MHH's Final Broncos 7-Round Mock Draft of 2023

As the 2023 NFL draft approaches, mock draft season is coming to an end with our final Denver Broncos mock draft.

The Denver Broncos are not in the best spot when it comes to improving their roster. The Broncos only have five draft picks, no picks until the third round, and only two in the top 100 with a roster replete with holes, including the need for competition at multiple starting spots. 

Caden Sterns at safety, Damarri Mathis at cornerback, Lloyd Cushenberry III at center, and the third spot on the defensive line all need competition for the starting job. If not starters, then they have to improve their depth significantly. That isn't an easy task without the draft resources, so it is safe to assume the Broncos will make the board work for them. 

While the Broncos only have five picks, it seems like it is a safe bet that they make more selections than that, with the help of some trade downs and even trading away a player or two. Players like Albert Okwuegbunam, Courtland Sutton, Jerry Jeudy, and Garett Bolles are only a few possible names Denver could look to move. 

For this mock draft, there are no trades, so trying to fill every hole was impossible. This was made using the Pro Football Focus mock simulator picking for the other 31 teams. 

Round 3, Pick 67: Joe Tippmann | IOL | Wisconsin

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One of the most extensive needs the Broncos have on their offense is upgrading the center position. Since he was drafted, Cushenberry has not cut it as the starting center, and Denver needs better. They have significantly improved the offensive line, but one more piece is needed. 

Tippmann is one of the best centers in the class, but there is some concern over two shoulder surgeries. In addition, his build may not be the best with Russell Wilson at quarterback, as Tippmann stands six-foot-six. That would make life difficult for Wilson to see the middle of the field. 

However, they want to be a heavy run offense and work to Wilson's strength, which means moving the pocket. Tippmann has plenty of experience playing in that Wisconsin offense as a run blocker and does exceptionally well. In addition, he brings versatility in run concepts so that Sean Payton can vary his calls without liability on the offensive line. 

Regarding pass protection, Tippman has been excellent there, allowing one sack and nine pressures in his career. There is a clear football IQ, and the transition to the NFL would be easy. The Broncos need a new starting center, and Tippmann provides that. 

You can read the full scouting report on Joe Tippmann here. 

Round 3, Pick 68: Zach Harrison | Edge | Ohio State

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One thing NFL teams do is draft for future needs, and the Broncos could have a massive need at the edge next season. Randy Gregory could see himself let go, and Baron Browning has to stay on the field and keep consistent play for the season. Then there is a question about Nik Bonitto, Jacob Martin, and Jonathon Cooper. 

Landing Harrison improves Denver's depth and gives them a great rotational piece with tremendous upside as a player. Harrison is a strong run defender with the tools and traits to be a great pass rusher, but he must put the pieces together. Overall, he is the type of player that is an excellent fit for the defense Vance Joseph runs. 

Building up Harrison is a bit of a project, but the tools are all there. He was viewed as the next great Ohio State pass rusher but never quite lived up to it. Despite all the tools, the pass-rush production hasn't been there, but the reliability as a run defender makes up for it. 

You can read the full scouting report on Harrison here. 

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Round 4, Pick 108: Cory Trice | CB | Purdue

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One of the last needs the Broncos have that is vital to fill is adding to their defensive backs. Trice has versatility in the secondary, but he can live as a boundary corner in the right scheme. With the coverage schemes that Joseph loves, Trice is a natural fit. 

Trice has the size, speed, length, and physicality that teams covet, but there is some medical history there, including missing almost all of the 2021 season. The technique isn't great or consistent, but he can make up for it. There is a strong press ability, and he flows in coverage. 

You can read the full scouting report on Trice here.

Round 5, Pick 139: Brenton Strange | TE | Penn State

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The Broncos have been digging into the tight end class, which is an extremely deep class. The Broncos have even been linked with trading up for a tight end out of Oregon State. Instead, they land a talented athlete that needs to put the pieces together. 

There isn't a lot of refinement to his game, but he gives effort as a blocker and does have a good success rate. In addition, he has the versatility to work everywhere you might line up a tight end and can contribute on special teams. 

You can read the full scouting report on Strange here.

Round 6, Pick 195: Starling Thomas V | CB | UAB

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The final pick of the Broncos is once again attacking a future need. K'Waun Williams is a good slot corner, but the Broncos need to improve the depth behind him. Essang Bassey can be a liability in coverage, with Faion Hicks and Jaquan McMillian not showing enough. 

Thomas is a natural fit in the scheme and is a natural playing the nickel corner. He isn't overly disciplined as a player, but he is a twitchy athlete that plays fast and physical. 

You can read the full scouting report on Thomas here. 

With the NFL draft hours away, the Broncos' scouting department, coaching staff, and front office have put in all the work. However, once the picks are made, it is on the coaches to develop them to reach their ceilings. 

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