Denver Broncos mock draft 2023: Building Sean Payton's team

The Denver Broncos’ draft this year includes a mere five selections after trades for quarterback Russell Wilson and head coach Sean Payton over the past 14 months or so.

Coming off an ugly five-win season, general manager George Paton must hit on a majority of these picks. He’s firmly on the hot seat. The front office head also hasn’t been put in the best of positions.

With that said, Denver still has some nice building blocks. If Wilson can improve in his first season under Payton, that will be magnified further. With this in mind, let’s provide you with our full seven-round Denver Broncos mock draft for 2023 NFL Draft.

Denver Broncos draft needs 2023

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Here is a list of the Denver Broncos’ draft needs heading into the 2023 NFL Draft.

Cornerback
Defensive line
Center
Offensive line
Running back
Specialist
Wide receiver

2023 Denver Broncos draft picks

Round 3 – 67th overall
Round 3 – 68th overall
Round 4 – 108th overall
Round 5 – 139th overall
Round 6 – 195th overall

Denver Broncos mock draft: Doing something with very little

Sportsnaut used Pro Football Focus’ NFL Draft simulator, which provides the flexibility to trade and work through a variety of scenarios. Let’s dive into our Broncos mock draft.

Round 3, 67th overall: Joe Tippmann, C, Wisconsin

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While it was expensive, Denver did well to fortify its offensive line in front of Russell Wilson during NFL free agency. That included signing right tackle Mike McGlinchey and left guard Ben Powers. Pass protection was obviously an issue as Wilson struggled in his first season with the Broncos. That included the future Hall of Famer being sacked a league-high 55 times in 15 games.

There is still a need at center with Lloyd Cushenberry acting the part of a mid-tier starter since the Denver Broncos made him a third-round pick back in 2020.

Tippmann (6-foot-6, 313 pounds) makes perfect sense as a scheme fit in Denver. He started 23 games over his final two seasons with the Badgers, earning All-Big 10 honors in the process. He comes from a pro-style blocking scheme and is seen as a plus-level pass protector.

Round 3, 80th overall: Rashee Rice, WR, Southern Methodist

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Trade: Broncos deal 68th pick to the Steelers for 80th and 120th picks

It would not be a surprise if Denver moved this pick to acquire another mid-round selection. With their lack of assets, the Broncos simply need to find a way to add more prospects in the 2023 NFL Draft. In this scenario, Paton and Co. pick up an additional selection while moving down just 12 spots.

We project said pick to be a dynamic return threat in the 6-foot-1 Rice. The Southern Methodist product hits that second level with relative ease, potentially helping the Broncos from a field possession aspect of the game. Montrell Washington handled return duties a season ago, but did nothing on offense. Rice could moonlight as an offensive weapon for Sean Payton. After all, he did catch 96 passes for 1,355 yards and 10 touchdowns a season ago.

Round 4, 108th pick: Byron Young, EDGE, Tennessee

EDGE pass rush is an obvious need for the Broncos after they dealt away Bradley Chubb during the 2022 season. The signing of Zach Allen to pair with Randy Gregory does very little in this regard in that he’s going to play with his hands down in Vance Joseph’s 3-4 scheme.

This is where Young comes into play. At 250 and after running an electric 4.43 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine, the former Tennessee star has the versatility to play multiple roles in Denver. It also doesn’t hurt that he was uber productive in two seasons with the Vols, recording a combined 23.5 tackles for loss and 12.5 sacks.