Denver Broncos 2022 Mock Draft: Addressing The Front Seven Early

Round 6, 192nd Overall: James Cook, RB, Georgia

The timeshare of Melvin Gordon and Javonte Williams has been a bright spot for the Denver Broncos this season, but Gordon will probably not return in 2022, leaving Williams as the bellcow in Denver. Mike Boone would be the backup, unless the position is addressed in the 2022 NFL Draft.

James Cook is a talented running back stuck in a committee with Zamir White and Kendall Milton, but he’s got the perfect traits to be the lightning to Williams’ thunder. Cook is incredibly quick and shifty in tight spaces, and has the short area burst to blow by defenders when he’s in space. He can also be a big time threat on third down as a pass catcher.

Round 7, 232nd Overall: Shaun Jolly, CB, Appalachian State

Yes, the corner room is loaded in Denver, but there’s a chance Kyle Fuller is moved at the deadline and Bryce Callahan might have too big of a price tag to bring back. Even with Patrick Surtain II, Michael Ojemudia, and Ronald Darby, it would be weird if Vic Fangio didn’t end up with a corner in this draft.

Shaun Jolly is a bit undersized, but he’s a great tackler and is a perfect depth player for the slot when the Broncos get into nickel. He can also be a standout on special teams from day one as he works into a role on defense.