INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 27: Drew Lock #3 of the Denver Broncos looks on before playing against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium on December 27, 2020 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Joe Scarnici/Getty Images)
The Broncos want to find an upgrade over Drew Lock. Will Denver find that player in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft?
Drew Lock is clinging to his starting job by his fingernails. The Broncos would like to secure an upgrade over the young quarterback this offseason, but it’s unclear if a player of that caliber will be available when they go on the clock at No. 9.
If Denver doesn’t go for a signal-caller in Round 1 they need to strongly consider upgrading their secondary. Running things back with Duke Dawson and Bryce Callahan as the starters on the outside is not a recipe for defensive success in 2021. The team’s first round selection lines up very well in terms of value with this draft’s top cornerback prospects.
If the Broncos don’t go quarterback or corner in Round 1, it will likely be a result of head coach Vic Fangio banging the table for a defensive playmaker of another sort. If the first guy on this list slips all the way to No. 9 he’ll be difficult for Denver to pass up.
5. Micah Parsons
Parsons is one of the most difficult players in this class to find a home for. No one questions his talent, but the idea of selecting a linebacker in the top 10 is still a limiting factor for a lot of NFL franchises.
Fangio could view Parsons as the sort of defensive playmaker who can ease the potential loss of Von Miller in Denver. They aren’t identical in terms of playing style, but Parsons is a guy who projects as an above-average pass rusher from his linebacker spot.
Parsons wouldn’t necessarily fill a need for Denver, but he could inject real talent into Fangio’s defense.