Denver Broncos Mock Draft After Sanders Trade
The Denver Broncos made a big trade this week, sending veteran wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders and their 2020 5th round pick to the San Francisco 49ers for their 2020 3rd and 4th round picks. The move brought some uproar from Broncos fans who were admirable of Sanders, but it makes perfect sense for Denver. Sanders was going to be a free agent after the season and the chances of him re-signing with the team were looking slim. Reports say that Sanders had requested a trade after the team beat the Tennessee Titans.
General Manager John Elway gained two picks that will give the Broncos three 3rd round picks and two 4th round picks to help rebuild this roster. Like my other mocks for the Broncos, I used the majestic Mock Draft Machine brought to us by The Draft Network. Here’s a look at an updated mock after the Sanders trade:
Round 1, Pick 8: Tristan Wirfs, OT, Iowa
Bolles has been a nightmare this season against better pass rushers and his technique isn’t improving. Wirfs is the “1B” tackle in this class along with the “1A” Andrew Thomas. Wirfs has the ideal size and strength at the tackle position (see the video of him hang cleaning 450 pounds like it’s nothing). He has very quick feet and drives well in the run game. His versatility allows him to play both tackle spots efficiently.
Round 2, Pick 40: Laviska Shenault, Jr., WR, Colorado
In my other mocks, I usually have Denver taking a speed threat here, but with Shenault on the board, why not? This guy is a major threat after the catch, something the Broncos desperately need in their offense. He has also been all over the offense, playing out wide, in the slot, in the backfield, and in the wing. He’s a true Swiss Army Knife. His injury history is a red flag, but if he can stay healthy, he’d be a great steal here.
Round 3, Pick 72: Hamsah Nasirildeen, S, Florida State
A big defensive back at 6’ 4”, Hamsah is an extremely versatile player in the secondary. With only one of the duo of Simmons and Parks remaining after this season, getting a versatile safety should be in the cards for Denver. He can use a bit more weight to his frame, but he’s an explosive athlete that the Broncos defense could use all over the field.
Round 3, Pick 74: Jacob Eason, QB, Washington
Cue the “Elway likes tall quarterbacks” noise. Eason stands at 6’ 5” with a smaller frame. He may be lanky, but hooooooo-boy can he launch the football. Eason is just as good as any of the other quarterbacks at squeezing the ball into tight windows, but he has shown great ability with ball placement and reading the defense. No, this doesn’t mean I’m done and giving up on Drew Lock. Eason needs work on his footwork and lower body throwing mechanics, but he could be a great backup plan if Lock doesn’t pan out in a year or two.
Round 3, Pick 96: Solomon Kindley, IOL, Georgia
Imagine pairing Tristan Wirfs and Kindley on the left side and moving Dalton Risner to the right side. I’m drooling. I’m literally drooling. Kindley is a huge, powerful lineman who packs a serious punch. He can use a little work in his pass pro sets, but he has gone up against some of the best interior linemen in the country the last few years and has performed extremely well.
Round 4, Pick 104: Leki Fotu, IDL, Utah
Vic Fangio loves interior linemen who are big, but quick. Look at what he’s managed to do with Mike Purcell. He’s capable of opening up lanes for linebackers to make plays, but he also has developed some great pass rush moves in the interior. If Elway wants to keep the defense improving (because they ARE improving, sitting at 5th in DVOA) Fotu would be an ideal plug in.
Round 4, Pick 128: Shaquille Quarterman, LB, Miami
While Quarterman might be lacking in pass coverage, he is a physical linebacker who can provide support between the tackles on run downs. The Broncos have some decisions to make this offseason regarding the inside linebacker spot, as Todd Davis has been okay and Josey Jewell has struggled staying healthy. Alexander Johnson has been a pleasant surprise in his second season and looks to solidify his role going forward. Quarterman could supply the Broncos with a younger thumper in the middle of the defense.
Round 6, Pick 162: Lamar Jackson, CB, Nebraska
No, not THAT Lamar Jackson. (I am so sorry for that joke) The Broncos could be moving into from Chris Harris, Jr. this offseason and are already thin at cornerback. Bryce Callahan has yet to play this season and Isaac Yiadom is playing himself out of a job. Duke Dawson has been pretty good and Devontae Harris has been okay. If the Broncos want to improve corner play next season, Jackson could be a good start. He’s a bigger, physical corner who would benefit from being in a zone-centric system like Fangio’s.
Round 7, Pick 222: Charleston Rambo, WR, Oklahoma
Man, this kid can fly. The Broncos need to add more speed to their offense and Rambo could be a sleeper to be that guy. Plus, his last name is Rambo. That’s awesome. He has a smaller frame that could use some extra mass, but he is quick and shifty in open space. Guaranteed starter Day 1. No one is gonna mess with this guy.