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Broncos Draft Recap 2022: Complete breakdown of Denver’s picks

By Sayre Bedinger

Denver Broncos Draft - Outside linebacker Nik Bonitto #11 of the Oklahoma Sooners heads off the field after a game against the Tulane Green Wave at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on September 4, 2021 in Norman, Oklahoma. Oklahoma won 40-35. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)
Denver Broncos Draft - Outside linebacker Nik Bonitto #11 of the Oklahoma Sooners heads off the field after a game against the Tulane Green Wave at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on September 4, 2021 in Norman, Oklahoma. Oklahoma won 40-35. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images) /
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Denver Broncos
Denver Broncos; Iowa State Cyclones defensive end Eyioma Uwazurike (58) celebrates the win against the Oklahoma State Cowboys in the second half at Jack Trice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports /

Denver Broncos 2022 NFL Draft pick no. 116: Eyioma Uwazurike, DL, Iowa State

After the Denver Broncos sent Shelby Harris to the Seattle Seahawks in the Russell Wilson trade, it amplified a need that had, frankly, already made itself well-known on the defensive line.

The Broncos responded in free agency by signing DJ Jones from the San Francisco 49ers, one of the most productive run stuffers in the NFL with 17 tackles for loss over the last two seasons.

Even after adding DJ Jones, what is the Denver Broncos’ actual depth on the defensive line? They have Mike Purcell, who hasn’t been able to stay healthy the last two seasons.

They have DeShawn Williams back on a one-year deal.

McTelvin Agim is back for a third season, but he was inexplicably riding the pine last season after a strong camp and preseason.

With depth an uncertainty, the Broncos turned to Iowa State’s Eyioma Uwazurike, a truly massive defensive line prospect whose frame is reminiscent of Akiem Hicks. As a matter of fact, Uwazurike’s testing numbers coming out of Iowa State were far better than Hicks’ back in the 2012 NFL Draft.

Last season, Uwazurike had 12 tackles for loss and nine sacks and in each of the last two seasons, his 85-inch wingspan has helped him block a field goal.

I view Uwazurike as basically the Broncos getting a bonus Day 2 draft selection and with the versatility he showed at Iowa State to play all over the defensive line from the 0 all the way out to the 5T positions, he should have an immediate role in Denver.

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