Denver Broncos: 7-Round 2018 mock draft after free agency

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In this mock draft, quarterbacks fly off the board with the first three picks. Before the Denver Broncos go on the clock at five, Sam Darnold, Josh Rosen and Baker Mayfield have all already been selected, leaving Josh Allen as the only viable quarterback option available.

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Allen is an interesting quarterback prospect with a big arm and a ton of long-term upside. However, his poor accuracy and inability to succeed against big-time competition in college is a major concern. Drafting Allen would simply be reaching for upside at the quarterback position. In Paxton Lynch, the Broncos already have a talented, but raw quarterback prospect on the roster to groom.

Instead of reaching for some more unrefined quarterback upside, the Denver Broncos fill another need with the fifth overall pick by selecting Notre Dame offensive lineman Quenton Nelson.

Nelson is arguably the most talented and pro-ready player in this entire draft class. He is an absolute mauler in the run game who dominates at the point of attack. Nelson also moves well for an offensive lineman, showing the ability to consistently reach the second level in the run game.

The Notre Dame product is an elite-level run blocker who also shows an impressive ability to protect the quarterback. He is a mean and nasty offensive lineman who also shows an extremely well-rounded skill set that will translate well to the next level.

Nelson does not play a premium position, but he is an elite offensive guard prospect who is all but guaranteed to have success at the next level. Snagging him at the fifth overall pick would immediately make them a better team and improve the chances that Keenum or Lynch becomes the franchise quarterback that they need.

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