Denver Broncos mock draft: Loading up on defensive talent early

Denver Broncos mock draft - Nebraska Cornhuskers cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt (5) celebrates after successfully breaking up a pass intended for Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Chris Olave (2) during Saturday's NCAA Division I football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, Neb., on November 6, 2021.Osu21neb Bjp 288
Denver Broncos mock draft - Nebraska Cornhuskers cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt (5) celebrates after successfully breaking up a pass intended for Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Chris Olave (2) during Saturday's NCAA Division I football game at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, Neb., on November 6, 2021.Osu21neb Bjp 288
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Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos mock draft: Cam Taylor-Britt #5 of the Nebraska Cornhuskers celebrates after stopping the Wisconsin Badgers on a fourth down conversion in the first half at Camp Randall Stadium on November 20, 2021 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)

The Denver Broncos have an opportunity to really upgrade their roster in the 2022 NFL Draft. We look at a mock draft with an early emphasis on defense.

After an incredible month of March, things have slowed down considerably for the Denver Broncos in the month of April.

That’s not altogether unexpected although we could see general manager George Paton make a handful of minor moves or even some trades leading up to the 2022 NFL Draft.

For now, though, it’s safe to assume and expect that the biggest pickups the Denver Broncos make roster-wise in the next couple of weeks will all come via the 2022 Draft class, which is loaded in the range the Broncos still have picks left (rounds 2-7).

The Broncos’ needs are starting to come into focus, and now creating mock drafts will be all about aligning those needs with value.

Let’s take a look at a brand-new seven-round mock draft scenario for George Paton and the Denver Broncos with a heavy emphasis on defensive players early.

Denver Broncos mock draft, 64th pick: Cam Taylor-Britt, CB, Nebraska

A new face lands atop this Denver Broncos mock draft scenario at a position of need that I think needs more attention.

The Denver Broncos are one injury at the cornerback position away from borderline disaster status.

Last season, Ronald Darby was injured in Week 1. Pat Surtain II suffered an injury later in the season.

Imagine if the team’s cornerback group was exactly as-is going into the season and they suffered just one injury. It would be absolutely terrible.

A player like Cam Taylor-Britt out of Nebraska has intriguing potential right away. Taylor-Britt is ultra-aggressive and has outstanding speed, and I like his projection to the next level as a versatile inside/outside option.

He’s got good size, great speed, and potential to be a starting-caliber player as a rookie. I would love this value at pick 64.

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