With The First Pick
Fansided

2018 NFL Mock Draft: Final evaluations before the Scouting Combine

By Maxwell Ogden

SOUTH BEND, IN - OCTOBER 17: Quenton Nelson #56 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish celebrates after a 10-yard touchdown reception by Corey Robinson against the USC Trojans in the fourth quarter of the game at Notre Dame Stadium on October 17, 2015 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
SOUTH BEND, IN - OCTOBER 17: Quenton Nelson #56 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish celebrates after a 10-yard touchdown reception by Corey Robinson against the USC Trojans in the fourth quarter of the game at Notre Dame Stadium on October 17, 2015 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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player. 45. . Offensive Guard. Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Quenton Nelson. 5

This selection is based on the assumption that the Denver Broncos will sign free agent quarterback Kirk Cousins. Denver was linked to Cousins well before the Washington Redskins acquired Alex Smith, and it seems even more plausible now.

In the event that the Broncos succeed in acquiring Cousins, shoring up the offensive line should become the top priority for general manager John Elway.

It’s rare that a guard is drafted this high, but Nelson is in the Saquon Barkley category of a generational talent. Not only is he an outstanding player, but those around the Notre Dame program have nothing but positive things to say about his presence as a leader.

Denver will knock this pick out of the park if it succeeds in finding both an anchor for the offensive line and a leader in the locker room for years to come.

Ron Leary is already a high-level guard, but Allen Barbre, Max Garcia, and Connor McGovern all struggled in 2017. Finding a tackle to work opposite Garett Bolles would be ideal, but finding a potentially elite guar to solidify the interior of the offensive line would work just as well.

Denver needs to get back to dominating the war at the line of scrimmage. Nelson would help it keep its quarterback upright and its running game consistent.

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