Denver Broncos Will Capitalize On EDGE Talent In The 2022 NFL Draft
After trading Von Miller, the Denver Broncos will capitalize on the edge defender talent in the 2022 NFL Draft.
It was tough for both Denver Broncos fans and Von Miller to say goodbye after Miller was traded to the Los Angeles Rams for two day two selections in the 2022 NFL Draft. Miller gets to join a championship-caliber team and the Broncos now get to start on a mini-rebuild. That rebuild, which will of course start in free agency, likely ends with them taking advantage of a potentially loaded edge class in the coming draft.
With just Bradley Chubb and Jonathan Cooper signed beyond this season, don’t be surprised if two (or even three) picks are edge rushers. Let’s look a few who could be Broncos by next spring.
George Karlaftis, Purdue
This will be the popular pick in mock drafts all throughout draft season in the first round, and it’s already picked up steam. It’s going to be interesting a) if the Broncos fire Vic Fangio and end up with a new defensive philosophy or b) if they stick with what they’re doing up front.
Karlaftis would be another power rusher opposite Chubb, but he’d still provide more athleticism and closing speed on the other side. The production so far as a freshman and his tape season have been impressive. Yes, production this season probably won’t be where many like, but he’s facing double and triple teams as the only true threat on Purdue’s front.
Karlaftis wins a ton at contact, using his strong hands to engage tackles and push them back with impressive power, as he’s a powerful and technical rusher. He can use his hands to trim the edge and flatten his angle to the quarterback, and has some great rush moves and counters, especially a rip move and a long arm move. He closes quickly once free, and his pursuit against the run is impressive.
Others in round 1: Aidan Hutchinson, Drake Jackson
David Ojabo, Michigan
If you haven’t heard about David Ojabo yet, you will. He’s gaining serious steam in draft circles, and has put together a strong 2021 season. Ojabo didn’t start playing football until 2017, and he’s still a little raw, but the physical tools are exciting.
He’s a long, strong athlete with impressive quickness and change of direction skills. He’s been creating pressure in spades this year, and is working on developing counters as he’s currently winning with top tier athleticism. Once Ojabo develops strong hand usage, look out. His ceiling is enormous.
Cameron Thomas, San Diego State
Another rusher who could be interesting for the Denver Broncos is San Diego State’s Cameron Thomas. He falls into the tweener camp as he’s listed between 270-280 pounds. He’s extremely dynamic off the line of scrimmage, and plays with his hair on fire. He can win in a variety of ways, from his impressive athleticism to his great moves at contact.
His versatility is intriguing, as San Diego State lines him up from everywhere to some 1-technique all the way out to five and 7-technique. His quickness and explosion will be useful in different packages, but he’d be excellent out wide opposite Chubb. He has 12 tackles for loss already this season.
Travon Walker is another to watch.
Myjai Sanders, Cincinnati
Myjai Sanders has plenty of fans in the draft world right now, as he’s another rusher with impressive athleticism in the 2022 NFL Draft. Sanders would be someone on day two for the Denver Broncos to look at.
He’s a long, loose athlete who wins, like others mentioned, with a quick get off and the athleticism to win around the edge and with a wicked inside move. The explosion is evident on tape with Sanders. He’s mostly a stand up rusher who plays with violent hands and gets involved in the run game.
Isaiah Foskey, Notre Dame
Isaiah Foskey is another intriguing name in this class, as he’s yet another great athlete. Notre Dame has moved Foskey around from playing defensive end, to working on stunts, and a little bit off the ball. When he’s lined up to rush, Foskey gets into a half man quickly and has the length to keep tackles from gaining any leverage. He can scrape well on stunts and has the flexibility and speed to close quickly to the quarterback.
The Denver Broncos will be heavily invested in this 2022 edge group, and as was stated above, with the amount of picks they have on the first two days of the draft, don’t be surprised if a pair are selected to boost this defensive front for 2022.