2015 NFL Mock Draft: Broncos pick Oregon's Arik Armstead

After reaching the Super Bowl following the 2013 season, the Denver Broncos took a step back in 2014 as they fell in the Divisional Round of the playoffs. With Peyton Manning back for one more season (and what seems like it will probably be his final go-around), the window for Denver to win a title seems narrow.

However, Denver was hit hard in free agency this year, losing starters on the offensive and defensive lines and at tight end. Though they did bolster the tight end spot with the signings of Owen Daniels and James Casey, both lines could use some help, and one would expect Denver to look to bolster them in the 2015 NFL Draft.

Aron Yohannes takes on the role of the Broncos' front office in our APC mock draft today, and with the 28th pick, he has selected...

Arik Armstead, defensive end, Oregon

Height: 6'7"
Weight: 292 pounds
Combine bench press: 24 reps

Aron's explanation is here:

Armstead is pretty raw, but I'd be excited to see what Wade Phillips can do with him for Denver. Based on recent reports of him rocketing up boards (draft season!), this might be good value for him. He'll fill in as a five-tech with good run stopping ability, but his skills as a rusher have to develop and get better, of course. Still, there's a decent chance he can become a solid to good starter for the Broncos on the outside. With Landon Collins off the board, I also don't feel the need to grab a safety for them in the first-round at this spot.