Callahan to stay healthy. You can’t guarantee any player will stay healthy. Depth is crucial and you can never have too many cornerbacks.

Now, the Broncos get the top cornerback off the board at nine overall.

With this being a defense-only mock draft, the Broncos could have gone with linebacker Micah Parsons to add to the middle of their defense, but with his off-field concerns, I passed.

They also could have gone with another stellar cornerback in Jaycee Horn. I just think that they would choose Surtain.

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