2022 NFL Draft: Denver Broncos bolster offense early in 7-round mock
By Kyle Edmond
Denver Broncos 7-Round 2022 NFL Mock Draft
The Denver Broncos will go into the upcoming season with an intriguing situation to fans around the league. With offensive weapons galore, if healthy, there are pieces in place for this offense to succeed. What’s missing is the most important part. A quarterback.
The quarterback frenzy that has hit the NFL Draft in recent years looks to have come to a screeching halt in the 2022 NFL Draft and teams like Denver could be left looking for answers elsewhere. Luckily, there’s players out there to target.
Names like Aaron Rodgers, Russell Wilson, Jimmy Garoppolo and many others could be on the move this offseason and the Broncos could be main contender. With youth talent in Jerry Jeudy, Noah Fant, Courtland Sutton among many others locked in, it’s a situation that could be fruitful for the right quarterback.
Look what Tom Brady has done in Tampa. The talent isn’t quite equitable, but the possibilities are similar. However, as the situation currently stands, Drew Lock is the only quarterback locked in with the Denver Broncos for next season. So, what could all this mean for the 2022 NFL Draft?
Note: Selections were made using The Draft Network’s Mock Draft Machine.
Round 1, Pick 11: Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State
player. 893. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. OT. Mississippi State. Charles Cross. 1
If the Broncos explore a trade for a quarterback, odds are this pick won’t belong to them. It’s hard to see Green Bay, Seattle or anyone else parting ways with a franchise player without getting a first round pick in return. With little to no options at quarterback worthy of this pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, the Denver Broncos could do the next best thing: protect whoever is under center.
Current right tackle Bobbie Massie is set to become a free agent this offseason and upgrading the offensive line could be a great way to set the stage for any future addition under center. The weapons are there. If protection can be added, nearly an QB could see improved success in this offense.
As for Charles Cross, he has the ability to step in day one and make a difference. An All-SEC Freshman Team selection in 2020, Cross has been able to compile a lot of experience in a short period of time, while making a name for himself as one of the best pass blockers in the SEC. For an offense that wants to be high-powered through the passing game, Cross is a great addition if this pick doesn’t get used on finding a quarterback one way or another.