NFL Mock Draft 2013: Will Denver take a defensive tackle in first round?

With the 28th overall pick in the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft, the Denver Broncos could be seeking a player that makes the middle of their defense stronger. After pass-rusher extraordinaire Elvis Dumervil left for the Baltimore Ravens, his replacement could be high on the team's draft wish list, but not on top of it, according to a couple of recent mocks.

Sports Illustrated's Don Banks, in his mock draft 4.0 released Wednesday, sees the Broncos selecting former North Carolina Tar Heels defensive tackle Sylvester Williams at 28th overall.

Here's Banks' rationale for the pick:

The Broncos' need for an Elvis Dumervil replacement still could be met in the veteran free-agent market, with Dwight Freeney and John Abraham remaining available. But Denver also must improve in the middle of its defensive line, and Williams is a powerful and at times disruptive force as a 4-3 tackle.

Williams, the sixth-rated prospect at his position by SB Nation's Matthew Fairburn, registered 13.5 tackles for loss and 6.0 sacks during his senior season in 2012, showing his knack for getting into the backfield and causing problems.

For comparison's sake, in Dan Kadar's latest mock for SB Nation, Denver is taking former Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Alec Ogletree, filling another necessity up the gut of their already-staunch defense.

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