There are obvious gaps at important positions on the Denver Broncos squad as the 2024 NFL Draft approaches. One of those positions is cornerback, where All-Pro Patrick Surtain II lacks a qualified replacement.
The Broncos will replace that void by selecting Toledo CB with the No. 12 pick, according to NFL draft expert Mel Kiper Jr. of ESPN.
Quinyon Mitchell
In his mock draft from April 10, Kiper stated, “Denver can look to improve a defence that ranked 30th in yards per play allowed (5.8) last season and pair Mitchell with Pat Surtain.” “My top-ranked cornerback, Mitchell, ran an incredible 4.33 seconds in the 40-yard sprint at the combine and had 46 pass breakups in four seasons at Toledo. As a rookie, he’s prepared to play frequently and early.
With the Rockets in 2022 and 2023, Mitchell was selected to the First Team All-MAC twice.
The Toledo standout wasn’t Kiper’s first pick, but he would be a good addition to the Denver defence. Rather than picking Oregon quarterback Bo Nix with the first choice, Kiper talked himself out of it.
“Nix just doesn’t seem like a first-round signal-caller to me. Based only on what I’ve seen on tape, I’ve given him a Round 2 grade,” Kiper stated.
Kiper attributed his grade to Oregon’s offensive shortcomings. He said that Nix’s average pass down the field was the sixth shortest of 125 eligible FBS signal callers, going 6.3 yards.
In the 2024 NFL Draft class, Kiper ranks Mitchell as his top-ranked tight end.
Mitchell is probably going to be a cornerstone for any side trying to strengthen their defence. On his “Big Board” of projected 2024 NFL draft picks, Kiper ranks the Toledo standout as the number one cornerback.
Between Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy and UCLA defensive end Laiatu Latu, the draft expert ranked Mitchell as the thirteenth best prospect overall.
On April 5, Kiper noted, “Mitchell is a ball hawk who had six interceptions in his final two seasons at Toledo.” He concluded his four-year career with 46 pass breakups. As the closest defender in coverage in 2023, he didn’t allow a touchdown, demonstrating his technical proficiency and instincts. His quickness and agility allow him to get a close hold on the ball and shake a receiver. He’s a reliable tackler in run support as well.
In 13 games with the Rockets in2023, Mitchell finished with 40 total tackles, one interception, and 19 passes defensed.
As the best defensive player in college football each year, the Chuck Bednarik Award, he became the first player from Toledo to be selected a semifinalist last season.
Securing Surtain is Crucial to the Broncos’ Prosperous Comeback
The Broncos need to sign Surtain to a long-term contract agreement if they hope to succeed under head coach Sean Payton.
From his selection ninth overall in the 2021 NFL draft, Surtain has been one of the best players at his position. Is an extension of the Alabama product’s deal imminent?
At the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine, general manager George Paton stated that he would like to re-sign Surtain.
Regarding taking up Surtain’s fifth-year option, Paton told reporters on February 27 that “we’ll work on that.” “I think it’s rather close. That one is simple.
In 17 games last season, the third-year defender racked up a career-high 69 combined tackles and one interception.
