Last year, the Broncos went just 7-10, but they still possessed a strong roster. They were just lacking a high-end quarterback, as Teddy Bridgewater and Drew Lock combined to start Denver's 17 games.
In 2022, Denver shouldn't have issues at the quarterback spot. The team acquired Russell Wilson in a trade with the Seahawks to fill that longstanding need. They had to give up the No. 9 overall pick as well as some key starters in Noah Fant and Shelby Harris, but the team's efforts in free agency helped to plug some of its needs.
The Broncos still have some weaknesses. They need to add depth at several positions and have to add competition for the starting jobs at right tackle, tight end and linebacker. But if Wilson can stay healthy and play at a high level, Denver will have a chance to break the second-longest playoff drought in the NFL during the 2022 NFL season.
Of course, adding talent in the draft won't be easy. The Broncos don't pick until the final selection of the second round, so GM George Paton and Co. need to unearth some mid-round gems that can help Denver win right away.
Here's a look at the Broncos' picks in the 2022 NFL Draft:
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Broncos draft picks 2022: Who did Denver take?
- Round 2, Pick No. 64: Nik Bonitto, EDGE, Oklahoma
- Round 3, Pick No. 80: Greg Dulcich, TE, UCLA
- Round 4, Pick No. 115: Damarri Mathis, CB, Pitt
- Round 4, Pick No. 116: Eyioma Uwazurike, DT, Iowa State
- Round 5, Pick No. 152: Delarrin Turner-Yell, S, Oklahoma
- Round 5, Pick No. 162: Montrell Washington, WR, Samford
- Round 5, Pick No. 171: Luke Wattenberg, C, Washington
- Round 6, Pick No. 206: Matt Henningsen, DT, Wisconsin
- Round 7, Pick No. 232: Faion Hicks, CB, Wisconsin
Click here for live analysis and grades on every pick.
Broncos 2022 NFL Draft order
| Round | Pick (Overall) |
|---|---|
| 2 | 64 (from LAR) |
| 3 | 80 |
| 3 | 96 (from LAR) |
| 4 | 115 |
| 4 | 116 (from SEA) |
| 5 | 152 |
| 5 | 162 |
| 6 | 206 (from TB via NYJ and PHI) |
| 7 | 232 |
| 7 | 234 (from CLE via DET) |
Broncos NFL Draft needs
- Offensive tackle: The Broncos used veterans Bobby Massie and Cameron Fleming at right tackle last season and got mixed results. Neither one is back in 2022; the team opted to go with a different veteran pairing, Billy Turner and Tom Compton, at the position. Adding a player like Daniel Faalele to compete for future playing time would be a smart move.
- Tight end: Denver had to give up Noah Fant in the Russell Wilson trade, so it could stand to add depth at this position. Albert Okwuegbunam can start while Eric Tomlinson can serve as a top blocker, but adding another do-it-all player like Jalen Wydermeyer or Jeremy Ruckert would be a good move.
- Linebacker: The Broncos retained Josey Jewell in free agency, but Alexander Johnson remains unsigned. Denver signed Alex Singleton to help replace him. It also has Jonas Griffith, but the team could stand to add another potential starter.
- Defensive end: Noah Fant wasn't the only player the Broncos lost in the Russell Wilson trade. Shelby Harris was set to Seattle as part of the deal, too. Free-agent signee DJ Jones will help to replace him as will 2020 third-round pick McTelvin Agim, but they need to add another role player.
- Running back: Javonte Williams looks like a potential star at the NFL level but the Broncos no longer have Melvin Gordon around to back him up. Mike Boone is a fine top backup behind Williams, but more depth is needed.
Broncos mock draft 2022
Here are the latest 2022 NFL Draft projections for the Broncos, according to Vinnie Iyer's seven-round mock draft:
| Round | Pick | Player | Position | College |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 64 | Kingsley Enagbare | EDGE | South Carolina |
| 3 | 75 | Isaiah Likely | TE | Coastal Carolina |
| 3 | 96 | Brian Robinson | RB | Alabama |
| 4 | 115 | Bryan Cook | S | Cincinnati |
| 4 | 116 | Abraham Lucas | OT | Washington State |
| 5 | 145 | Jesse Luketa | LB | Penn State |
| 6 | 206 | Bubba Bolden | S | Miami |
| 7 | 232 | Nate Landman | LB | Colorado |
| 7 | 234 | Tycen Anderson | S | Toledo |
