Denver Broncos Mock Draft: Defense gets upgraded

ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 26: A video board displays the text "THE PICK IS IN" for the Denver Broncos during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium on April 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 26: A video board displays the text "THE PICK IS IN" for the Denver Broncos during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium on April 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
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The NFL Draft is the ultimate poker game and an opportunity for Denver Broncos along with other teams to address depth in building their roster.

For the first time since 2012, the Denver Broncos will have no first-round pick during the 2022 NFL Draft. That draft was instrumental in helping win Super Bowl 50 in the 2015-2016 season.

The only difference between this one and the 2012 Draft is the last regime moved back from the first round into the second before picking at 36. In the 2012 NFL Draft, the Denver Broncos surprisingly nailed on every single selection but one.

Funny enough, Denver Broncos’ new quarterback Russell was drafted in 2012. Some Broncos fans clamored for Wilson back then, but who would have thought Brock Osweiler would become a vital part of the 2015 season helping win Super Bowl 50?

Denver Broncos
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – MAR 01: George Paton, general manager of the Denver Broncos speaks to reporters during the NFL Draft Combine at the Indiana Convention Center on March 1, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)

Denver Broncos can build a great draft class without a first-rounder

Osweiler replaced Peyton Manning before Manning became the starter again during San Diego Chargers game (now Los Angeles Chargers). The 5-3 record was vital to helping secure home field throughout the playoffs.

Throughout that 2012 NFL Draft, the Denver Broncos found players to contribute on special teams and some snap time. What Denver never anticipated is the contributions of Malik Jackson, Derek Wolfe, Danny Trevathan, and Ronnie Hillman. Jackson and Wolfe became underrated contributors on the defensive line.

Trevathan joined a linebacker room that finally saw the starting unit gel with him and Brandon Marshall. Both defensive line and linebackers helped turn the team into a solid complete unit.

With the amount of defensive line talent in the draft, it’s very possible Denver can address that side as they did in 2012.

So, who are new additions to the Denver Broncos in this mock draft? Let us find out.

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