Broncos lose out on DL Mitchell, gain Richardson, compensatory picks

The Denver Broncos gained a defensive lineman Friday, but just maybe not the club’s first choice.

According to 9News Broncos Insider Mike Klis, Denver was outbid by the San Francisco 49ers for the services of 3-4 defensive end Earl Mitchell, whom the team met with earlier last week.

49ers to pay 4 yrs,16M with 5.5 in year 1 for Mitchell. Broncos had 3-yr deal with 4.5 in yr 1. Unreal considering cut for 4M. #9sports

— Mike Klis (@MikeKlis) February 25, 2017

Mitchell was due to meet with the Seattle Seahawks and Atlanta Falcons, along with Denver and San Francisco, in his four-team free agency tour.

The seven-year defensive lineman played under Broncos head coach Vance Joseph last year in Miami and for defensive line coach Bill Kollar in Houston from 2010 to 2013.

Denver did not go away empty-handed in its bid to start reshaping its defensive line, however, landing second-year defensive end Bobby Richardson.

Richardson spent 2016 on the practice squads of the New Orleans Saints, Washington Redskins, and Kansas City Chiefs, according to the Broncos team website.

The 6-foot-3, 286-pounder also started 11 games for the Saints in 2016, grabbing 40 tackles, a half-sack, and an interception.

Broncos earn four compensatory picks

The NFL announced Friday that the Denver Broncos will receive four compensatory picks in the 2017 NFL Draft.

The four total picks, given using a formula calculating the value of players lost and gained as unrestricted free agents last season, is the highest in the league, tied with Cincinnati, Cleveland, and Kansas City.

The four extra picks, which can be traded for the first time this season, give Denver a total of 10 heading into the NFL Draft.

• Round 3: Pick 37 (No. 101 overall)

• Round 5: Pick 34 (No. 177 overall)

• Round 7: Pick 34 (No. 252 overall)

• Round 7: Pick 35 (No. 253 overall)

Follow digital content producer Johnny Hart on Twitter: @JohnnyHart7.