This offseason, the Broncos brought in many new faces and said goodbye to some very familiar ones. On March 8, Broncos cornerback, Aqib Talib, was traded away to the Los Angeles Rams for a 2018 fifth-round pick. Denver seems to have also found their quarterback by signing Case Keenum for a two-year, $36 million deal.

Change isn’t over for the Broncos either; the NFL draft is right around the corner. The Broncos hold 11 picks in this year’s draft and look to use them wisely in hopes of improving on last season.

There will almost certainly be trades occurring with the Broncos before the 2018 NFL draft occurs April 26 to 28 in Arlington, Texas. This mock draft, however, will not incorporate any of those changes.

First Round (Pick #5): Denzel Ward, CB, Ohio State
Although Notre Dame’s left guard, Quenton Nelson, would be the most efficient and evident pick here for the Broncos struggling offensive line, I, unfortunately, project that he will not be available on the draft board come Denver’s first pick.

After losing help in the secondary this offseason, John Elway’s best option would have to be Ohio State’s CB Denzel Ward.

According to draft analyst Mike Mayock, Ward is the number one ranked cornerback in the 2018 draft class.

Mayock isn’t wrong.

Ward played three seasons with the Buckeyes before deciding to forgo his senior season to make himself a prospect for the 2018 NFL draft. Ward performed exceptionally well at Ohio State despite a light weight of 191 pounds and a height of 5 feet 10 inches.

The highly-talented defensive back performed very well last season as a junior. According to the team’s website, the cornerback received “All-America honors and first-team All-Big Ten accolades after recording 17 passes defended with 15 pass break-ups and two interceptions, including one interception in the Big Ten championship game win over Wisconsin. The 17 passes defended is the fourth-highest single season total in school history.”

Ward will be an exceptional fill to the hole that was left when the Denver Broncos traded away star cornerback, Aqib Talib, to the Minnesota Vikings this offseason.

Second Round (Pick #40): Mike McGlinchey, Tackle, Notre Dame
Standing mighty tall at 6 foot 8 inches and leading the so-called dominating left side of Notre Dame’s offensive front, Mike McGlinchey is first-round talent.

According to McGlinchey’s draft profile on NFL.com, “McGlinchey started every game in 2016, displaying the quick feet, athleticism, and brute strength to be a very good NFL starter.” The top-talent prospect possesses the elite size and reach which pairs well with his terrific lower-body strength.

The OT does seem to struggle with athleticism. Game film shows that speedy rushers can cause him to play high and, therefore, struggle with his performance.

Nonetheless, the first cousin of Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan, will fit well in the NFL. The lineman will instantly improve Denver’s mediocre offensive line which seems to be the team’s biggest issue.

See McGlinchey’s NFL combine workout here.

Third Round (Pick #71): Braden Smith, Guard, Auburn
Smith performed well at Auburn blocking and creating holes for 2018 draft prospect Kerryon Johnson. Smith was Auburn’s best blocker and was an All-SEC second-team selection by the conference’s coaches.

Smith provided a solid combine workout this year with an impressive 35 reps in the bench press. Sources state that Smith is receiving second-day grades for the draft and would be an efficient pick for Denver if they are able to snag him in the third round.

Even though the prospect has a weight of 315 pounds and a height of 6 foot 6 inches, he could use more strength in his play to deal with today’s elite rushers.

Overall, Smith is a talented player and will likely start day one, especially if the Broncos draft him.

Third Round (Pick #99): Luke Falk, QB, Washington State 
The Broncos lost two quarterbacks in the offseason, trading away former starting quarterback, Trevor Siemian, to the Vikings and losing Brock Osweiler to the Miami Dolphins from free agency.

According to NCAA.com stats, Falk was able to complete 67 percent of his passes in 2017, throwing for 3,600 yards with 30 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. His height of 6 foot 4 inches provides an advantage as well. He also possesses the ability to throw accurate back-shoulder throws and fades in times of pressure.

Although multiple scouts state that Falk has an above-average arm, you can’t sweep this quarterback’s weaknesses under the rug. Falk lacks in mobility and tends to force balls into tight coverage. He is also fearful of throwing the deep ball, according to his NFL.com draft profile. About 74 percent of his throws were less than 10 yards.

If the quarterback is able to learn enough behind Case Keenum in the next two years then maybe, just maybe, he can start and excel in this league.

Fourth Round (Pick #106): Nyheim Hines, RB, North Carolina State
Hines had a better-than-average showing at the NFL combine. The running back was more than just moving, clocking in at 4.38 in the 40-yard dash. He was the fastest among all running backs at the event.

I would compare the N.C. State running back to speed master Darren Sproles. Both are exceptionally quick and able to use their short height to their advantage.

With an obviously different running style than current starting running back, C.J. Anderson, Hines will bring versatility to Vance Joseph’s running game.

We have a new leader!@PackFootball RB Nyheim Hines records a 4.39u 40-yard dash! #NFLCombine

📺: @nflnetwork pic.twitter.com/GPP6fFDUKE

— NFL (@NFL) March 2, 2018

Fourth Round (Pick #109) Marcell Ateman, WR, Oklahoma
It would be helpful to acquire another weapon in the draft for new quarterback, Case Keenum. Ateman possesses very good size with a height of 6 foot 4 inches and a weight of 220 pounds with the ability to box out defenders. He uses his size to his advantage by catching balls with full arm extension. Ateman possesses good speed for his big frame, running a 4.62 at the NFL scouting combine.

Fifth Round (Pick # 142) Kentavius Street, DL, South Carolina State
The defensive lineman explodes with above-average power despite his smaller size. Learning from veterans like Von Miller would teach the rookie fast and would add satisfying depth to the line position.

Fifth Round (Pick # 160) Michael Gallup, WR, Colorado State
The Rams star receiver stays home in Colorado. According to his NFL.com draft profile, “He started 11 of 13 games played on the year and finished the season with a six-catch, 108-yard, three-touchdown performance in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl.”

Gallup had a productive 2017 season, piling up 100 catches for 1,413 yards and seven touchdowns according to ProFootballReference.com. He also ran a superb 40-yard dash time of 4.51 at the combine.

Fifth Round (Pick # 163) Christian Sam, MLB, Arizona State
The inside backer had a big 2017 season for the Sun Devils but, unfortunately, missed the entire 2016 season after suffering a knee injury in that season opener. In 2017, Sam recorded 127 tackles with 9.5 for a loss, adding in an interception as well according to ProFootballReference.com.

Sixth Round (Pick # 182) Godwin Igwebuike, Safety, Northwestern
According to Walterfootball.com, “In 2017, Igwebuike had 78 tackles with nine passes broken up, two forced fumbles and two interceptions. He was a solid defender for the Wildcats.” Adding depth to a depleting safety position would not be a bad idea to think about in the Broncos war room come late draft.

Seventh Round (Pick # 225) Bradley Bozeman, C, Alabama
Despite missing several blocks in the 2017 Senior Bowl, Bozeman has good size and can contribute his Crimson Tide knowledge to other newcomers.