ESPN analyst has Broncos' first pick as a potential mistake

The Denver Broncos have a ton of needs to address in the draft, but they have an issue. They have five picks, which isn't a lot for a seven-round draft. And their first pick doesn't come until the third round. So, it is fair to say that the Broncos need to get this one right, […]

Justin Churchill — College Football & NFL Trending News Writer

Apr 21, 2023 9:48 PM EDT

The Denver Broncos have a ton of needs to address in the draft, but they have an issue. They have five picks, which isn't a lot for a seven-round draft. And their first pick doesn't come until the third round.

So, it is fair to say that the Broncos need to get this one right, especially their first pick. That means they should likely go with their biggest need first. In fact, one ESPN analyst has the Broncos potentially making a mistake with their first pick.

Mel Kiper's pick: Byron Young, OLB, Tennessee

At 6-foot-2 and 250 pounds, Young is undersized, but he has a nose for pressuring quarterbacks. This is Denver's first pick in this draft, and it should focus on the front seven with one of these selections.

–ESPN

Here is the deal with the Byron Young pick. The Broncos don't need edge rushers, or linebackers as much. Could they use the depth? Sure. But this first pick isn't for depth, it's to try and find a guy that can help and potentially start right away, especially in a position of greater need.

The Broncos need to look for a cornerback or safety with that first pick if they want to go defense, considering those are the two spots of the roster that aren't complete. Garret Williams, the cornerback from Syracuse, is a guy that was still on the board.

Here is what Pro Football Focus thinks of Young as a player:

Young is a wound-up dude off the edge. He’s just figuring out how to rush the passer but has the traits to develop with the 4.40-second 40-yard dash he ran at the NFL Combine.

–PFF

I'm not saying Young won't be a good player, because he very well could be. I'm saying they could end up missing out on a great defensive back, and end up picking one that will have a bigger chance of not panning out later in the draft.