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Five 2021 NFL Draft prospects the Denver Broncos can’t live without

By Sayre Bedinger

The Las Vegas Raiders select Daviyon Nixon in the third round of this 2021 NFL mock draft (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
The Las Vegas Raiders select Daviyon Nixon in the third round of this 2021 NFL mock draft (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /
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Daviyon Nixon, 2021 NFL Draft
Iowa defensive tackle Daviyon Nixon is becoming an interesting 2021 NFL Draft prospect (Photo by Matthew Holst/Getty Images) /

The defensive line crop in the 2021 NFL Draft is not turning a lot of heads, but Iowa defensive lineman Daviyon Nixon has been.

Nixon got his feet wet in 13 games for the Hawkeyes in the 2019 season with 29 total tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, and three sacks.

In 2020, he’s been a star.

He has 45 tackles in the first eight games of the season with 13.5 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, a forced fumble, and a 74-yard interception for a touchdown.

This is a 300-plus pound defensive lineman who can move exceptionally well and line up at a number of different positions on the defensive front.

The Broncos value versatility on the defensive line, and they could be losing a number of key players there in 2021. Shelby Harris and DeMarcus Walker are free agents. Jurrell Casey was placed on IR early in the season and his future with the franchise is in question.

Dre’Mont Jones looks like a key piece for this unit moving forward and the team re-signed nose tackle Mike Purcell (also on IR) but depth is needed. McTelvin Agim, a third-round pick in 2020, will be counted on to develop into a key rotational player.

Nixon, however, could be a day one starter for the Broncos and is one of the top defensive linemen in this not-so-top-heavy class.

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