3. Quarterback

Denver Broncos should be targeting

If you think a quarterback is not in play with the Broncos first-round pick, then you’re sadly mistaken. In fact, if Brock Osweiler bolts, I might say it’s likely.

John Elway is not going into the season without a quarterback he can believe in.

The most-appealing option is Memphis gunslinger Paxton Lynch, who was looked at by many as a top-10 selection for much of the season. Since stumbling down the homestretch, though, he has now fallen to the point that it’s conceivable he’d be available for the Broncos at No. 31. If not then, he might fall to a position where Elway would feel comfortable moving up to get him.

And if that sounds optimistic, just ask Teddy Bridgewater, who went from projected No. 1-overall pick to final selection of the first round.

If that doesn’t work, though, then Connor Cook or Christian Hackenberg could become viable options, as long as Elway feels the organization can overcome some of their character concerns.

Obviously, this isn’t the preferred path for the Broncos. But if worse comes to worse, it might be a good idea for Broncos Country to keep an eye on the quarterback prospects over these next few months.