In ESPN’s Mock Draft 4.0, Mel Kiper Jr. raised eyebrows with his projection for the Broncos’ first-round pick: a mid-major cornerback.
According to Kiper, the Broncos could end up selecting Toledo’s Quinyon Mitchell from the MEAC conference.
However, Mitchell’s potential arrival in Denver could be a mismatch of needs. The Broncos are in dire need of impactful performances from players on rookie contracts, especially in key positions.
With their focus primarily on quarterback performance next season, compounded by financial constraints following Russell Wilson’s departure, the Broncos require significant value from their draft selections.
During Kiper’s ESPN Sports Center special unveiling the mock draft, he envisioned the Broncos selecting Mitchell at number 12. Interestingly, Oregon’s Bo Nix, a notable quarterback prospect, was still available.
Kiper had Nix going to the Giants after a trade, leaving the Broncos without a clear quarterback option. Although Kiper didn’t discuss the possibility of the Broncos selecting a quarterback in later rounds, he did propose Michael Penix Jr. as an early second-round pick for the Rams in a trade-up scenario.
While Mitchell boasts potential as a future NFL starting cornerback, his addition may not align with the Broncos’ immediate needs. The team already boasts strong cornerbacks in Pat Surtain and JaQual McMillian, with additional depth in Riley Moss and former starter Demarri Mathis.
While another starting cornerback could be beneficial, the Broncos thrived last season with Fabian Moreau, whom they signed in August 2023.
In essence, the Broncos should explore other options with their 12th overall pick rather than selecting another cornerback. Trading down to acquire additional picks, potentially even another first-round selection, could provide better value.
After all, the performance of a second cornerback becomes less significant when the Denver Broncos’ quarterback issues make them struggle to surpass 160 passing yards in a game.
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