2022 NFL Draft: Denver Broncos bolster offense early in 7-round mock

Round 2, Pick 42: Carson Strong, QB, Nevada

Let’s say that the Denver Broncos hang tight and try to ride out the storm under center. An offensive tackle in the first round improves the situation, but that doesn’t answer the quarterback question. There’s veteran options similar to Teddy Bridgewater, like Cam Newton or Andy Dalton, but a long-term solution will still be needed.

Using second round picks on quarterbacks don’t always pan out, but Denver will need to do something to show a sign of hope in the quarterback room. Carson Strong could be the best option to find a happy medium.

A game-manager, Strong has the ability to not lose games. With the talent on this offense, that might be all Denver needs. Strong posted a completion percentage over 70 each of the last two seasons and a 21:4 touchdown-to-interception ratio isn’t bad. The main concern is the level of competition.

Having gone down the Paxton Lynch road, there might be some hesitation to go after a Group of Five quarterback in Denver. However, in a year that has few big name targets at the position, Strong could be a safe option with upside.

Round 2, Pick 60: Myjai Sanders, EDGE, Cincinnati

Having two second round picks this year presents two options for Denver. It provides a lot of draft capital in trades or it could provide a lot of draft capital to build. In this case, they go with the build option.

Due to injuries and the way everything played out, the two-headed monster of Von Miller and Bradley Chubb never truly flourished into what was anticipated for the Broncos. Now, they have a shot to try again with Myjai Sanders.

At 6-foot-5 and 258 pounds, Sanders is a versatile player with the ability to move around on the defense. He can stand up or put a hand in the dirt off the edge and could serve as the compliment to Chubb on the other side of the defense.

Over the last three seasons at Cincinnati, Sanders has played in 38 games, totaling 119 tackles over that span. He added 24.5 tackles for loss and 13.5 sacks to his stat line.

Sanders has the ability to make plays in the backfield, but furthermore he’s just a strong defensive asset. In a division with the Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Chargers, Denver needs to find players who can not only create pressure, but drop back in coverage and stop the run as well. Sanders provides the ability to do all three.