NFL Spin Zone
Fansided

Denver Broncos Mock Draft: Let Russ Cook and give him some groceries

By Sravan Gannavarapu

BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA - OCTOBER 02: Damone Clark #18 of the LSU Tigers in action against the Auburn Tigers during a game at Tiger Stadium on October 02, 2021 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA - OCTOBER 02: Damone Clark #18 of the LSU Tigers in action against the Auburn Tigers during a game at Tiger Stadium on October 02, 2021 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 6
Next
OXFORD, OHIO – SEPTEMBER 28: Doug Costin #58 and Dominique Robinson #11 of the Miami of Ohio Redhawks celebrate a play in the game against the Buffalo Bulls at Yager Stadium on September 28, 2019, in Oxford, Ohio. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
OXFORD, OHIO – SEPTEMBER 28: Doug Costin #58 and Dominique Robinson #11 of the Miami of Ohio Redhawks celebrate a play in the game against the Buffalo Bulls at Yager Stadium on September 28, 2019, in Oxford, Ohio. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /

Denver Broncos mock draft, fourth-round picks

4. Fourth Round via trade with CLE: Dominique Robinson, EDGE, Miami (OH)

An excellent young piece that would be a steal at this point in the draft, with the potential to start sooner than later. Not a Day One individual, but given time and proper attention by the coaching staff, there is a lot to like.

Mostly a rotation piece; Robinson recorded 4.5 sacks last season and is a pure edge rusher. Given how Denver runs a 3-4 scheme, it should be a natural fit, but it’s not always like that. It will take time to develop Robinson as he is a raw talent, but his first step quickness would be considered his best trait.

In terms of dealing with stronger offensive linemen, he will need to fine-tune his game just a bit, but here in the fourth round, you are looking for steals and players with upside. The defense of Denver is already good, but they just need a little more like Robinson to dot the I’s and cross the T’s.

5. Fourth Round: Matthew Butler, DL, Tennessee

Production in college matters, regardless of where someone comes from or what they look like. Moreover, if a guy can play, he can play. All that said, Denver addresses the hole left by Shelby Harris right here with the selection of Tennessee defensive lineman Matthew Butler.

There is some upside to this pick. 47 total tackles last season and five sacks. Not gaudy, but good enough to warrant eyes. Moreover, he comes from a school that produces quality defensive linemen. Is he one of those guys? Absolutely not, but he deserves attention on the field and, if developed, can be a good player.

The Broncos know that finding diamonds in the rough is essential with limited top-tier capital. Having said that, you can trust George Paton will be looking for several avenues to help find cheap talent and ultimately assemble a strong team. Butler is a player that is likely his cup of tea, which speaks to something.

6. Fourth Round: Alec Lindstrom, G, Boston College

When Russell Wilson was doing his magic in Seattle, he had a Marshawn Lynch in the backfield and a robust offensive line at his disposal. However, with Seattle moving on from both through the last few years and entering a rebuild, Wilson is now in a new spot with the same desires.

Using the fourth-round pick here, Denver chooses to address the position by going to one of college football’s best offensive line factories, and they head east, finding NFL blood in the process of a younger brother. Yes, Chris Lindstrom’s brother Alec of Boston College is the choice here to wear orange and blue. From a positional and a football standpoint, it makes perfect sense.

Denver’s interior line requires reinforcements. With the tackle position already addressed in the earlier rounds, the Broncos shift their focus to the interior trenches and add an underrated player and could potentially start from Day One if he is coached properly and developed the same way his sibling has been taught.

7. Fourth Round via trade with CLE: Mario Goodrich, CB, Clemson

It would be a head-scratcher to consider drafting a cornerback in this position, even though Denver has plenty of corners, including Patrick Surtain II as a cornerstone player on their roster, and will likely grab one in FA if needed. That said, it is likely that George Paton will release some of the other veteran corners on their roster to get younger as a unit.

That said, they go that route here by drafting Mario Goodrich to go alongside Surtain and form a young, dynamic cornerback duo. Ronald Darby may be the starter for now, but eventually, Goodrich will take over thanks to his sheer competitiveness and the traits he learned from playing at a major college football program.

42 total tackles last season isn’t elite level, but at the same time, being intelligent as a cornerback is vital in a league that is heavily favored towards the pass. Goodrich will obviously need to work to unseat players like Darby, Michael Ojemudia, and Bryce Callahan to be a starter. Still, he has potential and upside, which warrants taking a flier on him at this point in the draft.

Home/Denver Broncos