Denver Broncos 7-Round 2022 NFL Mock Draft has Logan Hall, Brian Asamoah, and Alex Wright transforming the defense

Russell Wilson is now at Mile High. And even without a first or early-second-round pick, the Denver Broncos can compound the momentum of adding Wilson in this 2022 NFL Mock Draft. There’s still more than enough capital for George Paton and Nathaniel Hackett to make a difference in the 2022 NFL Draft. Here’s how they can do it.

Denver Broncos 2022 7-Round Mock Draft

Tuesday, March 8, was a roller coaster of a day for Broncos fans. Dead set on Aaron Rodgers eventually being traded to Denver, they had to watch as Rodgers announced his return to Green Bay on the Pat McAfee Show. It was a defeating moment for a team in dire straits at QB — until cyberspace announced later that day that they’d be getting Wilson instead.

The Broncos sent a lot of assets back to Seattle in exchange for Wilson. But when you get an arguably top-10 quarterback still in his prime, the cost is going to be high. The hope for Denver is that the returns will be even higher. In this 2022 NFL Mock Draft, conducted using the free PFN Mock Draft Simulator, the Denver Broncos can help their odds even more.

Round 2, Pick 64: Logan Hall, DT, Houston

One of the Broncos’ players included in the trade for Wilson was defensive tackle Shelby Harris. While a necessary cost for acquiring a high-level QB, the loss of Harris leaves a void at 3-technique. Alongside Mike Purcell, Dre’Mont Jones, and free agent addition D.J. Jones, Logan Hall could be an excellent fit. He’s a bit of a hybrid, but I’m of the mind he fits best as a 3-technique at the next level. He’s 6’6″, 283 pounds, with solid length and burst and violent hands at the point of attack. And in even fronts, he could rotate outside.

Round 3, Pick 75: Brian Asamoah, LB, Oklahoma

With Alexander Johnson set to be a free agent, the Broncos could use another linebacker alongside the young up-and-comer Baron Browning. Brian Asamoah could complement Browning’s skill set well. Asamoah is explosive and rangy, but he’s also dense and physical. Moreover, his excellent proportional length (33″ arms) allows him to stack blockers and wrap up as a tackler.

Round 3, Pick 96: Jelani Woods, TE, Virginia

Noah Fant was also included in the trade for Wilson. Fant and Harris are both tough losses for Denver, but the Broncos can recoup value at both positions in this 2022 NFL Mock Draft. The 2022 NFL Draft is particularly deep at tight end, and Jelani Woods offers the size and athleticism to fill the void. Woods ran a 4.61 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine while standing at 6’7″, 253 pounds. He’s more of a linear athlete. Nevertheless, his size and long-strider speed can be dangerous for defenses.

Round 4, Pick 115: Alex Wright, EDGE, UAB

A pectoral injury suffered at the NFL Combine prevented UAB edge rusher Alex Wright from testing. It’s a disappointing development, as Wright would’ve likely boosted his stock. Regardless, there’s enough on tape to show that Wright has the requisite athleticism. He has good burst to go along with great ankle flexion and bend capacity for his size. And at 6’5″, 271 pounds, with 34-inch arms, his size can be overwhelming.

Round 4, Pick 116: Jeffrey Gunter, EDGE, Coastal Carolina

The Broncos added Randy Gregory on a five-year deal worth $70 million. But Bradley Chubb has had trouble staying healthy lately and is a free agent in 2023. Beyond that, the Broncos severely lack depth at EDGE. It makes sense to double-up in a strong class with nine overall selections. Jeffrey Gunter provides a lot of upside here, possessing a strong size/athleticism combination and a tireless motor.

Round 5, Pick 145: Chris Paul, OT, Tulsa

He may only be a fifth-round pick in this Denver Broncos 2022 NFL Mock Draft. However, there’s a chance Chris Paul ends up being the club’s starting right tackle. He tested extremely well at the NFL Combine and has been steadily rising throughout the draft process. Paul is incredibly versatile — a quality that comes from his high game IQ. But at tackle, his athleticism and strong proportional length give him a lot to work with.

Round 6, Pick 194: Kalon Barnes, CB, Baylor

Kalon Barnes‘ 4.23 speed could vault him up the boards, but he’s fairly rough around the edges outside of that. There’s a comparable chance that he falls in a stronger CB class. If he’s there on mid-to-late Day 3, like he is in this 2022 NFL Mock Draft, the Denver Broncos would do well to pounce. Barnes is a low-risk, high-upside investment at this point. His recovery speed is unmatched, and he has the fluidity and proportional length to develop into a contributor.

Round 7, Pick 234: Kevin Austin, WR, Notre Dame

Sometimes, when coaches go from one team to another, they carry with them some preferences for the NFL Draft. Under general manager Brian Gutekunst, the Packers have commonly preferred larger, stockier receivers in the NFL Draft. There’s a chance Nathaniel Hackett could carry that preference with him and select a player like Kevin Austin. Austin is around 6’2″, 200 pounds, with excellent length and vertical athleticism.

Round 7, Pick 250: Josh Sills, G, Oklahoma State

At this point, late in Round 7, you’re looking for solid value or depth. Josh Sills could go on to provide a bit of both. Listed at 6’6″, 325 pounds, Sills is a massive blocker who flashes power and upper body torque. He’s not the best athlete, but he at least provides good depth behind Dalton Risner and Graham Glasgow. Glasgow took a considerable pay cut earlier this offseason, while Risner is a free agent in 2023.