ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — With the 71st pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, the Broncos selected defensive lineman Dre'Mont Jones.
Jones, a first-team All-Big Ten selection, recorded 114 tackles and 22 tackles for loss at Ohio State over the last three seasons.
He also tallied 9.5 sacks, a pick-six and three fumble recoveries during his career.
As a senior, he finished with 43 tackles, 13 TFL and 8.5 sacks as the Buckeyes won a Big Ten Championship and the Rose Bowl.
Only Quinnen Williams, the third-overall pick in the draft, recorded more pressures last season from the defensive tackle position, according to Pro Football Focus.
"He's a real good rusher," Elway told Broncos TV on Friday. "He can rush the passer. Very quick first step, really can get up the field. We're excited about it. He really had a good year last year and we think he's just scratched the surface for the potential that he has. We're really excited to get him."
Head Coach Vic Fangio and the defensive staff should be able to get Jones tap into his talent.
"He's still growing up and still maturing, so I think with the help of [Defensive Line Coach] Bill Kollar and the defensive staff he'll continue to get better and better," Elway said. "Any time you can get some pressure from the inside where he'll play — especially in nickel — it's an added bonus, especially with the guys we have on the outside."
Jones is the Broncos' first defensive selection during the 2019 NFL Draft. Denver is not scheduled to pick again until the fifth round.
