5 Broncos whose jobs are in danger after the 2022 NFL Draft

Oct 17, 2021; Denver, Colorado, USA; Las Vegas Raiders running back Kenyan Drake (23) runs the ball against Denver Broncos linebacker Malik Reed (59) in the first quarter at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 17, 2021; Denver, Colorado, USA; Las Vegas Raiders running back Kenyan Drake (23) runs the ball against Denver Broncos linebacker Malik Reed (59) in the first quarter at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 5
Next
Denver Broncos
DENVER, COLORADO – JANUARY 08: Malik Reed #59 of the Denver Broncos celebrates after a defensive stop against the Kansas City Chiefs at Empower Field at Mile High on January 8, 2022 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /

Broncos player no. 5: Malik Reed, EDGE

One player that is clearly in a murky situation after the 2022 NFL Draft is Malik Reed.

The Denver Broncos used their top pick in the Draft on Oklahoma’s Nik Bonitto, who figures to be part of the rotation immediately.

Beyond Bonitto, it’s safe to say that 2021 seventh-round pick Jonathon Cooper is not going anywhere, especially after the huge potential he showed in his rookie season.

The Broncos also moved 2021 third-round pick Baron Browning to the edge this offseason, and even if you just considered those three players, things wouldn’t be looking great for Reed.

Outside of just those guys, the Broncos have some intriguing young players like Aaron Patrick and Andre Mintze, two guys the team was really high on a season ago.

It wouldn’t surprise me in the least to see someone like Reed traded this offseason as the Broncos could save over $2.4 million by sending him to another team or cutting him.

I think cutting Reed is off the table as every team is looking for strong edge play and Reed can give you that at a very reasonable price.

Even with the recent injury history of Bradley Chubb and the fact that Randy Gregory is working his way back from a shoulder procedure, I think Reed is definitely on blast with the way things have transpired in the 2022 offseason.

The Broncos are going to want to get Bonitto, Cooper, and Browning on the field and there just aren’t enough snaps to go around.