Broncos: 3 prospects to avoid in 2021 NFL Draft
![Alabama quarterback Mac Jones (10) throws during Alabama's game with Texas A&M Saturday, Oct. 3, 2020, in Bryant-Denny Stadium. [Staff Photo/Gary Cosby Jr.]Alabama Vs Texas A M](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_1080,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape%2Fcover%2Fsport%2F1523de9ac35c094e5e94cd251bcf75a44bbbd599c89fb18acbeb9f41252761f0.jpg "Alabama quarterback Mac Jones (10) throws during Alabama's game with Texas A&M Saturday, Oct. 3, 2020, in Bryant-Denny Stadium. [Staff Photo/Gary Cosby Jr.]Alabama Vs Texas A M")
3. Dillon Radunz, OT, North Dakota State
The Denver Broncos are going into the 2021 NFL Draft without having to worry about targeting a replacement for Garett Bolles on the left side of the offensive line. Bolles improved his play during the 2020 season and earned a well-deserved contract extension, solidifying him as Denver’s long-term left tackle. While Bolles’ success means great things for the offensive line, which also features Dalton Risner, Graham Glasgow, and 2020 draft pick Lloyd Cushenberry, the right tackle position is still one that has question marks.
The Denver Broncos’ big free agent signing from 2019, Ja’Wuan James, has been a massive disappointment. Since 2019, James has played a total of 65 snaps (63 offensive, two special teams). James opted out of the 2020 season due to COVID concerns and the team may be prepared to move on from him if they see an opportunity in the draft. Denver has been looking into the offensive tackle position with this class, potentially for a tackle to develop into James’ successor.
One player that the Broncos should avoid at the tackle position is North Dakota State’s Dillon Radunz. It isn’t that Radunz is a bad player, but rather he may not fit what Denver is looking for as a possible replacement for James. Radunz spent the majority of his time at North Dakota State on the left side and has shown why he could be one of the better tackles in this class, but there are some concerns that should keep the Broncos at bay. Radunz excelled against the lower competition that the Bison went up against and never really got the chance to perform against legit NFL talent. The Bison were scheduled to play Oregon in 2020, but the game was obviously canceled due to the pandemic.
Radunz has interesting physical tools and could excel in the right offensive system, but he’ll need time to develop his skills for the NFL game. While the Denver Broncos may be able to offer that development in the form of offensive line coach Mike Munchak, Radunz should be a player to avoid, especially with other tackles that could be available and more NFL-ready at this point.