Denver Broncos 7-round mock draft: Home runs with every pick
The Denver Broncos have an opportunity to solidify one of the most talented rosters in the league with a great 2022 NFL Draft class.
The Denver Broncos currently have nine selections in the 2022 NFL Draft, even after making the move to acquire former Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson in a trade.
General manager George Paton has stated multiple times over the last year how much he enjoys having more “darts” to throw in the NFL Draft and not only does he enjoy it, but more picks give you a better chance at hitting a bullseye.
In this case, we’re using a baseball analogy and talking about what kind of home runs Paton could hit with the picks he has remaining, starting at pick 64 overall.
Because the Denver Broncos have nine picks and no desperate needs, how could we see Paton approach his second NFL Draft class? Buckle up, because things might get interesting…
Denver Broncos mock draft, pick 64: George Pickens, WR, Georgia
Broncos fans are probably going to wonder why this pick isn’t an edge rusher, tight end, or offensive tackle. Out of all positions on the roster, does wide receiver not need the least attention right now?
I think that’s a fair point, but this is the only time the Broncos will pick in the first two rounds of the NFL Draft until 2024, barring another trade. This selection should undoubtedly be used on the best player available, and if that player happens to be at a premium position like wide receiver, even better.
When I say premium positions, I’m talking about tackle, pass rusher, cornerback, or wide receiver. Those position groups — outside of QB — are being paid the most money in today’s NFL, so having top-flight players on rookie contracts at those positions is critical.
The Broncos just re-signed Courtland Sutton and Tim Patrick to new deals last year, but Patrick’s deal essentially runs out of guarantees beyond this year, and a player like Pickens could be a long-term difference-maker for a team like Denver.
You don’t hear many teams complaining about having too many weapons, just like the Broncos weren’t complaining about having too many corners last year.
After the moves to sign Ronald Darby and Kyle Fuller in free agency in 2021, most fans had written off the idea of a need at the cornerback position before George Paton and company drafted Pat Surtain II with their 9th overall pick.
At best, it seemed to the masses that Surtain would be the fourth-best corner on the team after Darby, Fuller, and Bryce Callahan. The Broncos also had Michael Ojemudia, a third-round pick from 2020, as a starter his rookie season.
Even without an apparent need at cornerback, the Broncos still took the best player at a premium position, and that decision paid off in a huge way early on as Surtain has now become the team’s CB1.
You can follow similar logic at wide receiver with Pickens being one of the best players on the board at the time at a premium position group.
Pickens has outstanding size, speed, hands, catch radius, and body control. If he’s on the board at 64, the Denver Broncos should seriously consider adding to their embarrassment of riches at wide receiver.