4 Denver Broncos trade-up targets in 2022 NFL Draft

Denver Broncos GM George Paton introduces Nathaniel Hackett, who has agreed to terms to become the club’s head coach at a press conference at UC Health Training Center. Mandatory Credit: John Leyba-USA TODAY Sports
Denver Broncos GM George Paton introduces Nathaniel Hackett, who has agreed to terms to become the club’s head coach at a press conference at UC Health Training Center. Mandatory Credit: John Leyba-USA TODAY Sports
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Denver Broncos
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)

Which 2022 NFL Draft prospects could the Denver Broncos trade up for?

The Denver Broncos do not have a first-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft because of the acquisition of Russell Wilson. They do have two selections in the top 75 (picks 64 and 75). Will the team find somebody worth trading up for?

Depending on the market for the players they are targeting, the Broncos might need to give up both of their second-round picks to move up. It will also depend on how far up they have to move.

Quarterback is obviously off the table. The most likely positions I can see the team trading up for are right tackle, edge, and linebacker. In fact, those are the three positions we’re going to focus on here.

The Broncos traded away Von Miller to the Los Angeles Rams prior to last season’s trade deadline, and despite some improvement in the pass rush department, they still need to figure out a long-term plan there.

At linebacker, the Broncos appear unlikely to bring Alexander Johnson back. Although the team still has Josey Jewell manning one of the inside linebacker positions, there is currently no clear starter beside him.

Justin Strnad and Baron Browning do have some strengths, but neither has shown immediately that they should be a starter quite yet.

At right tackle, the Broncos have had a different starter each year since Super Bowl 50. Bobby Massie was a solid starter for the team in 2021 but it does not appear that the team is interested in bringing him back. Denver did recently sign Billy Turner, who was with the team from 2016 through 2018 before he signed with the Green Bay Packers.

Here are four players the Denver Broncos may need to trade up for in order to ensure they get them.

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