2018 NFL Mock Draft: Impact of recent trades and signings
45. . Outside Linebacker. Georgia Bulldogs. Roquan Smith. 12. player
Earlier in this mock draft, the Buffalo Bills included the No. 12 and No. 22 selections in a trade up to No. 5 overall. Thus, the Denver Broncos utilize the No. 12 draft pick to select a player who can bring elite athleticism and a great understanding of the game to the defense.
The Broncos could also select an offensive lineman here, but Smith is the best player on the board, and thus, the best player for John Elway to select.
Some might debate this pick, but Smith has a higher ceiling than Todd Davis, and Corey Nelson already left to join the Philadelphia Eagles. Furthermore, Brandon Marshall is 33 years old and has an out in his contract after the 2019 season.
That makes Smith an appealing option on multiple levels, as he has the size, tackling ability, and leadership traits to help in both the short and long-term from the inside linebacker position.
On the field, Smith has 4.51 speed and the ability to shed tacklers, get into the backfield, and blow plays up before they can take shape. He recorded 137 tackles, 14.0 tackles for loss, and 6.5 sacks in 2017, and did so with an impressive combination of tenacity and attention to detail.
Smith is somewhat undersized, but his athletic gifts, leadership ability, and scheme versatility make him a perfect fit to help Denver’s defense return to elite form.