As we take early steps toward the 2022 NFL Draft, NFL analysts are starting to feel out potential targets for the Broncos and other teams with their top picks.
Josh Edwards, CBS Sports (Feb. 10): LB Devin Lloyd, Utah
Denver has Bradley Chubb on the edge and now it uses a top 10 selection on Lloyd, who does a fantastic job using his hands to get off blocks or dropping into coverage.
Luke Easterling, USA TODAY's Draftwire (Feb. 9): QB Kenny Pickett, Pittsburgh
Pickett may lack the high-end upside of Willis, but he's more pro-ready right now, and a team like the Broncos could draw connections between him and Joe Burrow.
Walter Cherepinsky, Walter Football (Feb. 9): DT Jordan Davis, Georgia
Jordan Davis was a monster in the 2021 season debut against Clemson. He has continued to dominate this year.
Lance Zierlein, NFL.com (Feb. 8): EDGE David Ojabo, Michigan
Unless the Broncos grade this year's QB class differently than I expect, Ojabo could very well be the pick. He's not ready as a run defender but his pass-rush talent is undeniable.
Ryan Wilson, CBS Sports (Feb. 8): EDGE David Ojabo, Michigan
Ojabo is still raw, but he has the tools to be special.
Seth Galina, Pro Football Focus (Feb. 7): CB Ahmad Gardner, Cincinnati
A new defensive system could mean more man coverage for the Broncos, and opposing offenses will have a tough time throwing on those two players on the outside. Gardner is as good in press-man coverage as anyone in the draft and has never allowed a touchdown in his career.
Jordan Reid, ESPN (Feb. 7): LB Devin Lloyd, Utah
[I]f they keep the pick, Lloyd could be the answer to getting more speed and consistency at the second level of the defense. Denver has three off-ball linebackers hitting free agency next month -- Alexander Johnson, Josey Jewell, and Kenny Young -- and Lloyd would add versatility and pass-rush ability to the D.
Kyle Stackpole, CBS Sports, (Feb. 5): QB Malik Willis, Liberty
Let's ride the hype train Willis has created for himself during Senior Bowl week and anoint him as the first quarterback off the board.
Vinnie Iyer, Sporting News (Feb. 3): QB Matt Corral, Ole Miss
Corral is a dynamic athlete and confident runner who also shows aggressiveness with a big arm. He quickly refined his raw skills under Lane Kiffin.
Nick Klopsis, Newsday (Feb. 1): QB Matt Corral, Ole Miss
Matt Corral is a balanced quarterback with good arm strength and athleticism, and his accuracy and decision-making improved drastically this season. He's dangerous on run-pass options and can extend plays with his legs when needed.
Sam Monson, Pro Football Focus (Jan. 31): QB Desmond Ridder, Cincinnati
Ridder has some size and athleticism to him and rarely put the ball in harm's way this season, ending with a 2.0% turnover-worthy play rate. This may seem like a reach to some, but quarterbacks always get pushed up the draft board, and few teams are as desperate for a fix as Denver.
Bucky Brooks, NFL.com (Jan. 25): QB Kenny Pickett, Pittsburgh
Will general manager George Paton talk himself into believing Pickett could orchestrate a Joe Burrow-like turnaround at Mile High?
Daniel Jeremiah, NFL.com (Jan. 21): QB Kenny Pickett, Pittsburgh
I'm sure the Broncos will pursue a trade for a premier quarterback [...] this offseason, but if they are unable to land one, Pickett is the best option in this draft class. He is ready to play right away. The Pitt product doesn't have a huge arm, but he can make all the throws and he's proven he can create when the pocket breaks down.
Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN (Jan. 19): ILB Nakobe Dean, Georgia
Denver could be a great spot for the draft's best off-ball linebacker, Dean, who was the leader of the spectacular Georgia defense. He makes tackle after tackle and can run sideline to sideline to make plays, and he has three-down potential because of his ability to cover tight ends and running backs.
