So...what have we supposedly learned from Denver to this point and time that maybe can affect their decisions on how they approach the 2025 draft?

1. LT Garett Bolles signs a 4-year extension worth $82 million dollars.

2. OLB Jonathon Cooper signs a 4-year extension worth $54 million dollars.

3. RG Quinn Meinerz signs a 4-year extension $80 million dollars.

4. CB Patrick Surtain II signs a 4-year extension worth $96 million dollars.

5. S P.J. Locke signs a 2-year extension worth $7 million dollars.

With all that, Denver's future is pretty much set in stone and has those guys locked up for a good long while. In all likelyhood, this would mean that the Broncos are gonna need to find a way to prioritize on not only setting up Nix for success, but how to fix some of the chinks in Denver's defensive armor, especially with the way things have been trending since the Cleveland Browns game and where this team is at now. Without further ado, here's where we start the mock draft. The 2-game losing streak has them now picking 20th as a result. So...let's get started.

With the 20th pick, I have Denver trading back 3 spots with the LA Rams, which gets them back not only their 23rd pick, but also the 197th pick. So...with that said, using the 23rd pick, I have Denver selecting...Bowling Green TE Harold Fannin Jr.

I know there's gonna be a lot of stirred controversy over selecting this guy over the likes of Colston Loveland and Tyler Warren, but personally though, I thought he finished his 2024 season on a high note. Even though it ended with Bowling Green losing to Arkansas State in the 68 Ventures Bowl, I thought he left it all out there in what could be his final game with the Falcons. In the final game against the Red Wolves, he finished with 17 catches, 213 receiving yards and a touchdown. It broke the FBS single-season tight end records for both receiving yards and receptions. Additionally, his 17 catches broke the 68 Ventures Bowl record for receptions in a game. The 17 receptions and 213 receiving yards were also a FBS bowl record for tight ends. The 213 receiving yards broke Alabama's O.J. Howard's 208 yards against Clemson in the 2016 CFP title game in Glendale, Arizona. Not only that, but he broke Texas Tech's Jace Amaro, who had 1,352 receiving yards in 2013 with 1,555 yards and 10 TDs (in a single season). I've heard from some that say Harold Fannin Jr. sort of has a bit of Shannon Sharpe-like comparisons, and the more I watched his highlights, yeah...I can perhaps see why he sort of does remind Denver of Shannon Sharpe to an extent. One of the biggest question marks with Denver is who can be a dependable 3rd playmaker. Court and Vele have been pretty good for Denver on offense this season, but Mims isn't really that dependable, especially when he has one good game, and then reverts to not doing much. The TE production is not that great for Denver, as the TEs (including Dulcich for a time) accounted for 13.3% of Bo's production in the passing game. I'm sure some of the fans would like to see that number a bit higher entering next season. HFJ has great traits that would absolutely be a great addition for Nix to include. Separation, really decent speed, and YAC productivity. Although standing at 6'4", which is a bit undersized for a TE, there's no denying his talent and/or ceiling could be a good addition for Denver. After all, a young QB's best friend is the TE, and considering what has transpired in the Bengals game, it's become evident that Denver needs that someone who can come up huge in a key situation when they need it.

With D.J. Jones set to hit FA, one of the big question marks is how to maintain continuity in stopping the run. Malcolm Roach and John Franklin-Myers have been huge additions for Denver on defense. HOWEVER...the issue is how to continue with trying to keep up with Andy Reid and Jim Harbaugh for years to come. They need to figure out a way to get to Herbert and Mahomes each season. Could one imagine pairing a guy like Alfred Collins alongside with Zach Allen in the trenches, with Bonitto and Cooper in the defensive front...? This would be a perfect 'wet dream' for Denver's defense, especially if they're gonna want to remain relevant as an AFC contender as long as Bo Nix is their QB.

With the 85th pick, I have Denver trading down 3 spaces with Green Bay, while taking their 88th pick (and the 250th pick). So now...with the 88th pick, I have Denver selecting...Oregon WR Tez Johnson.

I really don't see a way that Nix will tell the Denver FO and/or Sean Payton to not get his "long-lost brother" in the draft. After all, Tez Johnson and Bo Nix go way back to when they both played together in HS. The numbers this year are a bit down for Johnson, mainly because of the dropoff between Bo Nix to Dillon Gabriel. I can't imagine how weird it would look if Bo had to see Tez were to face each other as rivals in the near future. After all, a reunion with Johnson, Nix, and Franklin would be great to see...just like the 2023 Oregon trio all over again. How would Bo Nix not absolutely love to be able to play alongside with his HS teammate in the NFL?

Okay...so this time, a trade happens. I have Denver shipping their 121st pick (and the 196th) to Atlanta to move up 3 spots to the 118th pick. So...with that, Denver utilizes the 118th pick by selecting...Penn State RB Nicholas Singleton.

Earlier in the season, I kinda liked what I saw from Nicholas Singleton. This season, and pending how deep PSU goes into the CFP, Singleton has recorded 1,015 yards to go with 9 TDs this season. He has been splitting time with his other RB companion in Kaytron Allen, who just went for 1,000 yards this season with the "coming out" party against Boise State in the State Farm Stadium. 1,026 to be precise...to go along with his 8 TDs. Runs a 4.39 40-time, which is really good for a RB of his size, at 6'0". A source actually compared this guy to that of Indy's Jonathan Taylor. Although ways different to that of JT, his combination of size, strength and speed would really be nifty to have in the backfield to accompany with Estime and McLaughlin, assuming they do indeed 'move on' from Javonte Williams. He's also somebody not afraid to be involved in the pass game as well.

Not to be confused with Seattle's 2022 4th round FS (or the NBA player) of the same name, Cobee Bryant has been a sneaky good player for the Jayhawks secondary. The strangest part is...his role model actually IS Kobe Bryant. In his 4 years with Kansas, he has racked up 128 tackles, 10 TFLs, 1.5 sacks, 13 INTs, 35 PBUs, 3 FFs, and 2 fumble recoveries. Really good run defender, good football IQ, and solid ST experience (to which he has returned a blocked kick for a TD). A bit small at 6'0" for a corner, but perhaps could be a great depth piece to add with Tremon Smith set to hit FA. Also flexible when choosing to play outside corner or in the slot.

My opinion hasn't really changed too much with Jaishawn Barham. But...because Cody Barton is set to be a FA along with Justin Strnad, this would be a really good opportunity for Denver to reload the depth at the ILB position. And depending on whether or not Barton/Strnad return next season, they need to get more faster at that position because Justin got picked apart in recent weeks, and Cody has been okay recently...just not "enough" from him. Jaishawn definitely helps out the ILB room with good run defense and tackling (good 40-time as well). Could be an eventual asset for Denver's defense, assuming he can improve on his coverage skills and not being slow on the play.

One particular area that the Broncos defense has struggled with is against zone coverage. Jordan Hancock is a guy that can do both, since he's very versatile while good at creating turnovers. Solid football IQ, but needs to get better in terms of discipline in coverage. Decent 40-time speed, and is someone that can be teachable when it comes to being a consistent tackler.

And finally...with the 250th pick, I have Denver selecting...LSU OG Garrett Dellinger.

I know this ain't the sexiest "choice" when it came to utilizing a 7th round pick, especially due to the fact that he's also dealt with a litany of injuries, including a broken hand and an MCL strain while at LSU. That being said, Garrett Dellinger has some form of upside when it comes to position flexibility. He's played a lot of starts at left guard (17), left tackle (3), and center (1) when healthy. His flexibility can really help Denver out on needing a depth piece to the offensive line.

So...overall, how does the final recap fare out? Let's take a look:

Thoughts on this particular draft? I only did two small trades down and one small trade up without getting too crazy with too many trades up or down.