NFL mock draft: Broncos select 318-pound defensive lineman

In his latest three-round NFL mock draft for CBS Sports, Ryan Wilson has the Denver Broncos beefing up their defensive line after losing John Franklin-Myers during free agency.

The Broncos do not hold a first-round pick this spring after trading it to the Miami Dolphins as part of the Jaylen Waddle trade, so their first pick is scheduled to be No. 62 overall in the second round. Wilson's mock has Miami replacing Waddle by using the 30th overall pick to select Washington receiver Denzel Boston.

In the second round of Wilson's mock, Denver selects Texas Tech defensive lineman Lee Hunter (6-3, 318 pounds). Here's part of Lance Zierlein's assessment of Hunter from NFL.com:

Hunter is a two-gapping nose tackle for odd or even fronts. He has the size, strength and length to do battle in the heart of the trenches but requires better block take-on technique to sit firmer in his grass. ... Hunter projects as an early down space-eater who can make interior offensive linemen work for their gaps.

Hunter earned first-team All-Big 12 recognition and third-team All-American honors last fall after totaling 41 tackles (11 behind the line), 2.5 sacks and one forced fumble in 14 games.

Following the Waddle trade last month, Denver now holds seven picks in the 2026 NFL draft, which will be held in Pittsburgh from April 23-25.

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This article originally appeared on Broncos Wire: NFL mock draft: Broncos select 318-pound defensive lineman