Denver Broncos: Six Targets at No. 64 Overall In The 2022 NFL Draft

Daniel Faalele, OT, Minnesota

Daniel Faalele is impossible to ignore. He is built like a brick house, standing at an astounding 6’8″ and 384 pounds. This is not all, he also possesses a wingspan of >85 inches, arm length of >35 inches, and a hand size of 11 inches.

If it’s hard to fathom that athletic profile, just take some time to consider that Faalele has actually shed more than 40 pounds since arriving in the states. The former Minnesota Gopher grew up in Australia and never put on pads until 2017.

Due to his lack of experience in the sport, it is no surprise that Faalele is a bit raw as a prospect. He has a lot of room to improve as a pass protector, but he has one of the strongest anchors in the draft and is a flat out mauler in the run game. It won’t always be pretty, but Faalele can contribute immediately by clearing lanes for running back Javonte Williams.

He will have to deal with some great pass rushers on a weekly basis, but he has improved each season and there’s reason to believe that he can develop into an above-average pass protector. Russell Wilson is used to less-than-perfect line play, but in order to get where they want to go, they’ll have to keep their quarterback clean and give him time to utilize the talent at wide receiver.

Rasheed Walker, OT, Penn State

Much like Faalele, Rasheed Walker is an unfinished product coming out of college. Walker started at left tackle for the Nittany Lions for three seasons, proving to be a force in the run-heavy scheme that Penn State deploys.

Unlike Faalele, Walker possesses more of a prototypical frame for an offensive tackle. At nearly 6’6″ and weighing in at 313 pounds, Walker has long arms and uses them to move defenders around at will. He must work on his balance in pass protection, as he shows a tendency to be too far back on his heels or too far forward on his toes.

Many of the shortcomings in Walker’s game can be corrected with proper NFL coaching and improved technique. He is more than serviceable as a run blocker, and has every trait necessary to grow into an above-average pass protector. He gives the team an option at right tackle immediately, with an even higher upside than the aforementioned Faalele.

Trey McBride, TE, Colorado State

I haven’t mentioned the hole at tight end that was left behind by Noah Fant. Part of that reason is because I am a firm believer in third-year tight end Albert Okwuegbunam. Okwuegbunam is unproven, but has show flashes on a handful of occasions that leads me to believe he can handle TE1 duties. However, the big concern is durability. Okwuegbunam has stints on the IR each of his two seasons, though he only missed three games total in 2021. Regardless of whether or not Albert can remain healthy for a 17 game schedule, there’s a need for talent behind him.

Trey McBride is considered by many to be the best tight end available. The tight end group in this draft is missing a truly elite prospect, but there are a number of starting caliber players at the position. The Colorado State alum is a chain mover in the pass game and a people move in the run game. He is a willing blocker, oftentimes even being used to block in the red zone rather than going out on routes. This led to an underwhelming touchdown total over the course of his career, but his 90 catches and 1121 yards in 2021 were no fluke. McBride can challenge for the top spot on the Denver Broncos depth chart immediately.