Denver Broncos 2022 mock draft with surprise QB on top

Denver Broncos mock draft, first-round pick

1. Malik Willis, QB, Liberty

This pick is certain to be highly contested by many of you reading right now.

Hear me out on this one.

There is always going to be an inherent risk in drafting a quarterback. Very few guys are polished or finished products coming out of the college ranks. That’s being too nice.

Nobody is a finished product coming out of the college ranks.

Some players in recent years have been able to have instant success at the NFL level, and that is obviously what every team covets now. That’s part of why the Broncos hired the staff they did, to set up any type of QB up for success, veteran or otherwise.

Malik Willis is not a finished product. He struggled this past season with decision making at the QB position but he has an absolute cannon for an arm and is one of the most athletic playmakers you’ll find at the position.

Given his ability to make plays with his legs and take shots downfield, this is the type of player you would certainly want to take in terms of traits, but what about the top two qualities new head coach Nathaniel Hackett is looking for in a QB — intelligence and toughness?

According to Senior Bowl director Jim Nagy and ESPN NFL Draft analyst Todd McShay, the intelligence box is checked.

Toughness? That’s one of Willis’ top traits, and you can see it in the way he plays.

A year ago, I may not have been in favor of this type of pick. Even now, it’s tough because the preference is obviously to get a proven veteran in the building who can take this team into Super Bowl contention.

However, if the Broncos go the NFL Draft route, I love the idea of Willis and his huge upside.