As the NFL Draft inches closer, the chatter about who the Broncos might pick in the first round is getting louder. Read on to see which players have been slotted to Denver, which will make the ninth-overall selection in the 2021 NFL Draft.
Todd McShay, ESPN: CB Caleb Farley, Virginia Tech (via mock trade to No. 12)
The Broncos have a lot of questions to answer, but Farley -- another 2020 opt-out -- can make plays for a group that managed only 10 interceptions last season (tied for third fewest).
Chad Reuter, NFL.com: CB Patrick Surtain II, Alabama
Surtain's ability to play the ball in the air is elite, and he will match up physically with any receiver in the league.
Vinnie Iyer, Sporting News: QB Trey Lance, North Dakota State
Lance has climbed back up boards with his massive upside. As more teams see tapes of his statistically brilliant lone season as a starter (2,786 yards passing, 28 TDs, no INTs, 1,100 yards rushing, 14 TDs) it's harder to ignore the impressive physical and athletic skills.
Maurice Jones-Drew, NFL.com: CB Caleb Farley, Virginia Tech
The long, rangy cornerback slots right into Vic Fangio's defense, as a top-notch corner who can matchup with the AFC West's elite receivers.
Pete Prisco, CBS Sports: CB Patrick Surtain II, Alabama
Surtain is the best of this corner class in my mind.
Walter Cherepinsky, WalterFootball.com: ILB Micah Parsons, Penn State
Looking like the next great linebacker to come out of Penn State, Micah Parsons was very productive. That was not a surprise, as Parsons was a highly athletic five-star recruit.
Cynthia Frelund, NFL.com: QB Justin Fields, Ohio State
PFF notes that 69.9 percent of Fields' college passing yards came through the air, and my models add that his time to throw took 0.45 seconds less on non-primary reads in his final three college career games than in his first five. Between offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur's play design and teaching ability and Fields' ability to run the ball, the QB will have the chance to learn and adapt to NFL speed quickly.
Ryan Wilson, CBS Sports: CB Jaycee Horn, South Carolina (via mock trade to No. 19)
Horn, the son of former NFL WR Joe Horn, plays with an edge. He might be the most physical CB in this class.
Charley Casserly, NFL.com: CB Caleb Farley, Virginia Tech
The Broncos mull taking Justin Fields here but decide to go another year with Drew Lock under center. Farley replaces the recently cut A.J. Bouye.
Danny Kelly, The Ringer: ILB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, Notre Dame
The Broncos could go in any number of directions at this spot but it'd be hard for them to pass up on a dynamic playmaker like Owusu-Koramoah.
Nate Davis, USA TODAY: LB Micah Parsons, Penn State
Wouldn't be a shock to see new GM George Paton dip his toe into the QB waters. But it's sensible to consider prime talent to bolster the corners of Vic Fangio's defense, more so given the release of A.J. Bouye.
Chris Trapasso, CBS Sports: CB Caleb Farley, Virginia Tech
The Broncos need to rebuild their secondary, and Farley is a good start.
Josh Edwards, CBS Sports: ILB Micah Parsons, Penn State
Micah Parsons is definitely more of an off-ball linebacker but he offers the capability of rushing the passer unlike some of the others in the class.
Seth Galina, Pro Football Focus: QB Trey Lance, North Dakota State
With the other four quarterbacks off the board, the Broncos are left with Trey Lance — but the North Dakota State product might have the most upside of any of the "big five" quarterbacks. He's an elite runner and understands how to get through his progressions, although the accuracy is a concern.
