INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MAR 04: Kayvon Thibodeaux #DL45 of the Oregon Ducks speaks to reporters during the NFL Draft Combine at the Indiana Convention Center on March 4, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
Defensive Line, Edge Rushers and Linebackers
Today was our first chance to meet the defensive players and this class is chalk full of elite talent. The Broncos struggled with their pass rush last season, scoring the bottom third in the league in pressure rate, and are expected to take at least one pass rusher with one of their top selections. The group his highlighted by two players expected to be drafted in the top 10: Michigan's Aidan Hutchinson and Oregon's Kayvon Thibodeaux. The early consensus with most mock drafts is that Hutchinson will be drafted by the Detroit Lions at the 2nd overall pick but Thibodeaux could go anywhere within the Top 10 making him a potential target for Denver at 9.
For Thibodeaux, Von Miller is clearly one of his favorite all-time pass rushers and he mentioned multiple times throughout his press conference that he had watched old YouTube clips of Von to study his moves. It's possible the Atlanta Falcons or the New York Giants at 8 and 7 could select Kayvon in the upcoming draft ahead of Denver but if he gets in that range, the Broncos should absolutely consider trading up to select him as long as there isn't another player in that range they covet.
If Thibodeaux is gone and the Broncos are still looking EDGE rushers, Michigan's David Ojabo and Florida State's Jermaine Johnson and Purdue's George Karlaftis will be a few of the names to monitor at the 9th overall pick.
There isn't a DT they Broncos would likely be eyeing at the 9th pick but there are some really talented players in this class, highlighted by Georgia's DeVonte Wyatt who absolutely crushed his press conference today.
The National Champion Georgia Bulldogs have up to FIVE defensive players that could go in the 1st round this year including Wyatt, Travon Walker, Nakobe Dean, Quay Walker and Jordan Davis. Nakobe Dean and Utah's Devin Lloyd are conisdered the top two LBs in the upcoming draft and both could be in consideration for the Broncos early in the draft depending on what George Paton decides to do in Free Agency with Josey Jewell, Alexander Johnson and Kenny Young are all set to become UFAs.
Tomorrow will be the final day of press conferences as we hear from the Defensive Backs. Notre Dame's Kyle Hamilton could go in the top 3 and Cincinnati's Ahmad "Sauce" Gardner has consistently projected around the Top 10.
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Sources around the Combine are telling me the Broncos enjoyed Kayvon Thibodeaux, Kayvon is a big admirer of Von Miller and Demarcus Ware. KT could be slipping and in play for Denver who will likely add 2(!) edge rushers via free agency and the draft.
Malik Willis Kenny Pickett and Matt Corral are the "big 3" QBs in this draft. Depending on who you ask Howell and Ridder are the next two with Carson Strong heading the third tier.
The worst kept secret is the Browns interest in Ohio State WR Garrett Wilson.
Penning the OT from Northern Iowa is considered a top 20 player. Could go as high as six.
Washington is clearly in the QB game. They've sent an offer for Russ Wilson and are talking to every QB at length.