The Denver Broncos gave up quite a few 2022 NFL Draft picks to secure the services of Russell Wilson. And yet, the Broncos are still set to select 10 times in April’s draft. With the acquisition of Wilson in hand, which picks do the Broncos currently have, and who could they select?
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Denver Broncos draft picks in 2022
- Round 2 | Pick 64
Nik Bonitto, LB, Oklahoma - Round 3 | Pick 80 (from NO via HOU)
Greg Dulcich, TE, UCLA - Round 4 | Pick 115
Damarri Mathis, CB, Pitt - Round 4 | Pick 116 (from SEA)
Eyioma Uwazurike, DT, ISU - Round 5 | Pick 152 (from DET)
Delarrin Turner-Yell, S, Oklahoma - Round 5 | Pick 162 (from PHI via DEN)
Montrell Washington, WR, Samford - Round 5 | Pick 171 (from GB)
Luke Wattenberg, OL, Washington - Round 6 | Pick 206 (from TB via NYJ and PHI)
Matt Henningsen, DT, Wisconsin - Round 7 | Pick 232
Faion Hicks, CB, Wisconsin
The Broncos still possess three Day 2 picks after the Wilson trade. Despite sending multiple first- and second-rounders to Seattle, Denver is still poised to make an impact in Rounds 2 and 3. With their selections in the fifth round taking place early on, the Broncos are also one of just four teams to hold seven picks within the first 152 picks. They join the New York Giants, New York Jets, and Baltimore Ravens in doing so.
Denver Broncos 2022 NFL Draft needs
As much as Seattle’s draft needs changed with the Wilson trade, the Broncos needs also shifted significantly. Instead of needing a quarterback with their top selection, the Broncos can now turn to building around Wilson and a run towards the Super Bowl. Defensive additions will be paramount even if the Broncos re-sign legendary pass rusher Von Miller.
Securing youth along the edge as well as at the second and third levels of defense will be crucial. This is a division with Patrick Mahomes, Justin Herbert, and Derek Carr at quarterback in a combined six games next season after all. With Bryce Callahan and Kyle Fuller both free agents, securing at least one cornerback in the 2022 NFL Draft is imperative.
Fortunately for Broncos fans, the defensive positional classes are deep even after the top-ranked prospects. As of the trade for Wilson, the Broncos’ top needs are as follows:
- Edge Defender
- Offensive Tackle
- Linebacker
- Cornerback
- Running Back
9 and 40 – Russell Wilson (trade- Hallelujah) A
64 – Nick Bonito (Edge- Okalahoma) A+
75 – Darrian Beavers (LB – Cincinnati) B+
96 – JoJo Doman (CB – Nebraska) B+
111 – Dohnavan West (C – Arizona State) A
112 – Christian Watson (WR – North Dakota State) C+
143 – Neil Farrell (DT – LSU) B+
194 – Zyon McCollum (CB – Sam Houston State) A+
246 – Malcolm Rodriguez (LB – Okalahoma State) A+
Pro Football Focus grades for each pick follow parenthetical and these picks graded out overall as an A. These picks also take into account the notion that in free agency, Denver picks up Zach Ertz (TE), D.J. Jones (DT), Chandler Jones (Edge) and resign Melvin Gordon, Kenny Young and Bryce Callahan. Living the Dream.
I think one of those fifth round picks goes to the Seahawks.
The Broncos should really be able to capitalize on having so many picks. Here is my mock draft.
R 1. RUSSELL Wilson (trade)
R2. Breece Hall. RB Iowa State
R3. Daniel Faalele. OT Minnesota
R3. Bailey Zappe. QB. Western Kentucky
R4. Bryan Robinson. RB Alabama
R4. Damone Clark. LB. LS
R 5 Manqyan McCall. DL Kentucky
R5. Josh Jobe. CB. Alabama
R6. Café Mays. T. Tennessee
R7. Kaylon Barnes. CB Baylor
R7 Myron Tagovilla Amosa EDGE. Notre Dame
64.
Trey McBride
TE Colorado State
75.
Myjai Sanders
EDGE Cincinnati
101.
Brian Robinson Jr.
RB Alabama
114.
Dare Rosenthal
OT Kentucky
120.
John Ridgeway
DT Arkansas
145.
Neil Farrell Jr.
DT LSU
152.
Bryan Cook
S Cincinnati
193.
Josh Rivas
OG Kansas State
240.
Dawson Deaton
OC Texas Tech