Many people in Broncos Country are hoping that the Denver Broncos find a way to select local hero Christian McCaffrey in the first round of the rapidly approaching 2017 NFL Draft. That hype is something that Nicki Jhabvala of the Denver Post understands. However, as she illustrated with Gil Whiteley and Arran Andersen on Mile High Sports Radio on Tuesday, the team does have other options, and the price could be high to acquire the former Valor standout.

“This draft class is pretty deep on playmakers, from the tight ends to the running backs,” Jhabvala explained. “It would be awesome if McCaffrey came here, don’t get me wrong, but there are other options.”

Now, the Broncos have 10 picks in the draft. General manager John Elway also has shown he isn’t afraid to move up. But just how far would he have to move up to get him? Would it be worth it to give up what is necessary to secure McCaffrey’s services?

“I don’t think he’s going to be available at No. 20, but the Broncos have also traded up the last two years in the draft,” Jhabvala said. “Now the question is, if they decided to go that route, are they really going to want to trade up to No. 10? That’s going to cost them a pretty penny. Granted, they have the means…but given Elway’s history, he’s known to kind of draw the line when the price becomes too much.”

Prior to the NFL Scouting Combine, McCaffrey was projected to be a late first/early second-round pick. He impressed in Indianapolis; and since that point, his stock has continually been on the rise. Also factoring into the interest may be just who he has made an impression on.

“You’ve got to remember that this is a league based on relationships,” Jhabvala said. “McCaffrey has some really deep ties, deeper than probably any player in this draft. John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan currently sit at No. 2. There are rumors that they want to trade back to try to get him. Then you’ve got Brian Dawkins, former cornerback who was one of Valor’s coaches at No. 14, because he’s an executive with the Eagles now. So, the competition is going to be steep for McCaffrey.”

Listen to the full interview with Nicki Jhabvala, including her thoughts on Aqib Talib escaping discipline from the NFL, in the podcast below.

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Catch Gil Whiteley every weekday from 11a-12p on Mile High Sports AM 1340 | FM 104.7 or stream live any time for the best local coverage of Colorado sports from Denver’s biggest sports talk lineup.