Broncos Flood Roster With Playmakers in NFL.com Mock Draft

With the NFL Scouting Combine rapidly approaching, draft season is in full swing. Even as the Denver Broncos review their coaching staff and make some adjustments, despite their great season that ended on an unfortunate note, their scouting department has been hard at work.  

So have many draft analysts, including NFL.com's Chad Reuter, who recently released a three-round mock draft. In Reuter's mock, the Broncos added two offensive playmakers and a quarterback for the defense in their first three picks. 

Let's examine Reuter's mock selections for the Broncos.

Round 1: Germie Bernard | WR | Alabama

“Bernard's consistency and ability to make plays at all levels of the field make him a great fit for the Broncos. He has experience in the slot and outside, giving him the versatility to fill in where Denver needs him most," Reuter wrote.

Our Analysis

Bernard is a versatile player, and Sean Payton loves to have that versatility, but this may be really early for the Alabama receiver. That doesn’t make him a bad prospect, but in another great receiver draft class, 30th overall seems rich. 

Now, Bernard has good size, versatility with where he lines up and the routes he can run, and he can work after the catch. Drops aren’t a serious issue with him, though they are there, and he got better each year with more production. 

However, Bernard isn’t the most physical player working in the middle, getting off press coverage, or handling contact at the catch point. He also has more issues with drops when working inside than when working outside, which leads to questions about his concentration when attacking the middle of the field and to concerns about incoming hits. 

Denver needs a receiver, so there is nothing wrong with going in this direction. There is a lot of time between now and the draft, and Bernard could end up proving himself worthy of the 30th overall pick, but it's a little early for him at the moment. 

Round 2: Eli Stowers | TE | Vanderbilt