3 Most Likely Players the Broncos Will Draft No. 9 Overall

Little went right for the Denver Broncos in 2020, with the team going just 5-11 and finishing fourth in the AFC West. This was supposed to be the year Denver's young offensive core started to take off, but the play of Drew Lock seriously held the team back from any success.

Now, the Broncos could go in several directions with the No. 9 overall pick to get the help they need. Here's three likely players Denver will take with their first-round selection in the 2021 NFL Draft.

3. Mac Jones

Alabama's quarterback Mac Jones is coming off of a stellar season under center for the Crimson Tide. He registered 4,500 passing yards and 41 TDs while leading Alabama to an undefeated season, which he capped off with 464 yards and 5 TDs in a National Championship win. Jones' draft stock is continuing to rise after the Senior Bowl, pushing him among the top half of the first round. Vic Fangio doesn't sound committed to Lock as the team's starter in 2021, and Jones would be a great pick to either push the Broncos' QB incumbent or even succeed him.

2. Micah Parsons

Penn State linebacker Micah Parsons is considered one of the best defensive talents in this entire draft. While he sat out the 2020 campaign, he toaled 109.0 tackles in 2019 while racking up 14.0 tackles for loss and 5.0 sacks. Parsons hounded ball carriers by forcing 4 fumbles as a sophomore as well, and he displayed coverage skills with his 5 passes defensed. His versatility allows him to play inside or outside linebacker, which would boost this LB corps, especially if Von Miller is cut.

1. Patrick Surtain II

Alabama cornerback Patrick Surtain II, the son of former NFL defensive back Patrick Surtain, is a top talent at his positon. The 6-foot-2 playmaker provided a shutdown element to the Crimson Tide's secondary, registering 9 passes defensed and a pick-6 in 2020. He created a whopping 8 turnovers (4 INTs, 4 fumbles) in his three seasons at Alabama, showcasing not only his coverage skills, but also a knack for jarring the ball loose. Having a dependable corner like Surtain is crucial in a division with Patrick Mahomes, Derek Carr and Justin Herbert.

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