Throughout the year and leading up to the 2021 NFL draft, we will update our Denver Broncos Mock Draft Roundup showing picks for the Denver Broncos from several prominent sites and draft analysts.
My guess is that we may see the Broncos address linebacker and maybe pass rush in free agency, which would give them the opening to add a big, talented CB like Farley to contend with the division's explosive, young QBs.
Coach Vic Fangio knows that he needs more cover corners to contain the high-powered offenses in the AFC West. Surtain is an elite CB with a refined game that could make him a star from Day 1.
Some teams just seem to have a blind spot drafting certain positions. Like the Patriots and wide receivers. For the Broncos, that position has been cornerback. The Broncos go into the offseason needing to bolster their outside pass coverage. While some like Caleb Farley of Virginia Tech, Surtain has been the better player.
The Broncos assembled a talented, high-upside group of skill-position players over the past few seasons, but after giving up the eighth-most points of any team in the league last year, they need to improve the defense, too. Surtain fits the bill as an instant-impact contributor, bringing the skill set to quickly emerge as a shutdown cornerback. In a division with Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs, Denver simply needs more guys who can cover.
Vic Fangio's defense relies on OLBs Bradley Chubb and (presumably) Von Miller creating pressure off the edge ... which means you need a pair of capable off-ball backers patrolling behind the line. Parsons fits the mold, and there could well be a need here with Alexander Johnson headed for free agency.
Is pass-rusher Von Miller going to return to the Broncos? What about free-agent safety Justin Simmons? This defense could look very different in Year 3 under Vic Fangio. I thought about a cornerback here, but I see linebacker as the bigger position to upgrade, and Parsons could play inside or outside. I see him more as an inside linebacker for a 3-4 defense, but his versatility would be a fit for any type of defense. Parsons, who opted out of the 2020 season, was a force at Penn State in 2019, with 109 tackles, five sacks and four forced fumbles. He has some upside as a pass-rusher.
The Broncos might consider a replacement for Drew Lock, who has been a disappointment in his first two seasons. Addressing the quarterback situation is the main concern for new general manager George Paton, but there are holes elsewhere. Cornerback was a consistent weak spot for the defense, and Surtain has the potential to be a Pro Bowl player.
