Broncos 2022 NFL 7-round mock draft decided by a computer simulation

How would the 2022 NFL Draft turn out for the Denver Broncos if every selection was made by a mock draft simulator? Let’s evaluate all 9 picks.

It’s one thing to lean on analytics. It’s a completely different thing to let the analytics call the shots.

Although there’s no perfect system or algorithm available for creating the ideal Denver Broncos mock draft, simulators are perfectly capable of putting together competent draft classes while eliminating personal bias from the equation.

Imagine if the Denver Broncos front office put the 2022 NFL Draft on cruise control and let a computer simulator make the picks for them.

That’s exactly the idea we’re going to explore today. What if the Denver Broncos’ 2022 NFL Draft class was being picked by The Draft Network’s Mock Draft Machine?

Here’s how they did over seven rounds.

Mock Draft Simulator picks the Denver Broncos’ 2022 NFL Draft

Pick 64: Josh Paschal, EDGE, Kentucky

It’s probably past the time to be talking about Josh Paschal as a legitimate candidate to be the Denver Broncos’ top pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.

Although the typical approach is for the top EDGE off the board to Denver to be Oklahoma’s Nik Bonitto, Broncos fans may get their wish for EDGE depth in the form of Kentucky’s star pass rusher and up-and-coming actor.

Paschal has an elite get-off with a 1.57-second 10-yard split and an overall RAS (Relative Athletic Score) of 9.47, which is also elite.

At 6-foot-3, just under 270 pounds, Paschal is built more like a traditional defensive end than he is an outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense, and you can’t help but wonder if a lack of ideal length will affect his placement on the Broncos’ draft board.

Still, this is a guy who can get after the quarterback and affect plays consistently, which is something the Broncos need.

I would be much more excited about Paschal at pick 75 or even 96 but with his high athletic score and the fact that he fits a position of need makes this a solid “B” pick, in my opinion.

Denver Broncos simulator mock draft, pick 75

75th pick: Nick Cross, S, Maryland

Could the re-signing of Kareem Jackson be a tactic to throw teams off the Broncos’ scent in this Draft?

Perhaps.

Re-signing Kareem Jackson indicates the Broncos are not quite ready to move forward with Caden Sterns and Jamar Johnson as their top two safeties.

Does that mean safety is still atop the priority list for the Broncos in the 2022 NFL Draft? Perhaps not, but Nick Cross is an intriguing playmaker here at pick 75.

Not yet 21 years old, Cross had six interceptions in three seasons at Maryland and dropped some jaws at 6-feet, 212 pounds with a 4.34 in the 40-yard dash.

He also had an outstanding 37-inch vertical jump and a 6.85 in the three-cone drill, showing off an elite combination of speed, explosiveness, and quickness.

Given his age, productivity, and physical skills, Cross might be an ideal long-term option at the safety position next to Justin Simmons, which I do think the Broncos need to find sooner rather than later.

Although Kareem Jackson has been excellent in his three seasons in Denver, the Broncos may need a bigger, more rangy option on the back end to help create turnovers in Ejiro Evero’s defense.

Nick Cross could be an outstanding pick for Denver at 75 overall.

Denver Broncos mock draft picked by computer simulation

96th pick: Troy Andersen, LB, Montana State

If you want to talk about one of the freakiest athletes in this year’s Draft, talk about Montana State’s Troy Andersen.

In last year’s draft, the Broncos took two shots on two of the highest RAS players ever at their respective position groups when they selected offensive lineman Quinn Meinerz and linebacker Baron Browning.

We know that a high RAS score is high on George Paton’s priority list, and the ability to contribute immediately is not necessarily a prerequisite.

Because of those two factors, Andersen could actually be kind of a no-brainer type of pickup for the Broncos at pick 96. They need another player at the linebacker position with Browning working as an edge this offseason, and Anderson doesn’t need to come in and be a week one starter.

He could contribute on special teams with his freaky athleticism and speed:

What’s really intriguing about Andersen is his overall versatility. He was the conference player of the year at Montana State not only as a linebacker in 2021, but as a quarterback before that.

He ran for over 1,000 yards as an offensive player prior to switching to the linebacker position.

Throw this guy out there as a kickoff and punt returner and see what happens.

In all seriousness, Andersen’s versatility makes him one of the most unique players in this class. Along with that, he’s pretty raw as a true linebacker and needs some seasoning there.

Still, the traits are worth betting on at this stage.

Denver Broncos mock draft decided by a simulator

115th pick: Akayleb Evans, CB, Missouri

With the fourth straight pick to open up this computer-generated Broncos mock draft, the team has taken four straight defensive players.

There’s not anything inherently wrong with that, as these selections have all addressed important positions for Denver and given new defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero some fun talent to work with, including two guys in the defensive backfield, which is his specialty.

Akayleb Evans is yet another high RAS player at the cornerback position and former Tulsa transfer who just picked off one pass in 41 college games.

At 6-foot-2, Evans would be an intriguing developmental corner for the Broncos at pick 115.

116th pick: James Cook, RB, Georgia

Finally, the streak of defensive players ends and the Broncos get an offensive playmaker.

The running back position has been a polarizing one for Broncos fans this offseason. How bad does the team actually need one?

Should they try to re-sign Melvin Gordon? Is Mike Boone a good enough option at RB2?

I don’t think the Broncos should pass on running backs in this draft and it would make some sense for them to go after James Cook, brother of former Vikings second-round pick Dalvin Cook, who obviously George Paton knows quite well.

Cook doesn’t have elite size at the position (hovering around or under 200 pounds) but he is fast and can provide a nice complement to Javonte Williams.

Denver Broncos mock draft with picks made by a simulator

145th pick: Tyrese Robinson, OL, Oklahoma

The first offensive line pick of the 2022 computer-simulated mock draft for the Broncos comes at pick number 145 overall in the 5th round.

Tyrese Robinson started 23 games at right guard for the Sooners as well as 15 at the right tackle position, so perhaps he could fit in either spot at the NFL level as a backup option at either.

The Broncos may be looking at a higher-upside tackle prospect in the draft but they have also kept tabs on a lot of interior linemen, so Robinson could be a fit. In round five, he feels like a bit of a reach, however.

206th pick: Mike Harley, WR, Miami

Harley is probably destined for undrafted free agency but he has intriguing speed at the position (4.46) as well as some solid explosiveness with a 35.5-inch vertical jump.

He had 15 receiving touchdowns at Miami but very little experience as a return specialist.

I think the Broncos would look for someone with more reps in the return game at receiver than Harley.

232nd pick: Andrew Stueber, OL, Michigan

I like the idea of doubling up on offensive linemen, but I think the Broncos will look to some more athletic options than the guys picked in this simulation.

Stueber would be a fine value in the 7th round however as an All-American right tackle out of Michigan.

He will probably move to guard in the pros, but his starting experience at right tackle is important to his overall evaluation and projection.

234th pick: DJ Davidson, DL, Arizona State

Just like last year, the Broncos close out their draft class with a defensive line pickup.

DJ Davidson has good size and could give the Broncos a big, strong body on the interior defensive line.

He will be 25 this year and is one of the older rookies in a class full of older prospects due to the effects of the pandemic in 2020.

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Davidson may not have the elite athletic traits or overall production to be drafted but in round seven, you won’t complain too much.