Broncos 2021 NFL simulated receipt tracker 10.0: What the national professionals predict Denver will certainly do

Interesting article by Joe Nguyen from The Denver Post discussing some important happenings this week. Joe Nguyen recently published this and I decided it was worth sharing here.

It’s draft day.

After months of speculation, the Broncos will decide what to do with the No. 9 overall pick tonight in Cleveland.

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Denver Post correspondent Phillip Heilman has Denver trading down and selecting Georgia edge rusher Azeez Ojulari in his seven-round Broncos mock draft. Beat writer Ryan O’Halloran has the Broncos dropping down twice and selecting someone who’s “regarded as one of the draft’s best pass rushers.” Meanwhile, here’s a look at who should and who will be drafted by Denver in the first round.

And if you need a cheat sheet for this weekend, here’s a look at the top 10 players at every position and two prediction for each.

Here’s a look at who national draftniks are thinking will land in Denver.

NFL.com | Rhett Lewis | Updated April 26

Justin Fields, QB, Ohio State

Mike Ehrmann, Getty ImagesJustin Fields of the Ohio State Buckeyes reacts against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the second quarter of the College Football Playoff National Championship game at Hard Rock Stadium on Jan. 11, 2021 in Miami Gardens, Fla.

“This works out quite nicely for the Broncos, who can stage a real QB competition between Fields and incumbent starter Drew Lock — which is precisely the scenario George Paton expressed to NFL Network’s James Palmer last week. If Fields isn’t the Broncos’ guy at QB, then the Cowboys could be out of luck with my next projection, as I could see the Broncos snagging the top corner in this class despite signing Kyle Fuller this offseason.” See the full mock draft.

NFL.com | Chad Reuter | Updated April 23

Justin Fields, QB, Ohio State

Mike Ehrmann, Getty ImagesJustin Fields of the Ohio State Buckeyes looks on during the third quarter of the College Football Playoff National Championship game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Hard Rock Stadium on Jan. 11, 2021 in Miami Gardens, Fla.

Trade: Broncos send No. 9 overall pick (Penn State LB Micah Parsons) and more to Lions for No. 7 overall pick.

“General Manager George Paton wants his guy at quarterback and will be willing to give up a third-round pick this year and a second-round selection in 2022 to prevent other teams from leapfrogging him to land Fields. The former Bulldog and Buckeye will be a strong leader for the Broncos and create plays from the pocket and on the move that drive defenses crazy.” See the full mock draft.

Reuter’s other Broncos picks:

Second round, 40th overall pick: Jamin Davis, LB, KentuckyThird round, 71st overall pick: Kendrick Green, G, IllinoisFourth round, 114th overall pick: Ta’Quon Graham, DT, TexasFifth round, 152nd overall pick: Tommy Doyle, OT, Miami (Ohio)Sixth round, 191st overall pick: Jaret Patterson, RB, BuffaloSeventh round, 237th overall pick: Dax Milne, WR, BYUSeventh round, 239th overall pick: Alani Pututau, Edge, Adams StateSeventh round, 253rd overall pick: Lawrence Woods, CB, Truman State

Sporting News | Vinnie Iyer | Updated April 28

Justin Fields, QB, Ohio State

Mike Ehrmann, Getty ImagesJustin Fields of the Ohio State Buckeyes looks to pass during the fourth quarter of the College Football Playoff National Championship game against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Hard Rock Stadium on Jan. 11, 2021 in Miami Gardens, Fla.

“The Broncos and Fields seem meant for each other based on what else is going on with the QB match game, and it remains to be seen whether Denver will need to trade up to protect its own most coveted asset in working to upgrade over Drew Lock. Fields is a good fit in terms of scheme, structure and supporting personnel under Pat Shurmur.” See the full mock draft.

Iyer’s other Broncos picks:

Second round, 40th overall pick: Dylan Moses, LB, AlabamaThird round, 71st overall pick: Elijah Molden, CB, Washington

NFL.com | Bucky Brooks | Updated April 27

Jaycee Horn, CB, South Carolina

Joe Robbins, Getty ImagesJaycee Horn of the South Carolina Gamecocks reacts after an interception against the Auburn Tigers in the second quarter of the game at Williams-Brice Stadium on Oct. 17, 2020 in Columbia, S.C.

“Vic Fangio knows the Broncos need a talented secondary to contain the high-powered offenses within the division. Horn is the best pure man-to-man cover corner in the draft.” See the full mock draft.

NFL.com | Charles Davis | Updated April 28

Jaycee Horn, CB, South Carolina

Bruce Newman, Associated Press fileMississippi wide receiver Elijah Moore is tackled by South Carolina defensive back Jaycee Horn (1) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Nov. 14, 2020.

“Horn believes he’s the best corner in the draft, and he very well could be correct.” See the full mock draft.

CBS Sports | Will Brinson | Updated April 28

Jaycee Horn, CB, South Carolina

“Again, another good spot for a QB or to trade out. I would get either move. But the Broncos aren’t brimming with young, elite, physical, press coverage corners right now and Horn has major upside, especially under Vic Fangio’s tutelage. I would be willing to bet that Denver acquires Teddy Bridgewater before the draft is over. You can get Broncos taking a CB for like +600 as well, by the by, should you be so inclined.” See the full mock draft.

CBS Sports | Patrik Walker | Updated April 26

Trey Lance, QB, North Dakota State

Sam Hodde, The Associated PressNorth Dakota State quarterback Trey Lance (5) celebrates after his team scores a touchdown during the first half of the FCS championship NCAA college football game against James Madison, Saturday, Jan. 11, 2020, in Frisco, Texas.

“If you’re John Elway, you want to believe Drew Lock is the future, but you can’t chance it at this point. This is especially true if Lance is available, and while you need to add to your defensive unit, that’s overshadowed by what Lance might become at the NFL level.” See the full mock draft.

ESPN | Mel Kiper Jr. and Todd McShay | Updated April 20

Trey Lance, QB, North Dakota State

Andy Clayton-King, The Associated PressNorth Dakota State quarterback Trey Lance before the school’s football NFL Pro Day Friday, March, 12, 2021, in Fargo, North Dakota.

“Remember: This mock draft is what I would do, and I don’t think Drew Lock is the long-term answer in Denver,” Kiper writes. “Lance is only 20, and he’ll need some time, but he has a high ceiling.” See the full mock draft (subscription).

Other Broncos picks:

Second round, 40th overall pick: Asante Samuel Jr., CB, Florida StateThird round, 71st overall pick: Joseph Ossai, OLB, Texas

ESPN | Staff | Updated April 28

Trey Lance, QB, North Dakota State

Sam Hodde, Associated Press fileIn this Saturday, Jan. 11, 2020 file photo, North Dakota State quarterback Trey Lance (5) winds up to throw during the first half of the FCS championship NCAA college football game against James Madison in Frisco, Texas.

“The Broncos will listen to any and all offers they get to move out of this pick. In this scenario they would give a long look to players such as Penn State linebacker Micah Parsons or Alabama cornerback Patrick Surtain II. But general manager George Paton has said the team will add a quarterback either in the draft or in “the trade market.” Lance gives them the flexibility of the developmental prospect with the opportunity to see what Drew Lock will become in 2021. Lance won’t turn 21 until May and will need some time to get his NFL footing after one full season as a starter (2019) and one game played in the 2020 season,” Jeff Legwold writes. See the full mock draft.

NBC Sports | Peter King | Updated April 26

Trey Lance, QB, North Dakota State

Bruce Kluckhohn, The Associated PressNorth Dakota State quarterback Trey Lance scrambles against Central Arkansas in the first quarter of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 3, 2020, in Fargo, N.D. North Dakota State won 39-28.

“So many people are in love with Lance the prospect and it’s easy to see why. Excellent arm, good mobility, precocious player and leader. The one thing to keep in mind with Denver: Paton’s not going to go nuts for a quarterback; he’s okay with giving Lock first dibs here. However, Paton also understands he may not be in a power position to get the next quarterback like the one he would have if this scenario plays out.” See the full mock draft.

Pro Football Focus | Staff | Updated April 28

Trey Lance, QB, North Dakota State

Bruce Kluckhohn, The Associated PressNorth Dakota State quarterback Trey Lance rushes against Central Arkansas in the first quarter of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 3, 2020, in Fargo, N.D. North Dakota State won 39-28.

Trade: Broncos send Nos. 9 (Alabama WR Jaylen Waddle) and 71 and a 2022 first-round pick to the Dolphins for Nos. 6 and 156.

“The Broncos have a tough decision with three quarterbacks already off the board, but they shoot up for North Dakota State’s Trey Lance. The roster is too good to waste on another year of Drew Lock. Lance needs to figure out his accuracy but has every trait required to play quarterback at the highest level.” See the full mock draft.

Other Broncos picks:

Second round, 40th overall pick: Jamin Davis, LB, KentuckyFourth round, 114th overall pick: Tyler Shelvin, DT, LSUFifth round, 152nd overall pick: Trey Sermon, RB, Ohio StateFifth round, 156th overall pick: Malcolm Koonce, Edge, BuffaloSixth round, 191st overall pick: Aashari Crosswell, S, Arizona StateSeventh round, 237th overall pick: Whop Philyor, WR, IndianaSeventh round, 239th overall pick: Richard LeCounte, S, Georgia

Sports Illustrated | Albert Breer | Updated April 28

Trey Lance, QB, North Dakota State

 

“Denver will need to have a plan for Lance, but I’ve had a bunch of scouts rubber-stamp the Josh Allen comp for me—with Lance being a raw, uber-talented passer with the intangibles to develop potential into production. Thing is, Allen had an ideal environment to grow within, so if they take Lance, it’ll be on Broncos coach Vic Fangio (who I’ve heard likes Parsons, if this pick isn’t a quarterback) and new GM George Paton to create one, like Sean McDermott and Brandon Beane have for Allen in Buffalo.” See the full mock draft.

USA Today | Staff | Updated April 26

Trey Lance, QB, North Dakota State

“Denver has taken so many swings at the quarterback position and missed since the retirement of Peyton Manning, and as a result, the Broncos can’t pass up a chance to get in on a potentially historic class, even if they haven’t entirely given up on Drew Lock yet,” writes Indianapolis Star reporter Joel Erickson. See the full mock draft.

NBC Sports | Chris Simms | Updated April 28

Micah Parsons, LB, Penn State

Barry Reeger, The Associated PressPenn State linebacker Micah Parsons (11) pressures Idaho quarterback Colton Richardson (19) in the first half of an NCAA college football game in State College, Pa., on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2019.

“The Broncos are a team that’s not far off. … If they pick a quarterback at nine, it’s totally the GM and it’s also going to be telling you he doesn’t really want Vic Fangio as his coach and he’s looking to hire somebody else next year. … When I look at their team, there is not a bigger spot with a bigger need (than inside linebacker).” See the full mock draft.

USA Today | Nate Davis | Updated April 28

Micah Parsons, LB, Penn State

Scott Taetsch, Getty ImagesMicah Parsons (11) of the Penn State Nittany Lions reacts after making a tackle Kevin Marks (5) of the Buffalo Bulls during the second half at Beaver Stadium on Sept. 7, 2019 in State College, Pa.

“Vic Fangio’s defense relies on OLBs Bradley Chubb and Von Miller creating pressure off the edge … which means you need a pair of capable off-ball backers patrolling behind the line. Exceptionally rangy Parsons fits the mold for a team that addressed its issues at corner during free agency. Quarterback was a consideration here, but new GM George Paton opted for a more conservative approach Wednesday – acquiring Teddy Bridgewater from the Panthers to push incumbent Drew Lock – before taking his first major whack at the perennial problem spot.” See the full mock draft.