Free agency will start next week on Wednesday of next week, which makes it the perfect time to check in on the latest buzz and batch of rumors circulating around the Broncos’ first-round selection.
In this article, we’ll look at recent mock drafts from some of the best draft experts in the game, and break down their projected selection.
Seth Galina, Pro Football Focus: Trey Lance, QB, NDSU
In our first mock draft, Pro Football Focus analyst Seth Galina has the Broncos replacing Drew Lock with Trey Lance, arguably the most physically gifted quarterback in the class.
“With the other four quarterbacks off the board, the Broncos are left with Trey Lance,” Galina wrote. “But the North Dakota State product might have the most upside of any of the “big five” quarterbacks. He’s an elite runner and understands how to get through his progressions, although the accuracy is a concern.”
Some members of Broncos country might also worry about Lance’s fit with the team, especially Pat Shurmur and Drew Lock. But as we discussed in an article yesterday, those concerns might be somewhat overblown.
Bruce Feldman, The Athletic: Caleb Farley, CB, Va. Tech
Unlike Galina, Bruce Feldman isn’t a media scout. However few reporters — if any — have his level of access, reporting and sources inside the college game. He is also well-sourced in the pro game, making his mock draft a must-read.
Feldman has the Broncos taking what appears to be the most likely route — drafting a cornerback in the first round, and Caleb Farley to be specific.
“Denver needs cornerback help, and there are three good ones waiting,” Feldman wrote. “Farley, the freakiest athlete of that trio, once clocked 24.16 mph on the GPS in a game against Notre Dame. He opted out of 2020 and also had back surgery last offseason. In 2019, he led the ACC in passes defended with 16, was tied for second in the league with four INTs and earned first-team All-ACC honors.”
Feldman is right on Farley’s excellent athleticism, but Farley is much more than just some raw, underdeveloped athlete. He is undeniably one of the most scheme-versatile corners in the draft and an absolute ball-hawk.
His lack of experience might lead to a slow start — which should be the expectation for rookies at the cornerback position — but his upside is undeniable and Fangio’s secondary-friendly scheme could help ease that transition to the pro game.
“He has great size and length for a corner and great burst,” an unnamed coach told Feldman. “His ability to close is as good as it gets. Those are top-notch traits. I’m not as sold on his physicality and tackling ability, but when the ball’s in the air, he’ll make plays, and you didn’t want to mess with his side.”
Jordan Reid, The Draft Network: Caleb Farley, CB, Va. Tech
Get used to seeing this pairing a lot, as the team’s need, the player’s value, and the scheme fit perfectly lines up for the Broncos to select Farley. Jordan Reid is another top draft analyst that has tied the two together in his latest mock draft.
With that said, it seems pretty clear that the team would prefer to trade out of the ninth-overall pick if they’re able to.
Almost every mock draft I see has the Broncos taking a CB.
Two things:
1. I am not so sure they're going to be picking at 9.
2. I'm not so sure I'd be pencilling a corner in there.— Benjamin Allbright (@AllbrightNFL) March 5, 2021
“One of the easiest prospect-team matches of any prospect in the first round, Farley possesses every trait that head coach Vic Fangio outlines in what he seeks in cornerbacks,” Reid wrote. “A long, rangy, and physical corner, he would be a perfect fit for the Broncos as George Paton’s first-ever pick since taking over as general manager in Denver.”
