2017 NFL Mock Draft: Mad Rush At Start For Top Defenders

Nov 5, 2016; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Jonathan Allen (93) sacks LSU Tigers quarterback Danny Etling (16) during the first quarter of a game at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 5, 2016; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Jonathan Allen (93) sacks LSU Tigers quarterback Danny Etling (16) during the first quarter of a game at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 12, 2016; Iowa City, IA, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes linebacker Ben Niemann (44) tackles Michigan Wolverines tight end Jake Butt (88) during the first half at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 12, 2016; Iowa City, IA, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes linebacker Ben Niemann (44) tackles Michigan Wolverines tight end Jake Butt (88) during the first half at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports /

24. Denver Broncos

Jake Butt . 24. player. 45. Look at the best offenses Gary Kubiak has been able to put together. Each of them had one thing in common. They had a tight end that was a serious threat in the passing game. It was true of Shannon Sharpe in Denver and again of Owen Daniels in Houston. Finding that sort of credible threat will really help things open up for both his running game and play action passing game. Thus far they haven’t found somebody who can create such a threat. <p>Jake Butt makes plenty of sense for them. He’s a polished, determined blocker who can really help in protection or getting an extra body out of the running lane. However, he’s progressed quite a bit as a pass catcher since the arrival of Jim Harbaugh, a man notorious for developing tight ends. Butt has a tall frame, good quickness, and enough speed with strong hands to make those tough 50-50 catches every quarterback needs on key downs.</p>. TE. Michigan