2017 NFL Draft: Denver Broncos Early-April 7-Round Mock Draft

1 of 8

Can the Denver Broncos get back to playoff form after the 2017 NFL Draft? They try with this 7-round mock draft after free agency.

From winning the Super Bowl to not making the playoffs, that was the route that the Denver Broncos unfortunately took from the 2015 to 2016 seasons. With the retirement of Peyton Manning and departure of Brock Osweiler (perhaps a blessing in retrospect), their offense was left in flux and couldn’t even get their vaunted defense to carry them to the postseason. Now it’s up to the 2017 NFL Draft and the rest of the offseason to get them back in the playoff mix.

One of the biggest issues that the Broncos faced this past season was the fact that their offensive line was abysmal. That limited the offense in a number of ways. However, there are other holes that need to be addressed. Those holes include depth on the defensive side of the ball, the ever-present need for an every-down running back and plenty of others. Luckily, they may be able to address them in the draft.

Picking as the last non-playoff team, the Broncos aren’t in a prime position to get a superstar at the end of April. In a deep draft, though, they should be able to address needs and improve their team as a whole. That’s what the Denver Broncos look to do in this seven-round mock draft.

Note: This mock draft was compiled using the FanSpeak On The Clock mock draft simulator.

Jan 2, 2017; Arlington, TX, USA; Wisconsin Badgers offensive lineman Ryan Ramczyk (65) in action during the game against the Western Michigan Broncos in the 2017 Cotton Bowl game at AT&T Stadium. The Badgers defeat the Broncos 24-16. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

Round 1, Pick 20: Ryan Ramczyk, OT – Wisconsin

Looking at the shortcomings of the Denver Broncos offense one season ago, the easy place to point the finger is at Trevor Siemian. Admittedly Siemian wasn’t particularly impressive for much of the year. However, he also wasn’t done any favors by his offensive line. Not only did they frequently get him effectively lit up, but they also couldn’t help bolster a running game to help to take pressure off of the quarterback in the passing game.

Subsequently, the biggest key for the Denver offense this offseason has to be addressing the offensive line. And lucky for them in this mock draft, they get the chance to do so with the guy who many believe is the best offensive tackle in the class, Ryan Ramczyk out of Wisconsin. Though he only started for one year for the Badgers after transferring from the University of Wisconsin at Stevens Point, he showed incredible proclivity at the position and the potential to be a starting left tackle.

At 6-6, 310 pounds with impressive athletic traits for a player his size, Ramczyk seems like a can’t-miss tackle prospect. He progressed tremendously throughout last season as a run-blocker, adding to his biggest strength as a pass-blocker. Considering what the Broncos have on the defensive side of the ball, they can’t continue to let their offense suffer. Thus, Ramczyk is the obvious selection.

Home/Denver Broncos