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2017 NFL Mock Draft: Defense rules the day

By Brad Weiss

Oct 15, 2015; Stanford, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal defensive tackle Solomon Thomas (90) celebrates after a tackle in the second quarter against the UCLA Bruins in a NCAA football game at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 15, 2015; Stanford, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal defensive tackle Solomon Thomas (90) celebrates after a tackle in the second quarter against the UCLA Bruins in a NCAA football game at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 2, 2017; Arlington, TX, USA; Wisconsin Badgers offensive lineman Ryan Ramczyk (65) in action during the game against the Western Michigan Broncos in the 2017 Cotton Bowl game at AT&T Stadium. The Badgers defeat the Broncos 24-16. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 2, 2017; Arlington, TX, USA; Wisconsin Badgers offensive lineman Ryan Ramczyk (65) in action during the game against the Western Michigan Broncos in the 2017 Cotton Bowl game at AT&T Stadium. The Badgers defeat the Broncos 24-16. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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Ryan Ramczyk

OT, Wisconsin

The Denver Broncos new head coach Vance Joseph has said that the quarterback battle is on in Denver, and Paxton Lynch or Trevor Siemian will have to take the job. Siemian beat out Lynch and Mark Sanchez last offseason, so you have to think he is up to the task again in 2017. However, no matter who is under center, this offensive line is a major question mark, though it can be addressed in the draft.

Ryan Ramczyk was the best offensive lineman in the Big Ten for his entire career at Wisconsin, and his game should translate to the pros. He is an intimidating figure, and has really good footwork for someone his size. The Broncos need all the help they can get up front, and no matter which side he plays, he will be an upgrade at the tackle position.

Denver plays in a very tough division, and despite having an elite defense, they will not win the AFC West if they cannot get better up front on offense. The lack of a running game prove to be too much to overcome in 2016, and while they have no true RB1 again in 2017, being better up front is certain to improve the offense as a whole. Ramczyk can start from day one, and with the lack of depth at tackle, he would get that chance in Denver.

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