Mid-Round NFL Draft Targets Who Could Start in Year 1 for Denver Broncos

Though the NFL draft is still several months away, looking ahead to players who could potentially become members of the Denver Broncos is always a good thing.

After all, that's what John Elway and his staff are doing.

The best teams are built through the draft, and the best drafts are the ones where teams are able to find value in the later rounds.

The Broncos have a long list of players who could be playing elsewhere next season due to free agency, and should they leave, the draft may be the best way to replace them.

Taking into consideration the positions the Broncos may be likely to need a new starter in 2015, we've compiled a list of players they could find between Rounds 3 and 5 of the draft.

These are players who could start right off the back for the Broncos, should the team be put in that position.

Elway and his staff have their own list of late-round gems, but if these names aren't already on there, they should be.  

B.J. Finney, Center, Kansas State

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Last season, the Broncos used both Manny Ramirez and Will Montgomery at the center position. Both played adequately, but neither was great.

B.J. Finney is the type of player who could start at center for the next 10 years. He should absolutely be on Denver's radar.

He is an extremely determined player, dating back to when he walked on at Kansas State before starting 51 straight games at center.

He is an intelligent, disciplined player who has overcome the odds at every level, He would also fit well in a zone-blocking scheme, should the Broncos convert to that now that Gary Kubiak is the new head coach.

Finney is not only a mid-round draft target who could start immediately in the NFL, but he has as much value as you'll find in the fifth round or later in this year's draft.

Joey Mbu, Defensive Tackle, Houston

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Joey Mbu could become a force in the middle of a defensive line in the NFL.

At 6'3" and 315 pounds, he possesses a strong base and good hands. He also shows good lateral agility and awareness.

At the University of Houston, he was voted as a team captain as both a junior and senior.

Terrance Knighton is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent for the Broncos, but even if they're able to re-sign him, it's not like Sylvester Williams has done anything to deserve a role in the starting lineup.

Mitch Unrein will be a free agent as well, which leaves the defensive tackle position as one that the Broncos should address this offseason.

"

Houston DT Joey Mbu is most powerful DL today so far. He's blowing guys back 6 yards in 1-on-1. Dislodged Reese Dismukes' helmet.

— Brandon Marcello (@bmarcello) January 21, 2015"

Mbu would be an excellent choice in the third round, and the Broncos may be lucky enough to find him still available in the fourth round.

Durell Eskridge, Free Safety, Syracuse

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The Broncos could be looking at a hole in their defensive backfield if they're unable to retain soon-to-be-free-agent Rahim Moore. That may not be a bad thing, depending on how you look at it.

But it will be a bad thing if he leaves and the Broncos aren't able to find a suitable replacement. The team doesn't have great depth at the safety position.

Durell Eskridge from Syracuse would not only be a suitable replacement but may well be an upgrade over Moore.

Eskridge has exceptional ball skills to go along with a big frame (6'3", 207 lbs). An athletic player, he can also provide a big hit and wraps up well as a tackler.

He will have to get better at reading and diagnosing plays at the next level, but he has the potential to be good. Pairing him with T.J. Ward could net some great results.

Jamil Douglas, Guard, Arizona State

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The Broncos should be set at the guard position next season, but in the event they decide to move Manny Ramirez back over to center and keep Louis Vasquez at right tackle, they could be looking for one.

Jamil Douglas fits the bill.

He will have a great chance at starting for whichever team drafts him, as he is quick off the snap and solid in pass protection.

Douglas is a big guy at 6'4" and 303 pounds, but he also has a lean frame and is athletic. He excelled in the weight room at Arizona State.

If Douglas is still available in the fourth round or later, the Broncos should consider selecting him.

Tyler Kroft, Tight End, Rutgers

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The only way any other tight end besides Julius Thomas starts for the Broncos is if Thomas leaves via free agency. However, it seems like that could be a good possibility.

Virgil Green is also scheduled to become a free agent, but it's hard to imagine they'll let him go, as he is one of the best blockers on the team.

Green can contribute in the passing game, but the Broncos should also look at the draft for more depth. Tyler Kroft from Rutgers would be a player they could find in the fourth round.

He is similar to what teams are looking for in their tight ends in today's NFL—a big (6'6", 240 lbs), athletic player who is more like a wide receiver.

Kroft moves well without the ball and can find ways to get open. At Rutgers, he worked with Ralph Friedgen, who has NFL experience and also coached San Francisco 49ers tight end Vernon Davis.

Kroft can't block on the level of Green, but he is capable in the area, holding his blocks well. He also has a great pair of hands.

After the catch, he can do a lot of damage, as he is quick for the tight end position.

Teams may shy away from Kroft, who caught just 24 passes in 2014 as a junior. Still, he would have great value if the Broncos had a chance to grab him in the fourth round.