The 2022 NFL Draft is just two weeks away, and as a result, the NFL mock draft scene is heating up.

As more and more predictions begin to trickle in, who do experts think is most likely to be selected by the Denver Broncos, and would those be quality selections? Let’s take a look.

Dane Brugler, The Athletic

The Pick: Troy Andersen, LB, Montana State

One of the market’s most well-respected draft analysts, Dane Brugler, has the Broncos targetting an unrefined defensive prospect, who possesses nearly every trait you desire, outside of his considerable need for growth.

Troy Andersen is an unselfish player who is willing to sacrifice his role and spotlight for the betterment of his team and exemplifies high character on the field through his motor and gritty demeanor. Plus, he has the blend of superior movement skills, size and physicality that projects him to be an ideal player at the next level.

That said, he’s very raw. Andersen played quarterback and running back for Montana State before transitioning to defense, and that inexperience at the position shows frequently on tape. Right now, he’s more athlete than linebacker and should be able to make a nice impact on special teams early on.

However, it’ll be a year at two — at best — until Andersen is ready to regularly contribute on defense, at a non-premiere position, where the Broncos have four players that have started multiple games at the NFL level. Multiple of those already-rostered players can also contribute on special teams.

This wouldn’t be an ideal selection, but it wouldn’t be one to get too mad over either.

Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN & Chad Reuter, NFL.com

The Pick: Trey McBride, TE, Colorado State

One of the most common pairings for the Broncos right now is local star Trey McBride, and it’s easy to see why considering the Colorado connection and the need created by the trading of Noah Fant.

“McBride is more advanced as a pass-catcher than Dulcich, which is what the Broncos need with new quarterback Russell Wilson. With Noah Fant off to Seattle, there are targets available,” Kiper Jr. wrote to explain the selection in his mock. “McBride had 90 catches for 1,121 yards last season; he could stretch the seams in Denver.”

While Kiper attempts to sell Broncos Country on the pass-catching aspect of McBride’s game, his greater addition might be as a blocker, considering the Broncos already have Albert Okwuegbunam — a far better receiving threat — already on the roster. McBride would provide the Broncos with a true do-it-all inline tight end, which the Broncos don’t really have now, outside of Andrew Beck.

With that said, as was the case with the Andersen selection, it wouldn’t be ideal for the Broncos to draft a depth piece at a position of lesser value here, when they have so few premium picks and so many needs at premium positions. Denver would probably be better served by targetting a tight end option like Cade Otton, who is very similar to McBride, but will likely go a round later in the draft.

Jordan Reid, ESPN

Bernhard Raimann, OT, Central Michigan

If the Broncos were to somehow come away from this draft with Bernhard Raimann — who at times has been projected to go in the top 20 — it would have to be considered a tremendous success.

“There’s a chance Raimann goes much higher than here, but I see him more as a Day 2 pick,” Jordan Reid wrote in defense of his choice. “In this situation, he’d get a chance to compete immediately at right tackle.”

Now, Raimann is not a flawless prospect, but he’s a much better player than you’re typically able to find at the back-end of the second round at a premier position like offensive tackle. He has rare athletic traits and the movement ability to thrive in Nathaniel Hackett’s offense, but he transitioned to tackle during the pandemic and is still learning the ropes of the position.

Raimann would need a year to develop and grow on the bench, but the Broncos could be rewarded for their patience by finding a long-term, high-end starting right tackle. It’s hard to draw up a better outcome for Denver at pick No. 64.

Of the mocks we analyzed, this is easily the most ideal outcome.