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 Denver Broncos mock draft heading into Day 2.
Denver Broncos draft needs 2023
Here is a list of the Denver Broncos’ draft needs heading into Day 2 of 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
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. This is value at a need position for Denver.
Round 3, 80th overall: Marvin Mims Jr., WR, Oklahoma
Wide receiver could very well be a need depending on what the Broncos do with Courtland Sutton and Jerry Jeudy. Both have been on the trade block for some time now. Even if neither is moved, getting another explosive pass-catcher for Wilson should be in the cards. Mims would provide that.
- Marvin Mims stats (2022): 54 receptions, 1,083 yards, 20.1 average, 6 TD
In addition to his receiving ability, Mims could be a threat in the return game. It’s an area the Broncos are said to be looking to address as the 2023 NFL Draft plays out.
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.
Seven-round Denver Broncos mock draft
- Round 3, 67th overall: Joe Tippmann, C, Wisconsin
- Round 3, 68th overall: Marvin Mims Jr., WR, Oklahoma
- Round 4, 108th overall: Byron Young, EDGE, Tennessee
- Round 5, 139th overall: Luke Schoonmaker, TE, Michigan
- Round 6, 195th overall: Deuce Vaughn, RB, Kansas State
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