Perfect Picks 2023: Denver Broncos
With the NFL Draft approaching we will be looking at each team and evaluating where they need to improve. In this particular series we will run a seven round mock using the Pro Football Network Mock Draft Simulator and find the ‘Perfect Picks’ for each franchise.
We will highlight four players that could help each team. This will feature picks 1 and 2, a mid round gem and a late round sleeper.
Round 3 - Daiyan Henley (Linebacker, Washington State)
With Denver likely going with either Vance Joseph or Rex Ryans as their next DC, this pick makes a lot of sense to me. Henley is a project at the linebacker position but he could be very well worth it. Despite his inconsistencies and size, Henley makes the big plays when they’re needed most. His athleticism should be the first thing to note when watching him.
Being that Denver likes their linebackers to be down low run stoppers while having the ability to drop back when needed, Henley seems like a perfect replacement for Singleton or Jewell down the road.
Round 3 - Carter Warren (Offensive Tackle, Pittsburgh)
Maybe Warren isn’t a day 1 starter, but it’s hard to find that in round 3. Luckily, Warren shows solid upside, though he is already 25. The best thing about him is that he is a good pass protector, and considering the Broncos O-Line production last year, adding him wouldn’t be the worst idea.
The Pitt tackle at worst could be what Calvin Anderson never was for Denver; a polished swing tackle with ability to start. If they can get even that at pick #68, that’s a win in my book.
Mid Round Gem - Tyjae Spears (Running Back, Tulane)
Man do I love me some Tyjae Spears, more than most I imagine, as he’s my RB3 in this year’s class. While he may not end up being an elite back, there is 100% RB1 ability in Spears. His quickness on the field may not be paired with elusiveness – but he does see the field better than most backs.
The RB room in Denver is weird; Williams is coming off a bad injury (especially for a RB), Murray is old, and Boone, who hasn’t stayed healthy, was brought in for everything Williams doesn’t do. Spears doesn’t bring anything any of the 3 do on their level, however, he does bring a good bit of all of them which could make him a reliable addition in a volatile room.
Late Round Sleeper - Jason Taylor II (Safety, Oklahoma State)
Though the Houston Gamblers of the USFL just drafted him, they’re likely going to have to wait and see if he’ll be joining their roster. Taylor is a sneaky talented safety who had great production with 6 picks this year. What Taylor ultimately lacks is the mental side of the game. He is an explosive DB with versatility but he gives too much cushion, especially in zone coverage.
I’d take a shot at him, because if he can get down that mental side of the game, you have a very good rotational man in the back-field who could play wherever you need on a given play because of natural ability. May not be a safe pick or a likely turnout, but the upside is what makes him a potential late round steal.
Draft In Full:
Round 3 – Daiyan Henley (Linebacker, Washington State)
Round 3 – Carter Warren (Offensive Tackle, Pittsburgh)
Round 4 – Isaiah McGuire (Defensive End, Missouri)
Round 5 – Tyjae Spears (Running Back, Tulane)
Round 6 – Jason Taylor II (Safety, Oklahoma State)
Julian Cordova
NFL Draft Contributor
You can read more of Julian’s work over at his twitter handle @JayinCee05 and his youtube channel youtube.com/scuproductions.