2018 NFL Mock Draft: Browns land Baker Mayfield

RALEIGH, NC - NOVEMBER 04: North Carolina State Wolfpack defensive end Bradley Chubb (9) enters the field before the game between the Clemson Tigers and the NC State Wolfpack on November 04, 2017 at Carter-Finley Stadium in Raleigh, NC. (Photo by William Howard/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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SOUTH BEND, IN – NOVEMBER 18: Notre Dame Fighting Irish offensive lineman Quenton Nelson (56) gets ready to battle with Navy Midshipmen defensive end Tyler Sayles (91) during the college football game between the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the Navy Midshipmen on November 18, 2017, at Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, IN. (Photo by Robin Alam/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

. OG. Notre Dame. Quenton Nelson. 5. player. 45

All indications appear to be that the Denver Broncos will be a major player for Kirk Cousins, the consensus top quarterback available on the free agent market. If that happens, the Broncos can afford to go with a best player available scenario with their first round selection, which brings them Notre Dame offensive lineman Quenton Nelson.

Nelson is by far one of the most polished interior offensive line prospects in quite some time (you can read my full scouting profile of him from November here) and it would absolutely shock me if he fell outside of the top ten selections on draft day.

Nelson possesses great size and athleticism and plays with a mean streak that is sure to be coveted by offensive line coaches in the NFL. The Broncos added Utah offensive tackle Garrett Boles in the first round of 2017 and adding Nelson would represent a further infusion of young talent.

John Elway’s struggles to find a long-term option for the Broncos at quarterback are well-documented and if the club winds up without Cousins or A.J. McCarron in free agency, this could be an interesting landing spot for either USC’s Sam Darnold or Wyoming’s Josh Allen.

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