Draft Expert Unveils Two 'Ideal' Picks for Broncos in Round 3

Absent a first or second-round pick, Denver Broncos GM George Paton knows he's going to have to "make some hay" with the team's two selections in the third round of the 2023 NFL draft. The Broncos won't go on the clock for the first time until pick No. 67.

Fortunately, Denver picks back-to-back at No. 68. Holding five total selections in the 2023 NFL draft, the Broncos are lacking premium-round firepower, but that's why the team spent so furiously, so specifically, in free agency.

When the time comes, it's hard to predict with accuracy which prospects will be there in Round 3. However, NFL.com's draft analyst Chad Reuter foresees two "ideal" prospects for Denver with a decent chance of being there.

Round 3:

No. 67 overall -- Keeanu Benton, DT, Wisconsin

Round 3:

No. 68 overall -- Jakorian Bennett, CB, Maryland

Trades for Russell Wilson and head coach Sean Payton cost the Broncos their first- and second-round picks. Benton is being projected to go in the second, but so was Dre'Mont Jones, who fell to Denver in the early third four years ago. The former Badger can play multiple spots in a three-man front. Bennett would contribute immediately for Denver because of his 4.3 speed and tenacity knocking away passes (24 in three years with the Terps).

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No doubt, the Broncos need some depth on the defensive line and at cornerback. While Benton would likely be a good pick for Denver, it's rare that a rookie defensive tackle makes an impact in Year 1.

It usually takes 2-3 years for defensive tackles to develop. Just ask Jones, whom Reuter referenced, who didn't become a starting-caliber player until Year 3. Conversely, while it's no guarantee, the Broncos could instead take an interior offensive lineman with a propensity to play early, like a Lloyd Cushenberry III or Quinn Meinerz, both of whom were relied upon as rookies.

Cornerback depth is also an issue for Denver, and taking Bennett at No. 68 seems like a wise selection. However, it's worth noting that the Broncos have a horrendous track record in recent years of drafting corners in Round 3. See the boneyard where the skeletons of Brendan Langley (2017), Isaac Yiadom (2018), and Michael Ojemudia (2020) can still be seen.

That unfortunate history shouldn't necessarily preclude Denver from drafting a corner in Round 3, but it's something to consider. Meanwhile, the Broncos also have persisting roster needs at rush linebacker, safety, and running back to consider.

It'll be fun to see how it all shakes out in a couple of weeks' time.

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