Denver Broncos make major upgrades in 3-round 2022 NFL mock draft
2022 NFL mock draft: Third round picks (65-80)
65. Jacksonville Jaguars: Chad Muma, LB, Wyoming
A fan favorite of many Denver Broncos fans, Chad Muma gives the Jaguars a replacement option for Myles Jack who was let go this offseason.
66. Detroit Lions: Kenneth Walker, RB, Michigan State
Only the second back off the board in this mock draft simulation, Walker stays close to home and heads to the Detroit Lions to pair up with 2020 second-round pick D’Andre Swift.
67. New York Giants: Trey McBride, TE, Colorado State
The groans from Broncos Country would be heard all across the country. Trey McBride becomes the first tight end off the board in this simulation but not to Denver — he lands with the New York Giants.
68. Houston Texans: Rachaad White, RB, Arizona State
Somewhat of a surprise pick in this mock draft simulation, the Texans — who need a lead back — grab the ultra-athletic Rachaad White out of Arizona State.
69. New York Jets: David Bell, WR, Purdue
The Jets finally get a receiver to pair up with Elijah Moore in this mock draft scenario. The smart money is on them taking one much higher than this.
70. Jacksonville Jaguars: Isaiah Likely, TE, Coastal Carolina
Isaiah Likely really disappointed with his pre-draft metrics but his tape is intriguing. He pairs up with Evan Engram in this scenario as one of the bigger reaches in the top 70 picks.
71. Chicago Bears: John Metchie III, WR, Alabama
The Chicago Bears have so many needs. John Metchie III is not as dynamic as some of his former teammates at Alabama but he’s solid value here at pick 71.
72. Seattle Seahawks: Alontae Taylor, CB, Tennessee
The Seahawks love bigger, athletic cornerbacks so Alontae Taylor would make some sense here even if he’s a bit of a reach according to some boards.
73. Indianapolis Colts: Nik Bonitto, EDGE, Oklahoma
If Broncos fans weren’t groaning when Trey McBride came off the board, they would be here with Nik Bonitto going two picks before Denver is on the clock again at 75.
74. Atlanta Falcons: Calvin Austin, WR, Memphis
Another potential target for the Denver Broncos, Calvin Austin is small but is a big-time athlete with the playmaker gene.
75. Denver Broncos: Drake Jackson, EDGE, USC
After taking Travis Jones with that 64th overall pick, the Denver Broncos land USC pass rusher Drake Jackson here in what could be one of the top steals of the 2022 NFL Draft.
I’m not sure why Jackson has been falling so far in projections but he was once a viable target for the Broncos at pick number nine overall.
Here, he gives the Denver Broncos a player pretty comparable to Randy Gregory size-wise and in terms of his play style, and I think if the Broncos don’t land Nik Bonitto in this slot, Jackson would be an even better alternative.
76. Baltimore Ravens: Zachary Carter, DL, Florida
The Ravens’ defensive line has gotten old in recent years, so some new blood is needed. This is not an overly deep defensive line class so we may see them attack this position group sooner.
77. Minnesota Vikings: Cam Taylor-Britt, CB, Nebraska
The Vikings missed out on Derek Stingley Jr. in round one but they get a very aggressive player in Cam Taylor-Brit here in round three. He could start for them as a rookie. I think he’s an option for the Denver Broncos at pick 64 as well.
78. Cleveland Browns: Sam Williams, EDGE, Ole Miss
The Browns need help off the edge and at this point, they have opted not to bring back Jadeveon Clowney. Sam Williams has the type of traits to really excel as an NFL rusher.
79. Los Angeles Chargers: Leo Chenal, LB, Wisconsin
An absolute bully at inside linebacker, Leo Chenal was one of the best in the country this past season at attacking the line of scrimmage and making plays behind it.
80. Houston Texans: Brian Asamoah, LB, Oklahoma
Another undersized but athletic off-ball linebacker in a class that is absolutely full of them. The Texans keep on building with an impressive draft class to this point.