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.
For a more inclusive lists of mock drafts for the Denver Broncos, check out our 2021 Denver Broncos Mock Draft Database.
The following are picks in recent mock drafts for the Broncos:
EDSFootball - Hanson (3/5)
9. Caleb Farley, CB, Virginia Tech
The Broncos released cornerback A.J. Bouye last month and Bryce Callahan is entering a contract year. Farley is a top-10 prospect on our NFL Draft Big Board and is in the mix to be the first corner off the board in April. Farley (6-2, 207) had four interceptions and 12 passes defended in 2019 before opting out this season.
ESPN - McShay (3/4)
12. Caleb Farley, CB, Virginia Tech
In this scenario, the Broncos opt to stick with Drew Lock, pass on Mac Jones and move back for more draft capital. We still don't know what new GM George Paton will do at quarterback, but we do know his defense needs some playmakers. What will become of Von Miller, and could Denver target an edge rusher here? Is Justin Simmons returning or might TCU safety Trevon Moehrig be in the cards? The Broncos have a lot of questions to answer, but Farley -- another 2020 opt-out -- can make plays for a group that managed only 10 interceptions last season (tied for third fewest).
Jeff Legwold on his fit with the Broncos: Cornerback is certainly one of the biggest need positions. The Broncos already released A.J. Bouye, and Bryce Callahan just finished a second straight season on injured reserve. An early run on quarterbacks would push quality defensive players down the board, and Farley has walk-in starter potential.
Jeff Legwold on his fit with the Broncos: Cornerback is certainly one of the biggest need positions. The Broncos already released A.J. Bouye, and Bryce Callahan just finished a second straight season on injured reserve. An early run on quarterbacks would push quality defensive players down the board, and Farley has walk-in starter potential.
CBS Sports - Trapasso (3/3)
3. Justin Fields, QB, Ohio State
The Broncos desperately want to fix the quarterback spot, and who would blame them? So they make a bold move to get Fields in Denver.
The Athletic - Beat Writers (3/1)
9. Caleb Farley, CB, Virginia Tech
New general manager George Paton may be in the mix for a quarterback depending on whether he can pull off a Watson deal -- oddsmakers seem to like the Broncos' chances -- but that's not really an option in this scenario with the top four signal callers already off the board. Paton will gladly settle for a strong, physical, 6-foot-2, 207-pound defensive back who fits an immediate need. Alabama's Patrick Surtain II may be more ready to step in right now, and he'd certainly be an option here, but Denver's timeline would allow Farley to develop on the job while playing, at least next season, for a smart defensive head coach in Vic Fangio. Penn State linebacker Micah Parsons could be a consideration here, too. -- Nick Kosmider
Touchdown Wire - Farrar (2/26)
9. Patrick Surtain II, CB, Alabama
While Bryce Callahan was perhaps the NFL's best slot cornerback in 2020, the Broncos didn't have much else going on at the position. A.J. Bouye is an impending free agent, and Denver's outside cornerbacks in total allowed eight touchdowns to just one interception last season. While quarterback is the primary question on Denver's roster (which year is it again?), the Broncos aren't going anywhere near an AFC West title until and unless they shore up the cornerback position.
Surtain, the son of the cornerback who played for the Dolphins and Chiefs from 1998 through 2008 and grabbed 37 interceptions in his NFL career, comes into the league with a lot of the same characteristics. If you want to understand how advanced Surtain's game is, consider that he was starting for Nick Saban as a true freshman.
Perhaps the only ding on Surtain's game is his deep speed -- the only two touchdowns he allowed last season came on passes of 20 or more air yards, but those touchdowns were the only completions he allowed on such passes last season, and he was able to use his technique and acumen to force five deep incompletions. Surtain is as immediate a starter at the position as you'll find in this class, which is precisely what the Broncos need.
Surtain, the son of the cornerback who played for the Dolphins and Chiefs from 1998 through 2008 and grabbed 37 interceptions in his NFL career, comes into the league with a lot of the same characteristics. If you want to understand how advanced Surtain's game is, consider that he was starting for Nick Saban as a true freshman.
Perhaps the only ding on Surtain's game is his deep speed -- the only two touchdowns he allowed last season came on passes of 20 or more air yards, but those touchdowns were the only completions he allowed on such passes last season, and he was able to use his technique and acumen to force five deep incompletions. Surtain is as immediate a starter at the position as you'll find in this class, which is precisely what the Broncos need.
NFL.com - Casserly (2/25)
9. Caleb Farley, CB, Virginia Tech
The Broncos mull taking Justin Fields here but decide to go another year with Drew Lock under center. Farley replaces the recently cut A.J. Bouye.
MLive.com - Meinke (2/25)
9. Micah Parsons, LB, Penn State
Vic Fangio needs another linebacker badly, and Parsons is the best all-around ‘backer in the draft. He's stellar against the run, and one of the best blitzers to come out in years. But there are some red flags to consider as well, including allegations from a hazing incident in 2018 that was sexual in nature. He also opted out of the 2020 season. Still, the production was very good when he was on the field -- 191 tackles, 18 tackles for a loss, 6.5 forced fumbles, and 6.5 sacks in two seasons -- and the upside is tremendous. He's the No. 1 defensive player on my big board.
San Diego Union Tribune (2/24)
9. Patrick Surtain II, CB, Alabama
Most cornerbacks on the Broncos roster will be free agents after this season. Surtain, a former five-star recruit, has NFL DNA (father was an All-Pro corner who played 11 seasons) and prototypical traits. He isn't a burner, but that's picking nits when we're discussing the SEC Defensive Player of the Year.
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