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Mel Kiper and Todd McShay of ESPN had themselves a two-round mock draft duel this week. Surprisingly, they went in completely opposite directions when it came to the Denver Broncos in their mock.
10. Denver Broncos
Kiper: T.J. Hockenson, TE, Iowa
We know Joe Flacco loves throwing to tight ends, and Hockenson would give him a true No. 1 tight end to target.
McShay: Drew Lock, QB, Missouri
I don’t love this pairing, but I also don’t think Flacco is the long-term quarterback answer. If Lock is already off the board, pass-catcher or defensive line makes the most sense for John Elway at No. 10.
To quarterback or not to quarterback, that is the question we’re all going to be wondering come draft day. If John Elway goes with Drew Lock, then the entire draft is going to need to go in a completely different direction. If he decided to hold firm and go with the most talented player on their board, then there might be a lot of happier Broncos fans watching on TV.
I don’t mind the Lock pick, but the thought of going for talented players at other positions is far more appealing.
41. Denver Broncos
Kiper: Dalton Risner, OT/G, Kansas State
Denver lost Billy Turner in free agency, and there’s a hole on the right side of the offensive line. Enter Risner, who impressed at the Senior Bowl.
McShay: Deebo Samuel, WR, South Carolina
I like how Denver has started to rebuild the receiving behind Emmanuel Sanders with DaeSean Hamilton and Courtland Sutton, but Samuel is electric with the ball in his hands. He would be welcomed by Joe Flacco, Drew Lock and the Broncos.
As you can see, picking Lock leads to picking Samuel. I like the Broncos wide receiver position group right now and don’t see the need to spend another second round pick there. The thought of landing Hockenson and Risner is hugely appealing. That draft right there would make me feel about as good as I did after the first two rounds in the 2018 NFL Draft.
I’m going to have to side with Kiper when it comes to the Broncos in this duel. How about you?