The Broncos Country Vote Mock Draft V.3.0

With all but two games left in the 2019 season, it seemed like a good time to give Broncos’ Country a chance to vote on who their favorite team should take in the upcoming draft!

For this scenario I enlisted the help J.T. Olson and we agreed to split up the picks leading up to Denver’s selection at number 10. Offensive lineman and quarterbacks have been rather notoriously popular in previous editions of the vote mock, so I’m interested to see how things look today.

Let’s get started.

1. Cincinnati Bengals - QB, Joe Burrow, LSU

This pick is a slam dunk. Mike Brown could mail it in today, but he won’t.

2. New York Giants - ED, Chase Young, OSU

JoRo: I know, I know. People made a big thing about Young returning to college next season. I’ll believe it when I see it and adjust accordingly. Since New York believe they have their quarterback of the future in Daniel Jones and took a generational running back in Saquon Barkley, Gettleman actually makes the best pick available to him in the 2020 draft.

3. Miami Dolphins - QB, Tua Tagovailoa, Alabama

JoRo: If he declares and clears all of the medical testing, I expect he’ll wind up as the top player on Miami’s board. The Dolphins’ brass have been rumored to love him for a long while now, and in this mock South Beach will have to Trust the Porpoise just a little bit longer.

Tua Tagovailoa injury timeline - What’s next, dates to know and the big NFL draft question

4. Washington - OT, Tristan Wirfs, Iowa

J.T. Washington invested in what they believe is their franchise quarterback in last year’s draft. Now they have to invest in protecting him. Wirfs is a smooth mover and very powerful. Perhaps the best pass blocking tackle in this class, he is just the man you want on the blind side as this team moves on from Trent Williams.

5. Detroit Lions - DL, Derrick Brown, Auburn

J.T. If toughness, versatility and physicality is the culture that Matt Patricia is trying to build in Detroit, this guy is the definition. On top if that he’s a dominating defensive lineman who will win at the point of attack and get penetration to pressure the quarterback. He can play 3 tech and even move outside in the 3-4 defense. With him and Snack Harrison in the middle, Detroit will have a dominating interior and an identity on defense.

6. Arizona Cardinals - CB, Jeffrey Okudah, OSU

JoRo: For all the jokes written about Vance Joseph, one look at his personnel in the desert leaves you cold. Patrick Peterson is having a down year, was a part of trade rumors at the deadline, and carries a dead cap under $1 million in 2020. Okudah gives him an heir apparent and should make a solid pair with Byron Murphy going forward.

He’s an athletic, physical corner with ball skills who brings enough scheme diversity that he can succeed even if Kliff Kingsbury moves on from his coordinator after the year.

7. New York Jets - LT, Andrew Thomas, Georgia

J.T. When your second year quarterback is seeing ghosts it’s a problem. He’s not comfortable in the pocket and is feeling pressure all the time. Thomas is a 320 pound ghost buster. This is the franchise left tackle that Sam Darnold needs to grow with. Additionally, he’s a fantastic run blocker. This pick just makes too much sense.

8. Jacksonville Jaguars - X, Isaiah Simmons, Clemson

JoRo: Is he a safety? Is he a linebacker? Who knows, but Duval county will get a chance to find out. Because of Nick Foles contract and their impending cap hell, the Jaguars are looking at a rather depressing short term future. If either or both of Tom Coughlin and Doug Marone are retained, the seats beneath their keisters will be red hot.

In theory, a rangy coverage backer is the kind of immediate talent bump that could help them win some games in a pass first league. In reality, he’ll probably have an adjustment period as he improves against NFL caliber run games.

9. Los Angeles Chargers - QB, Justin Herbert, Oregon

J.T. Philip Rivers is in the twilight of his career and the Chargers will have to move on soon rather than later. Herbert has great physical tools and has shown moments of brilliance during his career. This feel like a pick the bolts have to make for the long term success of the franchise.

2020 NFL draft: Justin Herbert scouting report

10. Vote for who you would draft in this scenario Broncos Country!

Your Broncos’ Links

Denver Broncos: Does Von Miller want out of Denver? - Mile High Report

Klis was finally asked what his gut feeling was on the situation. He said he thinks Von ideally wants to stay and make things work but with the way roster looks and how Von might be at a career crossroads that he may want out.

Denver Broncos loss to Chiefs doesn’t change the direction of the team - Mile High Report

Let’s face it, the snow showed us all that Denver isn’t there yet. The Drew Lock Train derailed in the snow of Kansas City. Drewcember left a lump of coal in our stockings. After two solid performances the rookie showed up, and he made some rookie mistakes.

Denver Broncos loss to KC Chiefs doesn’t mean all hope is lost - Mile High Report

Even in a horrible loss like Sunday’s, you can see the pieces in place to build on and get better. Namely at quarterback with Drew Lock, at least for the 2020 season and the possibilities that opens for free agency and the NFL Draft.

NFL Draft Links

Dane Brugler’s Top-10 positional rankings: 2020 offensive tackle class exactly what NFL needs – The Athletic

Damon Arnette, Ohio State (6-0, 197, 4.49) While he was dead set on entering the NFL Draft last year, Arnette had a last-minute change of heart and made important improvements as a senior that has his NFL draft stock pointing north. Although his aggressive nature downfield will get him in trouble, he has cut down on the panic plays and offers the loose hips and foot quickness to stay hip-to-hip in man coverage. Arnette is also one of the better run defending defensive backs I have scouted this season.

Marino’s 2020 NFL Mock Draft 4.0 | The Draft Network

Broncos - Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama Drew Lock has shown promise and Denver would be wise to build around him now that he is healthy. Courtland Sutton has developed nicely this season, but there aren’t many appealing options in the receiver corps aside from him. Jerry Jeudy’s route-running prowess and ability post-catch make him an ideal complement to Sutton.

NFL Links

Bruce Arians on Shaq Barrett: He ain’t going anywhere - NFL.com

Shaq bet on himself and won. You love to see it.

Philip Rivers admits ‘uncertainty’ about his future - NFL.com

”I mean, they could be (the final two games),” he said. “I don’t necessarily expect that it is, or I don’t necessarily think it’s a crazy thought that it will be. I think you just don’t know.”

Josh Gordon suspended indefinitely – ProFootballTalk

The Seahawks won’t have wide receiver Josh Gordon in the lineup the next two weeks or in the postseason. The NFL announced on Monday that Gordon has been suspended indefinitely. The suspension stems from violations of both the substance abuse and performance-enhancing drug policies.

Troy Aikman breaks news Dak Prescott has hairline fracture on index finger – ProFootballTalk

“I’ve never had a hairline fracture in my finger to throw,” Garrett said. “I think a lot of quarterbacks have had jammed fingers, and they’ve dealt with different things. It’s hard obviously. Having the ball in your hand and feeling good is a big part of throwing the ball well. But Dak’s a tough guy. Dak’s a physically tough guy. He’s a mentally tough guy. So whatever he’s dealing with, he doesn’t let a lot of people know about it. He goes out and does his job and he was able to do that again yesterday.”

Stephen Jones calls rumors of past efforts to reach out to Sean Payton “untrue” – ProFootballTalk

As the Cowboys continue to careen toward the potential canning of coach Jason Garrett, some believe that they’ll eventually make a phone call to the Saints about possibly hiring Sean Payton.

ProFootballTalk

Landing in New Orleans reunites Jenkins with former Giants teammate Eli Apple.

Multiple Browns say ‘come get me’ to Cardinals - NFL.com

NFL Network’s Michael Silver reports that on Sunday “multiple” Cleveland Browns players said “come get me” to the Arizona Cardinals’ sideline, including wide receiver Jarvis Landry.

Report: A.J. Green saw foot specialist Monday – ProFootballTalk

Bengals receiver A.J. Green injured his left ankle on the first day of training camp practice July 27, requiring surgery. He has not played this season. Green saw noted foot specialist Dr. Robert Anderson in Green Bay on Monday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.