2019 NFL Draft: Hart’s Day 2 Big Board for the Denver Broncos

It’s never a dull moment covering the 2019 NFL Draft and the Denver Broncos made several moves on the first day that had all of Broncos Country at the edge of their seat.

To start off their evening, they acquired an extra second-round selection (#52 overall) and a future third round selection from the Pittsburgh Steelers, who traded up for Michigan linebacker Devin Bush. After dropping own to the twentieth overall selection, the franchise selected high-profile tight end Noah Fant, giving them a dynamic weapon at the position they haven’t had in half a decade. (ICYMI — here is my scouting report on Fant.)

After the first round was in the books, twenty-three prospects in my top thirty-two went in the first round. Six others who ended up going on the first day were ranked thirty-three through forty-two respectively, with only three players outside the the top fifty going in the first. So who are the best players from my board that still remain and which of them could be favorites to land with the Broncos tomorrow evening? Let’s take a look.

Hart’s Best Players Available for Day 2

19. Jawaan Taylor, OT — Florida

The reason Taylor is still available is simple — there are medical concerns with his knee according to various reports. I’m not big on taking prospects with injury risks high in the draft, so I’d hope the Broncos would pass on him given that issue.

21. Byron Murphy, CB — Washington

If the Broncos somehow ended up with Murphy in the second round I’d be absolutely elated. He is a tremendous fit for Vic Fangio’s defense and is one of the ‘stickiest’ corners in the draft. When you factor in the Chris Harris Jr. situation — it’s quite clear Denver needs to find themselves another cornerback.

23. Drew Lock, QB — Missouri

I’m not too surprised that Lock slid out of the first round. His mechanics are a mess (especially his footwork) which has a negative impact on his overall accuracy. However, his potential and talent may be too good for the Broncos to pass up if he is on the clock at #41 overall. Kevin Hogan and Garrett Grayson aren’t quality back-up material and they aren’t guys you want starting at any point ever.

24. Greedy Williams, CB — LSU

Williams isn’t the best fit for the Broncos’ defense, but you he has traits you can’t teach and if he puts it all together and improves upon his tackling he could be a quality boundary corner in the National Football League. Those are two big ifs but in the second round the risk is worth the reward.

26. Dalton Risner, OL — Kansas State

The Broncos like Risner and if available he would be an obvious choice for the franchise considering they have significant needs long-term on the interior. His ability to play four spots (everything but left tackle) only adds to his value. Don’t be surprised if he is one of the prospects Denver selects on Day 2.

28. Nasir Adderley, S — Delaware

Will Parks and Justin Simmons are both free agents after the end of next season. While I envision one of them receiving a contract extension, I’m not sure both do. Adderley is a ball-hawking defensive back who forces a lot of turnovers. He would be a dark horse pick for sure but a great value selection nevertheless.

29. D.K. Metcalf, WR — Ole Miss

The Broncos drafted Courtland Sutton and DaeSean Hamilton in last year’s draft and added a dynamic tight end in Fant to their roster yesterday evening. Could you imagine the Broncos’ offense with Metcalf added into the mix? Good luck to opposing secondaries if that happens.

30. Cody Ford, OT — Oklahoma

Mike Munchak is one of the best in the business at coaching up offensive lineman and Ford has a tremendous amount of athleticism for a man his size. His best fit might be at offensive guard and the Broncos do have a need there.

32. Rock Ya-Sin, CB — Temple

The aforementioned Murphy and Williams are still available, but Ya-Sin is a rock solid corner who can compete for snaps immediately. His physicality and strong tackling line up with the aggressive attitude of Fangio’s defense.

The Remainder of Hart’s Top 100

35. Irv Smith Jr., TE — Alabama

39. A.J. Brown, WR — Ole Miss

40. Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, S — Florida

41. Deebo Samuel, WR — South Carolina

43. Joejuan Williams, CB — Vanderbilt

44. Jaylon Ferguson, EDGE — Louisiana Tech

45. Dre’Mont Jones, DT — Ohio State

46. Hakeem Butler, WR — Iowa State

47. Erik McCoy, C — Texas A&M

48. J.J. Arcega-Whiteside, WR — Stanford

49. Taylor Rapp, S — Washington

50. Trysten Hill, DT — Central Florida

51. Juan Thornhill, DB — Virginia Tech

52. Riley Ridley, WR — Georgia

53. Yodny Cajuste, OT — West Virgnia

55. Justin Layne, CB — Michigan State

56. Trayvon Mullen, CB — Clemson

58. Greg Little, OT — Ole Miss

59. Zach Allen, DE — Boston College

60. Amani Hooker, S — Iowa

61. Chase Winovich, EDGE — Michigan

62. Jahlani Tavai, LB — Hawaii

63. Parris Campbell, WR — Ohio State

64. Kelvin Harmon, WR — NC State

65. Jarrett Stidham, QB — Auburn

66. Jachai Polite, EDGE — Florida

67. Deionte Thompson, S — Alabama

68. Amani Oruwariye, CB — Penn State

69. Elgton Jenkins, C — Mississippi State

70. Sean Bunting, CB — Central Michigan

71. David Montgomery, RB Iowa State

72. Terry McLaurin, WR — Ohio State

73. Joe Jackson, DE — Miami

74. Josh Oliver, TE — San Jose State

75. Germaine Pratt, LB — NC State

76. Anthony Nelson, DE — Iowa

77. Oshane Ximines, EDGE — Old Dominion

78. Mack Wilson, LB - Alabama

79. Khalen Saunders, DT — Western Illinois

80. Isaiah Johnson, CB — Houston

81. Andy Isabella, WR — Massachusetts

82. Dawson Knox, TE — Ole Miss

83. Nate Davis, OG — Charlotte

84. Darrell Henderson, RB — Memphis

85. Bobby Okereke, LB — Stanford

86. Blake Cashman, LB — Minnesota

87. Miles Sanders, RB — Penn State

88. Damien Harris, RB — Alabama

89. Drew Samia, OG — Oklahoma

90. Ryan Finley, QB — North Carolina State

91. Miles Boykin, WR - Notre Dame

92. D’Andre Walker, EDGE — Georgia

93. Max Scharping, OT — Northern Illinois

94. Connor McGovern, OG — Penn State

95. Ben Banogu, EDGE — TCU

96. Isaiah Buggs, DE — Alabama

97. Jace Sternberger, TE — Texas A&M

98. Mecole Hardman, WR — Georgia

99. Will Grier, QB — West Virginia

100. Devin Singletary, RB — Florida Atlantic