It’s been a long offseason of speculation, workouts and infinite mock drafts that seem to change on a daily basis. Alas, the 2017 NFL Draft is here, kicking off at 6 p.m. MT.
The Denver Broncos enter the draft after a disappointing 2016 that saw the team fail to make the playoffs after hopes of defending their Super Bowl 50 title. Struggling against the run, protecting the quarterback and putting points on the scoreboard are all areas of concern for the Broncos as team GM John Elway begins his seventh draft as the team’s decision maker.
There have been a tirade of players associated with the Denver Broncos since the conclusion of the 2016 season. With various media outlets and analysts connecting certain players to the Broncos, here’s a look at oft-mentioned players who fans can expect Denver not to take in the first round of this year’s draft.
5. Any Quarterback
It’s almost ridiculous to think that some folks are hoping that Denver takes a quarterback in the early round of the draft, a year after trading in the first round to get quarterback of the future Paxton Lynch.
Lynch played in only two games last season, so to assume that the team needs to move on from Lynch and draft a QB is extremely premature.
Look for Denver to take a QB in the later rounds (six or seven) simply to add another arm for Training Camp and probably the practice squad.
4. Forrest Lamp, G, Western Kentucky
Some mock drafts peg Lamp to the Broncos at 20 for a few reasons, namely that he often considered the best overall offensive linemen prospect in the draft. Coupled with Lamp probably being available in the late-teens or early-twenties, he makes for a popular selection for the Broncos.
Though Lamp is probably a better graded prospect than the three offensive tackles (Cam Robinson, Ryan Ramczyk and Garett Bolles) the Broncos’ most pressing need is at left tackle, not guard. Considering they met with all three tackles this offseason, if the Broncos choose to upgrade their offensive line, it will be done at tackle, not guard.
The Broncos will most likely draft (at least) another linemen, but that probably won’t happen until the mid-rounds of the draft if they choose a tackle with their first round draft choice.
3. Reuben Foster, LB, Alabama
I’m sorry to be the bringer of bad news, but the Denver Broncos will not be drafting Foster tonight.
Foster has been talked about among media outlets around Denver because of Foster failing the drug test at the NFL Scouting Combine due to a diluted sample, which could cause his draft stock to suffer. Thus, many are hopefully that he falls to the Broncos at 20.
The thought is that if Foster happens to start sliding during the draft, Elway could pull the trigger on trading up to select him in a similar way he did with Shane Ray in the 2015 draft.
There is just no way that happens. Foster is an incredible prospect that comes out of the best program in college football. A “diluted sample” is probably not going to cause him to fall out of the top 10, let alone top 15. If Elway is enamored with Foster like he was with Ray, the cost to trade up would be a very hefty price.
Besides, if Elway does want to trade up in this draft, it’s likely that Broncos Country would prefer they do so for…
2. Christian McCaffrey, RB, Stanford
Typing that out was incredibly hard to do. Much like many Bronco fans and members of the media, McCaffrey has been my favorite prospect for the Broncos all along. There has been no more talked about prospect than former Bronco Ed McCaffrey‘s son.
The link between Christian McCaffrey and the Denver Broncos runs deep. From family ties, to the Broncos’ need of a playmaker on offense, McCaffrey to the Broncos would be a match made in Heaven.
Unfortunately, McCaffrey will be long gone by the time the Broncos are on the clock at pick no. 20. Most mocks have McCaffrey going to the Carolina Panthers at pick no. 8, and some have him going even higher. To move up from 20 into the top 10 would require at least the Broncos’ second round pick and probably more.
That’s just a cost that GM John Elway can not and will not commit to. And the Broncos have too many needs elsewhere to sacrifice precious draft picks for one player.
Barring a blockbuster trade, or an unforeseen slide of McCaffrey’s draft stock, it appears he will not be following his father’s footsteps in Denver.
1. Joe Mixon, RB, Oklahoma
Granted, the Broncos shouldn’t draft Mixon at all, let alone the first round. But that’s an argument for another time.
Mixon has been linked to the Broncos since they brought him in for a visit last month.Often dubbed as being the most complete back in the draft, Mixon is most famous for what he’s done off the field instead of what he’s done on it.
Elway recently opened up about the meeting with Mixon, refusing to say whether he was on the Broncos draft board.
I’m not ruling out the possibility that Mixon ends up a Denver Bronco. But if he does, the Broncos can mostly likely acquire his services in the second (possibly third) round versus spending a first round pick on him.
Mixon’s character concerns have lead to teams taking him off of draft boards altogether and he could easily slide deep into the second round. If Denver believes Mixon has changed, that’s likely where they will target him.