The first round of the 2021 NFL Draft is in the books. We saw our Denver Broncos select Alabama cornerback Patrick Surtain with their 9th overall selection. Now, we roll into day 2 where the Broncos currently have two picks to use on prospects today. Will we see the Broncos trade up or back during the second and third rounds? Well, I take a shot at mocking what I think will happen.
I’ll be using The Draft Network mock draft simulator to complete this mock draft.
TRADE ALERT: Denver Broncos trade their 40th overall selection to the Tennesee Titans for their second, third, fourth, and sixth-round selections (Trade was offered to me)
Second Round - LSU Linebacker, Jabril Cox
I have the Broncos once again adding to their defense by adding a speedy coverage linebacker in Jabril Cox. He will add speed and coverage ability to the linebacker position that desperately needs it.
He’s not the best run defender, but the Broncos already have run defending linebackers on the roster. Cox is your sub-package linebacker. He has elite speed and athleticism, top-notch ball skills, and coverage ability to give the Broncos what they’re missing. If they can trade back and still get him, I would love this pick.
Third Round - UCF Safety, Richie Grant
Another defensive/secondary selection for the Broncos
After taking Patrick Surtain in the first round, they continue to add to their secondary by adding the versatile coverage safety, Richie Grant.
Honestly, I think he goes way before this, but this simulation had him in there in the early third round. He’s a ball-hawking safety who can serve as the team's third safety. In today’s NFL, you need a coverage safety more than an enforcer back there and that’s exactly what Grant is. He can step in as the team's third safety and potentially let veteran Kareem Jackson play closer to the line of scrimmage more this season in sub-package looks.
Third Round(via Titans) - Northern Iowa Offensive Tackle, Spencer Brown
Here, I have the Broncos adding a big, raw, and athletic tackle in Spencer Brown. Coming in at 6’8”, long arms, a 4.92 40-time, and just smoothness and nastiness to his game, you have a high-upside project for Mike Munchak.
The Broncos need some insurance for Ja’Wuan James and I think they can mold Brown into a good third tackle his rookie year and into James’s potential replacement at right tackle down the road.