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Broncos mock draft roundup: Jan. 18, 2019

**Daniel Jeremiah, NFL.com**: LB Devin White, LSU

White is the ideal modern linebacker. He can run, cover and blitz. [Jan. 18]

**Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN**: CB Deandre Baker, Georgia

Former first-round pick Bradley Roby is a free agent, and Chris Harris Jr., who broke his leg in December, turns 30 over the summer. Cornerback is the No. 1 need for the Broncos. Baker isn't far behind Greedy Williams as the top corner in this class. General manager John Elway hit on his 2018 draft class, and he needs another good one to get the team back on track under new coach Vic Fangio. [Jan. 17]

**Walter Cherepinsky, Walter Football**: DE/DT Jeffery Simmons, Miss. State

Jeffrey Simmons is an extremely disruptive interior force, but was found guilty of simple assault charges. He could be a top-five pick if teams are fine with his off-the-field issues, as he has an amazing blend of power and athleticism.[Jan. 17]

**Ryan Wilson, CBSSports.com**: QB Daniel Jones, Duke

Is Case Keenum the answer in 2019? New coach Vic Fangio said Keenum is the Broncos' quarterback "right now." Either way, we know general manager John Elway would love to upgrade the position. There's a reason he was closely watching Justin Herbert this season and now that he's returned to Oregon, Elway could turn his attention to other draft-eligible passers. After a good 2018 season, Jones could improve his stock with a strong showing at the Senior Bowl. [Jan. 17]

**Vinnie Iyer, Sporting News**: QB Daniel Jones, Duke

The Broncos could go for another supposed veteran solution at QB with the likes of Joe Flacco or Nick Foles. If not — and if they don't trade up, and if both Haskins and Murray are gone — Missouri's Drew Lock and West Virginia's Will Grier also would be in play. Jones, however, is pushing to be the No. 3 QB with his all-around, pro-tailored skills to go with ideal size (6-5, 220 pounds). He also has NFL-friendly tutelage from Peyton and Eli Manning mentor David Cutcliffe. Jones has the mentally and physically tough make-up Denver has been missing at QB. [Jan. 17]

**R.J. White, CBSSports.com**: CB Byron Murphy, Washington

The Broncos will certainly be looking for quarterback help, but they showed last year that they won't force it if the guy they want isn't there. Murphy is a smart player capable of handling man-to-man or zone coverage, and his anticipation on routes should have him on the highlight reels often as he chases pick-sixes. Once teams get a good look at him, he could end up getting locked in to the top half of the first round.[Jan. 17]

haskins

**Nate Davis, USA TODAY**: QB Dwayne Haskins, Ohio State

Boasting prototype size (6-3, 220) and coming off a season when he hoisted a Big Ten-record 50 TD passes, he'll certainly pose a valid argument that he's a superior prospect than Murray and should, perhaps, be the Giants' choice at No. 6. But the redshirt sophomore started only one season in Columbus, and his gaudy 70 percent completion rate can belie some accuracy issues — particularly coming out of an offense that generates easy "completions" on jet sweeps behind the line of scrimmage. [Jan. 16]

**Bryan Fischer, Athlon Sports**: CB Greedy Williams, LSU

John Elway can't believe his luck that Williams is available because he's a top-five talent and certainly the top corner available on most boards. It's imperative that the Broncos find their next corner to shore up the back end, which will trump selecting the quarterback of the future with this pick given the options. [Jan. 16]

**Steve Palazzolo, Pro Football Focus**: CB Byron Murphy, Washington

The quarterback value just doesn't match up yet for the Broncos at this point, but they add one of the best corners in the class in Murphy who allowed a passer rating of only 54.5 into his coverage last year on his way to the top PFF grade among cornerbacks at 91.9. [Jan. 15]

**Matt Miller, Bleacher Report**: QB Daniel Jones, Duke

Duke's Daniel Jones is a fantastic all-around athlete at 6'5" and 225 pounds but has shown the touch, accuracy, football IQ and pocket movement to be considered a top-10 pick. A big week at the Senior Bowl could propel Jones to QB1 status in this draft. [Jan. 15]

**Nick Klopsis, Newsday**: CB Byron Murphy, Washington

If Dwayne Haskins falls, the Broncos could be tempted to take him as Case Keenum's heir apparent. But with Bradley Roby an impending free agent, they may want to find another cornerback to play opposite Chris Harris. Byron Murphy is on the smaller side for a cornerback at 5-11, 182 pounds, but he makes up for it with excellent technique, instincts and ball skills. [Jan. 13]

The Mizzou signal caller shares some traits with the college version of Patrick Mahomes. Both have elite arm talent, can extend plays with their athleticism and are overaggressive with their decision-making. [Jan. 10]

**Chris Trapasso, CBSSports.com**: T Jonah Williams, Alabama

In this scenario, John Elway dips into the free-agent market once again (or trade market) to try to get the most out of a defense that's still one of the better units in the AFC. So, the Broncos go best player available here, and he has a direct impact on the new quarterback. Williams puts on a blocking clinic every week. [Jan. 4]

A look back at the Broncos' recent first-round picks dating back to 1989.

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