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2021 NFL Draft: Denver Broncos 7-round mock

By Rucker Haringey

MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - JANUARY 11: Patrick Surtain II #2 of the Alabama Crimson Tide warms up before the College Football Playoff National Championship football game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Hard Rock Stadium on January 11, 2021 in Miami Gardens, Florida. The Alabama Crimson Tide defeated the Ohio State Buckeyes 52-24. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images)
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - JANUARY 11: Patrick Surtain II #2 of the Alabama Crimson Tide warms up before the College Football Playoff National Championship football game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Hard Rock Stadium on January 11, 2021 in Miami Gardens, Florida. The Alabama Crimson Tide defeated the Ohio State Buckeyes 52-24. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images) /
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Broncos mock draft, Walker Little
PALO ALTO, CA – NOVEMBER 10: Walker Little #72 of the Stanford Cardinal plays in an NCAA Pac-12 football game against the Oregon State Beavers on November 10, 2018 at Stanford Stadium in Palo Alto, California. (Photo by David Madison/Getty Images) /

Walker Little. 40. 45. Scouting Report. Offensive tackle. Stanford. player. Pick Analysis

Little opted out of the 2020 season for Stanford, but NFL scouts haven’t forgotten about the talent he possesses. The Broncos should jump at the chance to add an immediate starter at tackle at No. 40.

The only question about Little’s fit in Denver is whether or not he can make the transition to play right tackle right away. Garrett Bolles was outstanding on the blindside for the Broncos last season. In contrast, Demar Dotson was just mediocre on the right. The fact that Dotson is headed for free agency leaves the team with a clear opening for an upgrade on that side of the formation.

Little’s detractors correctly point out that he isn’t much of a plus when it comes to run blocking, but he’s got the tools to become an outstanding pass blocker at the next level. His combination of surprising mobility and above-average length allows him to make keeping edge rushers at bay look rather easy.

Even if it takes Little a year to adjust to life in the NFL he represents great value in Round 2. Grabbing a potential starter at left tackle at this juncture of the draft is too tempting for Denver to pass up.

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