Randy Gregory’s shoulder surgery makes edge a Draft priority for Broncos

The Denver Broncos added free agent Randy Gregory to a five-year deal worth up to $70 million. Even with Gregory in tow, George Paton will likely add to the edge group during April’s NFL Draft.

News broke Tuesday that Gregory had shoulder surgery recently, which Broncos Country were made aware per Mike Klis of 9 News.

Source: Randy Gregory recently underwent shoulder scope as part of plan all parties decided on when he was signed https://t.co/pjkpuMP5nf via @9NEWS #9sports

— Mike Klis (@mikeklis) March 29, 2022

Gregory will likely spend most of the offseason rehabbing. However, Klis outlines in his report that Gregory should be healthy by the start of training camp.

Without Gregory’s injury, the Broncos needed to add to the defense with the lowest pass rush win rate in the NFL according to ESPN Analytics. Add Gregory’s injury and the uncertainty of his rushing mate Bradley Chubb, whose contract expires after this season, and adding a pass rusher is now square in the crosshairs for Paton come draft time.

During the NFL Owners Meetings in Palm Beach, Paton eluded to moving up in the draft if the right deal is there. However, Paton may not need to move up to the first round for a talented pass rusher, but he might fall in love with one available early in Round 2.

Pass rushers projected to be available near the Broncos’ top selection

The edge position is deep in April’s draft, and the Broncos should be able to get a contributor with their first selection.

Here are some options that may be in play for Paton with the team’s first draft selection, No. 64 overall.

David Ojabo – Michigan

At 6’5″, 250 pounds, David Ojabo has a nice blend of length and athleticism.

David Ojabo is a DE prospect in the 2022 draft class. He scored a 9.35 RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 94 out of 1428 DE from 1987 to 2022. https://t.co/RSFRZEofQK #RAS pic.twitter.com/vaZ2xMh6pN

— Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) March 25, 2022

He displays explosion off the line and shows tremendous bend around the corner. Ojabo was seen as a Round 1 talent following the season. However, an Achilles injury during his pro day will likely cause the former Michigan product to drop. If he falls far enough on draft night, Paton may pounce on the chance to land Ojabo. Even if Ojabo had to sit during his rookie season, his potential makes him too good to pass up.

Boye Mafe – Minnesota

The Minnesota edge defender is a prospect who translates nicely to a 3-4 rush outside linebacker. At 6’3″ and 261 pounds, Boye Mafe is a phenomenal athlete and offers a strong presence at the point of attack.

https://twitter.com/BenGlassmireNFL/status/1488684503614713861?s=20&t=Xio3qRx_c7omzqnzXk2AnA

Mafe has progressed in his collegiate career cultivating with a 10-sack season in 2021. That progress and tremendous testing will likely cause Mafe’s draft stock to jump from a mid-round prospect to a potential first-round selection.

With room to grow, Mafe could provide the Broncos with a player who can contribute immediately while having plenty of room to grow.

Drake Jackson – USC

Drake Jackson‘s name has seemed to go under the radar when draftniks discuss premier edge players available in this year’s draft. With a Relative Athletic Score (RAS) of 9.82, Jackson shows plenty of attributes associated with elite edge players. At 6’2″ and 254 pounds, Jackson fits the profile of a 3-4 edge defender.

Drake Jackson. SIR! pic.twitter.com/Jjd7HsdKpo

— Kyle Crabbs (@GrindingTheTape) July 14, 2021

Throughout his time at USC, Jackson constantly showed athleticism and versatility as he lined up in a two-point and three-point stance. Having experience lining up across the defensive front could be handy for defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero as he attempts to maximize pressure on opposing quarterbacks.