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

9. Sixth Round via trade with MIN: Matt Araiza, P, San Diego State

Brandon McManus is one of the best in the business. Having help from a high altitude doesn’t hurt either. That said, he needs someone on the other side that can also benefit from such luxuries. Punters are people too, you know.

So, Denver uses the pick from the Minnesota trade and snags college football’s top punter and a potential game-changer in San Diego State’s Matt Araiza. Last season, he averaged 51.19 yards per punt and was awarded the Ray Guy Award for the nation’s top punter.

Araiza also had kicking duties, recording 10 of 14 field-goal attempts during the COVID shortened season. As a redshirt freshman, he made 22 field goals on 26 attempts and was named honorable mention All-Mountain West.

In other words, he is a versatile special teams player that can make an impact from Day One. Denver would be wise to steal him before someone else plans to make him the focal point of their special teams. Plus, again, the high altitude helps.

TRADE: Denver sends a 2022 sixth-round pick acquired from the Minnesota Vikings to the Los Angeles Rams for two 2022 sixth-round picks.

10. Sixth Round via trade with LA through MIN: Dai’Jean Dixon, WR, Nicholls

Initially, this was the second pick acquired from the Vikings trade, but they trade down again with the Rams and pick up another sixth-rounder in the process—another chance to add a late-round prospect for help.

Though Denver has plenty of good pass catchers and an underrated utility receiver in KJ Hamler, eventually one or two might be traded or move on, so it would be nice to have depth and have someone work his way into getting onto the field for a couple of plays. Again, Denver goes the small school route and finds a hidden gem in Dai’Jean Dixon of Nicholls State.

If that doesn’t ring a bell, does Lardarius Webb ring a bell? It should, as he was a respectable player during his time in Baltimore. So, the school has produced players into the NFL before. In the case of Dixon, he had a productive year last season with 71 catches for over 1,000 yards and eight touchdowns.

Not exactly a superstar, but at the same time, Denver would benefit greatly by having another young weapon mature his way into the league with a strong leader like Russell Wilson as his quarterback. He may start off on the practice squad, but he has traits that translate to the next level, and that’s hard to find in the sixth round. Denver would love this move if it happens.

11. Sixth Round via trade with LA: Andrew Steuber, OT, Michigan

This is the second pick from the LA trade, and it could not have come at a better time. Two players have already been added to the offensive line room, and now a third player gets to come thanks to the trade here with the Rams. Denver turns their attention to the Big Ten and grabs Andrew Steuber from Michigan.

Last season, the Wolverines were a strong running team. Denver, as fate would have it, prides itself on running the football, courtesy of Javonte Williams. So, having an extra run blocker with experience and leadership certainly helps. Additionally, Steuber has played in big college football games, including the Big Ten Championship and a College Football Playoff Game.

Steuber will likely start as a backup or a practice squad member, but he does have traits that translate to the NFL. Given time, he will probably play inside as a guard. That’s not all bad. Put him in the right spot, and Nathaniel Hackett and his staff should have no trouble getting the best out of him.