2018 NFL Mock Draft: Sam Darnold goes to Browns

5 of 32

NASHVILLE, TN – SEPTEMBER 23: Minkah Fitzpatrick #29 of the Alabama Crimson Tide plays against the Vanderbilt Commodores at Vanderbilt Stadium on September 23, 2017 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images) /

5. player. 45. . Defensive Back. Alabama. Minkah Fitzpatrick

The Denver Broncos head into the NFL Draft with a quarterback in tow, as they signed Case Keenum to a new two-year deal. Keenum led the Minnesota Vikings to the NFC Championship Game last season, and it appears that both Vance Joseph and John Elway love what he brings to the table. If he is in fact a franchise guy, the Broncos can upgrade another position with the fifth overall pick in April.

The Broncos have long relied on their defense to get it done, and they lost a bit of their bite this offseason. With Aqib Talib leaving for the Los Angeles Rams, the Broncos need to draft some players to upgrade their secondary. One player who should be available at No. 5 is Minkah Fitzpatrick from Alabama, who just happens to be the best defensive back this draft class has to offer.

The Broncos have a lot of talent on their roster, and they should be improved over last year’s last place finish in the AFC West. Keenum brings legitimacy to the quarterback position, and they needed that, after trotting out Brock Osweiler, Paxton Lynch, and Trevor Siemian last season. They have a ways to go before they are the kings of the division once again, but Fitzpatrick may be too a prospect to pass up this early in round one.

Home/NFL Mock Draft