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The Denver Broncos already have one of the most talented defenses in the AFC, but they could add to that in this year's NFL Draft.
SB Nation's Matthew Fairburn predicts the Broncos will draft Mississippi State cornerback Johnthan Banks with a late first-round pick in April:
A plus athlete who is often too aggressive for his own good, Johnathan Banks is a player I expect to fall a bit on draft day. His athleticism keeps him in the first round for now, as the Broncos could use a bit more of that in their secondary.
Banks, a 6'2 senior out of Maben, Miss., had a solid season for the Bulldogs. He had four interceptions, including two in a 28-10 win over Auburn early in September.
Banks won the Jim Thorpe Award this year for his terrific season. He is considered the No. 1 cornerback in the draft by NFLDraftScout.com.
His best game came in a 45-3 win over Middle Tennessee on Oct. 20. Banks recorded five solo tackles, three assists, two pass deflections and a 46-yard interception return.
With Champ Bailey wrapping up his 14th season in the NFL after the playoffs, the Broncos might need a replacement soon. If Bailey were to stick around for a few more seasons, Banks could learn quite a bit from the 12-time Pro Bowler.