2022 NFL Draft: Denver Broncos 7-round mock draft

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Denver Broncos mock draft, Jeremy Ruckert

MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – JANUARY 11: Jeremy Ruckert #88 of the Ohio State Buckeyes makes a one handed catch during the College Football Playoff National Championship football game against the Alabama Crimson Tide 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) /

Round 4: Jeremy Ruckert

Noah Fant is firmly entrenched as Denver’s No. 1 tight end, but they could use a more versatile No. 2 option that could permit them to use more multiple offensive looks.

Ruckert has exceptional hands which allow him to make more than his share of contested catches down the seam. He’s also a willing blocker that could blossom into an above-average run blocker in time. Nabbing a tight end in Round 4 might be a bit of a luxury pick, but it’s a selection that can really help Hackett in his first year as the team’s head coach.

Round 5: John Ridgeway

Ridgeway manned the nose tackle position for Arkansas last season and he can do the same thing for the Broncos in time. He’s a massive defender with above-average strength for the interior. He lacks the foot speed to do much as a pass rusher, but he can clog up the middle against the run.

Round 5: Zonovan Knight

Knight was a highly-productive runner at NC State due to his ability to force missed tackles. The Broncos don’t necessarily need him to soak up a ton of carries as a rookie, but they can massively benefit from his pass-protection ability in the backfield.

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