Broncos Land Athletic CB Prospect in Latest NFL Mock Draft

The Denver Broncos select an elite defensive back opposite Patrick Surtain II.

With the 2024 NFL Draft under a month away, NFL teams are beginning to have numerous discussions on specific prospects and analyzing film. Although there has been much speculation about the Denver Broncos’ approach in the first round, the team has been very tight-lipped about what they plan to do with the 12th-overall pick.

As expected, there have been many mock drafts predicting what the Broncos will do with their first pick. Many mock drafts have Denver trading up in the top 5 to select a quarterback, others have them staying at 12 and selecting the best player available that fits a need.

Lance Zierlein of NFL.com believes the Broncos will stay at 12 and go with a talented cornerback. In his NFL Mock Draft 3.0, he has them selecting CB Quinyon Mitchell from the University of Toledo.

"The Broncos don’t own a second-round pick, so they might have an interest in moving back and adding more draft currency," Zierlein said. "If not, Mitchell has the athletic and cover traits to start early opposite Pro Bowl CB Patrick Surtain II."

Draft Profile:

Height: 6’0 3/8” 

Weight: 195 pounds

Length: 31 1/8”

Wingspan: 75 3/4”

Hand: 9 1/8”

During the NFL Combine, he ran a 4.33 40-yard dash and was first in his position group with 20 reps in the bench press.

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Strengths:

• A defender who can click and close. Always has an eye for attacking the football.
• Can jam receivers at the line of scrimmage and has the athleticism and timing to stay with them.
• Very versatile – can play in the slot in man coverage, off-man, or in zone coverage.

Weaknesses:

• He can turn his hips to the boundary early and give up inside catches at times
• Can improve as a tackler
• His pursuit of defenders can last longer during his reps

Fit with the Broncos and Analysis:

It would be nice to have someone with the skills of Mitchell to be on the opposite side of Patrick Surtain. He can provide lockdown capability on the outside for the opponent’s number-two receiver and can also work in the slot at times. 

However, cornerback is not a pressing need for the Broncos. They still need to figure out what Riley Moss can provide and continue to allow Ja’Quan McMillian to develop in the slot position.

It would be best for the Broncos to address other needs on the roster and then consider cornerback in a later round.

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