The Denver Broncos could let middle linebacker Joe Mays walk in free agency this offseason, leaving the Broncos with a question mark at the position. The team did draft Nate Irving last season, but his rookie season didn't show much. The answer could lie in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft. In DraftTek's latest mock draft, the Broncos select Alabama's Dont'a Hightower with the No. 25 overall pick.
Related: Updated 2012 NFL Draft Order
DraftTek writes about Hightower:
Hightower accumulated 85 Tackles, 11 TFL, 4 Sacks, 1 Int, 8 QB Hurries, 1 FF, and 1 Fumble Recovery. His talent level and skillset are elite and complete, and he feels both high-floor and high-ceiling.
However, they do think he previously injured ACL could be an issue for some teams. But the Broncos would have three first-round linebackers if this selection was made. D.J. Williams was selected in the first round back in 2004 and Von Miller, the AP Defensive Rookie of the Year, went No. 2 overall last year. That would be a scary linebacker corps to face.
For in-depth coverage of the Broncos, visit Mile High Report. For more on the NFL, be sure to check out SB Nation NFL and Mocking the Draft.