NFL Mock Draft 2021: 2 rounds post-free agency first wave
2021 NFL mock draft: 7th pick
TRADE: Detroit Lions trade 7th pick to Denver Broncos
Scouting Report. Ohio State. Justin Fields. Pick Analysis. QB. 7. player. 45
Denver Broncos key additions so far
- CB Ronald Darby
- RB Mike Boone
The Denver Broncos have worked hard in the 2021 offseason so far at keeping their own.
They franchise tagged Justin Simmons before re-signing him to a long-term contract to make him the highest-paid safety in the NFL.
They brought back defensive lineman Shelby Harris on a three-year deal. They also picked up the contract option on star pass rusher Von Miller.
Unfortunately, the Broncos have had to say some tough goodbyes as well. They said goodbye to running back Phillip Lindsay, a restricted free agent whose tender was rescinded after he and the team agreed to part ways.
The Broncos also let go of veteran safety Kareem Jackson to open up $10 million in cap space.
Even still, the Broncos have addressed their biggest “need” on paper at cornerback by going after free agent Ron Darby from the Washington Football Team. Darby has been oft-injured in his career but he played over 1,000 snaps in Washington last season, looking excellent in the process.
With their improved offensive line and tremendous offensive weaponry — Melvin Gordon, Courtland Sutton, Jerry Jeudy, KJ Hamler, Noah Fant, Tim Patrick — are the Broncos an ideal spot for a quarterback in this draft to land?
They have a defense that can win them games on its own, at least on paper, and a tremendous supporting cast on offense. New GM George Paton will have his hands full making the decision but he has expressed both a like for Drew Lock and a desire to upgrade the position.
Paton will make an educated move here and likely check out these QBs in-person at their pro days, but if Fields falls out of the top five, he might start making calls.
We’ll see how much the new GM likes what he saw from Lock come draft day now that he has largely passed on the free agent QB market.
Justin Fields has all of the tools to be a great NFL quarterback. Some think that in other draft classes, he would be a number one pick, easily. If the Broncos feel that way about him, they shouldn’t hesitate to pay the price to move up to get him.