With The First Pick
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2018 NFL Mock Draft: Impact of recent trades and signings

By Maxwell Ogden

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 01: Notre Dame offensive lineman Quenton Nelson speaks to the media during NFL Combine press conferences at the Indiana Convention Center on March 1, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 01: Notre Dame offensive lineman Quenton Nelson speaks to the media during NFL Combine press conferences at the Indiana Convention Center on March 1, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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45. . Offensive Tackle. Texas Longhorns. Connor Williams. 22. player

In the previously listed trade, the Buffalo Bills sent the No. 11 and No. 22 overall selections to the Denver Broncos for the No. 5 pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. For Denver, that creates an opportunity to address flaws on both sides of the ball.

After adding 3-4 inside linebacker Roquan Smith with the 11th pick, the Broncos turn their attention to what was an abysmal offensive line in 2017 at No. 22.

Projecting Connor Williams is more about what he was and what he could be than what he currently is. He was one of the best offensive linemen in the country in 2016, but a 2017 campaign that was marred by nagging injuries has damaged his draft stock.

If Denver believes that Williams is more like his 2016 form than his 2017 campaign, however, he could help round this offensive line into form.

Matt Paradis is a high-quality center and Ronald Leary is one of the better guards in the NFL. Garett Bolles had a solid rookie at tackle, but the Broncos need to fix the other side of the line and build a unit with a stronger sense of stability.

UTEP guard Will Hernandez is also an option here, but for now, the Broncos side with a tackle to help Bolles anchor the ends of the offensive line.

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