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Denver Broncos three-round 2017 NFL Mock Draft

By Sayre Bedinger

Dec 18, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos fan reacts following a turnover to seal the win to the New England Patriots at Sports Authority Field. The Patriots defeated the Broncos 16-3. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 18, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos fan reacts following a turnover to seal the win to the New England Patriots at Sports Authority Field. The Patriots defeated the Broncos 16-3. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 17, 2016; San Jose, CA, USA; Utah Utes defensive tackle Lowell Lotulelei (93) during the game at Spartan Stadium. The Utah Utes defeated the San Jose State Spartans with a score of 34-17. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 17, 2016; San Jose, CA, USA; Utah Utes defensive tackle Lowell Lotulelei (93) during the game at Spartan Stadium. The Utah Utes defeated the San Jose State Spartans with a score of 34-17. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports /

SECOND ROUND: Lowell Lotulelei, DT, Utah

If there has been an area of weakness on the Denver defense, it has been against the run. The loss of Malik Jackson and injury to Vance Walker have given way to what was once the toughest part of Denver’s defense. This season, we’ve also seen a decline in the play of former first rounder Sylvester Williams.

All of that said, the Broncos need to upgrade the teeth of their defense. Williams is a free agent this offseason, and the Broncos will need to find a way to replace him. Clearly that isn’t happening with anyone currently on the roster, as their only developmental nose tackle on the active roster — Darius Kilgo — was released.

Kyle Peko is on the practice squad, but the Broncos need someone who can step in and potentially play snaps right away next year. This could be an area they look at in free agency, but I love the thought of adding someone big, strong, tough, and mean like Lotulelei. He may not offer much as a versatile pass rusher, but the Broncos need to be more stout against the run, and he can be a huge help in that regard.

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