The Denver Broncos select Georgia cornerback Deandre Baker in Todd McShay’s second 2019 NFL mock draft for ESPN (subscription required for link). This is a change from McShay’s first mock which had the team selecting Oklahoma wide receiver Marquise Brown.
Here is McShay’s explanation for the Baker selection:
Denver could trade up for a quarterback or take the dive here for Kyler Murray or Drew Lock, but this secondary is hurting as well. Aqib Talib is long gone, and Chris Harris Jr. fractured his fibula in December. What’s more, Bradley Roby is a free agent. Baker is the most instinctive corner in the class.
That’s a logical take from McShay and it’s honestly refreshing. Countless mock drafts have had the team landing a QB, usually Drew Lock. There will be better QBs available in 2020, though, and Case Keenum is still under contract for one more season.
Baker (5-11, 185 pounds) was named a first-team All-America by the Associated Press in 2018 after recording 40 tackles and two interceptions as a senior. During his four years with the Bulldogs, Baker totaled 116 tackles and seven interceptions. He also broke up 23 passes and forced two fumbles.
Mel Kiper, McShay’s draft analyst partner at ESPN, also predicted that the Broncos will select Baker in the first round. Baker and LSU’s Greedy Williams seem to be the consensus top-two cornerbacks in this year’s class.
ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPN Deportes ABC and NFL Network will air the first round of the 2019 NFL draft at 6:00 p.m. MT on Thursday, April 25.
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