The Denver Broncos needed to add a linebacker in the NFL Draft, and they were able to do so with the final pick of the third round.
With the No. 105 overall selection, the Broncos selected Baron Browning out of Ohio State, an intriguing prospect who Vic Fangio could turn into a future star.
Browning played in 32 games in four years for the Buckeyes, coming up with 109 total tackles and seven sacks.
In college, he played both inside and outside linebacker, but he projects best as a 3-4 outside linebacker at the next level, which makes Denver a good fit. He has great speed off the edge, so he could be one of those rotational edge rushers as early as his rookie year.
Browning was one of the top prospects in the country coming out of high school and the No. 1 ranked linebacker, deciding to commit to Ohio State where Urban Meyer recruited him. His potential as a professional player has never been in doubt, but he will need to be coached up at the next level.
He has come to the right place. Fangio has always been known for his mastery with linebackers and if he can unlock all of Browning’s potential, this could be an outright steal.
More from Predominantly Orange
- Denver Broncos need to prioritize having CEO head coach
- Broncos chances of landing Sean Payton dwindling, but not gone
- Denver Broncos dream coaching staff for DeMeco Ryans
- Denver Broncos: “Sleeper” David Shaw checks every box
- The Broncos’ coaching search likely has not gone to plan
Browning will need to be better in run support and though he has displayed some ability to drop back into coverage, making that a focus could allow him to see more playing time.
Still, for a late third-round pick, this was great value for the Broncos, who are quietly having a solid draft.
Round- Patrick Surtain, CB, Alabama
Round 2- Javonte Williams, RB, North Carolina
Round 3- Quinn Meinerz, OL, Wisconsin-Whitewater
Round 3- Baron Browning, LB, Ohio State
None of these picks are going to jump off the page as being exciting, but it seems that George Paton is doing a great job of finding value in the slots where he has made a selection.