After a very good NFL Scouting Combine, how might the Denver Broncos approach the 2022 NFL Draft, even as QB questions loom?
The 2022 NFL Draft is fast-approaching, and the Denver Broncos still don’t have any answers at the quarterback position.
Drew Lock is under contract, but as of right now, that’s it. Everyone is waiting on Aaron Rodgers to make a decision and whether or not Rodgers decides to play for the Packers or someone else in 2022 will obviously impact whether or not the Denver Broncos even have any picks to make at all in the first couple of days of the 2022 NFL Draft.
As of right now, we can plan on the Broncos making their picks and going with another plan of attack at the quarterback position, which could still include a trade for someone (Jimmy Garoppolo, Carson Wentz, Deshaun Watson?) or a more modest free agent acquisition (Mitchell Trubisky, Marcus Mariota, Jameis Winston).
How might the 2022 NFL Draft look for the Broncos and general manager George Paton, who has five picks in the top 100 at his disposal?
Denver Broncos 2022 mock draft update post-Scouting Combine
1. Jermaine Johnson, EDGE, Florida State
Jermaine Johnson spent two seasons with the Georgia Bulldogs’ vaunted defense before transferring over to Florida State where he had a dominant 2021 season.
Johnson racked up 70 total tackles, 17.5 tackles for loss, 11.5 sacks, a pair of forced fumbles, and a defensive touchdown.
He backed up that outstanding on-field performance with an elite workout at the 2022 Scouting Combine where he ran a 4.58 in the 40-yard dash and posted a 32-inch vertical and a broad jump of 10’5″.
At 6-foot-5, 254 pounds, Johnson was cooking at the Combine and there are some clear parallels in his size, athletic makeup, and overall game to those of 2021 NFL Draft prospect Jaelan Phillips, a first-round pick of the Miami Dolphins.
Before the Broncos moved up a modest handful of picks in round two to select running back Javonte Williams last year, general manager George Paton tried to move into the first round for Jaelan Phillips, anticipating the situation we find ourselves in today.
Luckily for him, this 2022 class off the edge is absolutely insane.
Johnson would give the Broncos another big-time EDGE player to pair with Bradley Chubb, a player George Paton is still very high on even after a couple of injury-plagued seasons.