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Denver Broncos: “Way-Too-Early” Needs for the 2022 NFL Draft

By Noah Smith

Dec 30, 2020; Arlington, TX, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Spencer Rattler (7) rolls out during the fourth quarter against the Florida Gators at ATT Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 30, 2020; Arlington, TX, USA; Oklahoma Sooners quarterback Spencer Rattler (7) rolls out during the fourth quarter against the Florida Gators at ATT Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 1, 2021; Arlington, TX, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide offensive lineman Evan Neal (73) in action against Notre Dame Fighting Irish defensive lineman Adetokunbo Ogundeji (91) during the game at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2021; Arlington, TX, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide offensive lineman Evan Neal (73) in action against Notre Dame Fighting Irish defensive lineman Adetokunbo Ogundeji (91) during the game at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

The Most Likely Scenario, Picks 12-22

The Scenario: Drew Lock has learned from his mistakes in the 2020 NFL Season, and grown into a solid starting quarterback for the Denver Broncos. While the range of picks is vast in this scenario, the Broncos have a chance to grab a high-quality player within picks 12 from 22.

With an above-average season from Drew Lock, the Broncos feel confident moving forward with Lock as the starter and can address other team needs. A potential playoff push should give George Paton a clear view of what his team needs to take the next step.

Denver Broncos Needs for this Scenario: OT, CB

Where the Broncos pick will ultimately impact what position they target, but some key positions to target could be secondary help and offensive line depth. The Broncos have three players in the secondary on the last year of their contract and could look to replace aging veterans with younger talent.

Offensive line was a potential pick in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft, and could easily be the pick in 2022. The 2022 NFL Draft features excellent depth in the secondary and along the offensive line and could be targets for the Broncos early.

"Derek Stingley: CB, LSU- Each year, there is an alpha cornerback. In 2020, Jeff Okudah was the elite prospect, and in 2021, the Denver Broncos snagged Patrick Surtain II as the top corner in the class. For the 2022 class, Stingley is that guy. Stingley will likely be a top pick, but could be around in the early ‘teens for the Broncos."

"Evan Neal: OT, Alabama- Neal is a monster of a human being, and will likely be one of the top prospects in the 2022 class. At 6-foot-7, 360 pounds, Neal could project similarly to current Jets star Mekhi Becton as a tackle with size and movement skills. The Broncos could look to move on from Ja’Wuan James following the 2021 season, making tackle a priority."

"Zion Nelson: OT, Miami- Another exceptional talent at tackle in the 2022 draft class, Nelson has good size for the tackle position. While he’s not a monster like Neal, Nelson does have good size and athleticism for the position, and could certainly be the pick here."

Don’t rule out a trade down from the middle of the first round either. We’ve seen George Paton’s love for acquiring extra draft capital, and we should expect to see more of it in the future. If the Broncos do stay with their original pick, an impact player at offensive tackle or defensive back could be the key to a potential playoff run.

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