2018 NFL Mock Draft: Projecting every first round selection
5. player. 45. . OT. Texas. Connor Williams
The Denver Broncos made the decision to draft tackle Garett Bolles out of Utah in the first round last year’s NFL Draft. He made an immediate impact, but the Broncos’ still have question marks along the offensive line. John Elway has decisions to make at the quarterback position, but that problem could be solved by free agent passer Kirk Cousins. The Broncos will certainly be a suitor, but even if Cousins ends up elsewhere, the offensive line is in need of a major upgrade.
Ideally the Broncos would love a starting-caliber guard to slide in next to Bolles, but Notre Dame’s Quenton Nelson is unlikely to still be available. Although it might be unconventional, going back to the well and selecting an elite tackle might be the best move here.
Connor Williams, a left tackle out of the University of Texas, would bolster the entire offensive line. Coach Vance Joseph would love having to decide whether it would be Williams or Bowles that slides over to the guard position.
Williams fought through injuries during his final season, suffering a meniscus tear and PCL sprain. He returned before the end of the regular season. His health won’t deter a team from making him the first tackle off the board in 2018.