In a full seven-round mock draft, the Denver Broncos wheel and deal their way to adding serious talent to positions of need in the 2022 NFL Draft.
After trading for Russell Wilson, the Denver Broncos are slated to have eight total picks in the 2022 NFL Draft. In a full seven-round mock draft, I predict some target areas/players that George Paton may target with his current draft capital.
With the Denver Broncos currently slated to have selections at:
- 64
- 75
- 96
- 115
- 116
- 152
- 206
- 232
George Paton and the Denver Broncos still have plenty of wiggle room to address the areas that need the attention. That said, Paton likes to come away with 10 draft selections in every draft, so I would definitely expect some sort of maneuvering.
While Paton & the Broncos do not have a selection on day one, there will still be plenty of players of value in the range that the Denver Broncos will be selecting. This draft is said to be a “meaty” draft with plenty of able players going on day two.
Currently, the Denver Broncos have a strong roster, but there are some holes that could you some reinforcements. The following positions should be prioritized:
- Outside Linebacker
- Cornerback
- Defensive Lineman
- Right Tackle
- Tight End
Other positions, like center, could use an upgrade but are not pressing like some other positions.
There are dream scenarios that many of us would adore, like Trey McBride sliding all the way to the 64th selection, but this mock will not be unrealistic. No trades in this mock, but there will be another one with a plethora of trades before the draft takes place.
So, with the 64th overall selection, the Denver Broncos select…
Denver Broncos mock draft, pick 64: Roger McCreary, cornerback, Auburn
Out of all of the cornerbacks I have watched in this pre-draft process, McCreary is one of the few that I’m all in on. I’ve been heavy on the Denver Broncos selecting McCreary who ESPN’s Todd McShay mentioned could be a target for the Denver Broncos in the second round.
This lifted my mood tenfold. If the Denver Broncos can add McCreary to the secondary, it would be big-time for not just 2022, but the future as well. With the Denver Broncos having to prep to sign newly acquired, Russell Wilson, to a massive deal, replenishing more expensive contracts with players on rookie deals will be vital.
With Patrick Surtain II & Michael Ojemudia on their rookie deals, K’Waun Williams on a cheap deal in 2023, there is a chance Ronald Darby is looked at as a business decision to save cap space for Russell Wilson. Roger McCreary would help George Paton in his willingness to make such a move.
McCreary is a 5-foot-11, 190-pound football player whose assigned position is cornerback. This dude is what some refer to as a “dog.” While McCreary is expected to be selected on day two, I still feel like he is criminally underrated.
Although he does not carry the largest frame, his physicality is unmatched and overpowering to some. He is able to win with his pressing nature inside or outside, which speaks to what he will be able to do at the next level.
McCreary is up in the opposition’s grill trying to mug them for everything they own. His play on the ball is great too. While he certainly has the frame to lose some of the battles against bigger wide receivers, his competitive nature allows him to fight for every ball thrown in his direction.
He plays like he understands the game of football. He doesn’t get beat often, if he loses, it is because he was out-manned. One thing I always privy when looking at cornerbacks is their ability to plan man-to-man coverage, McCreary can definitely do so.
If a cornerback can play man, he can shadow a receiver. In the case of someone like McCreary, he can shadow and play off. He is able to do so because of his football acumen and his exceptional read and react ball skills. Heck, he has 30 pass break-ups during his time at Auburn.
His play in the SEC was phenomenal, which will help his case as he has guarded several first-round prospects that now play in the National Football League. Running a 4.5 40-yard dash is fine, not mind-blowing, but just fine.
Roger McCreary may be my favorite cornerback in this class due to his physicality, willingness to tackle, ability to play inside & outside, and his ability to close in on the football.