Mocking the Mocks: Sporting News Takes DT Fletcher Cox for Denver Broncos

One of the NFL Draft publications I purchase every year, without fail is the Sporting News’ NFL Draft magazine. I think the SN always has interesting position rankings and a really “out there” big board.

Their most recent mock draft is especially intriguing, not necessarily for the Broncos, but guys like Doug Martin from Boise State going in the first round–that’s an “out there” pick that stands out in this mock, or Sean Spence, the linebacker from Miami going 23rd to Detroit. It’s definitely a mock worth checking out if for no reason other than because it will make you scratch your head and think.

The main reason I bring this up is to see what other analysts out there think the Broncos are going to do in this year’s draft. Here is their analysis of the Fletcher Cox pick at #25 overall for the Broncos:

25. Denver Broncos: Fletcher Cox*, DT, Mississippi State. The Broncos are set with outside pass rushers, but their defensive tackles struggled to pressure the quarterback. Cox is a dynamic, explosive player who can split gaps and get into the backfield to make big plays.

This would definitely be a welcome addition to the Denver defense. A defensive tackle that can collapse the pocket would be an excellent piece to a Denver defense that already has some great pass rushers in Elvis Dumervil and Von Miller. This pick would also allow the Broncos a ton of flexibility later on in the draft. They could continue to put pieces on the defensive front or possibly use this pick on the trenches and then add offensive firepower with their next couple of picks. Either way, getting a guy like Fletcher Cox late in the first round would be solid value and could really propel Denver’s defense forward.