Denver Broncos: Full 2016 Draft Guide and Preview
The Denver Broncos might be coming off a Super Bowl title, but the upcoming NFL draft is as important as ever.
This is obviously one of the most talented rosters in football, and if things go well, the squad should once again contend for a title in 2016. Even though fans were celebrating just a couple of months ago, they won't be settling for anything less in the near future.
However, major losses in free agency and other factors have left the team relatively depleted. Instead of just hoping to draft the best player available when the time comes, Denver has major holes it needs to fill before Week 1. Otherwise, it could be a long year.
Help will be on the way with 10 picks across seven rounds in the draft, hopefully used to upgrade the roster as much as possible. Still, a late draft pick and a number of needs will create almost endless possibilities throughout the three days.
Despite the uncertainty, here is a look at what you need to know heading into the big week.
Draft Picks
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Draft Picks
Round 1, No. 31
Round 2, No. 63
Round 3, No. 94
Round 3, No. 98 (compensatory)
Round 4, No. 136 (compensatory)
Round 5, No. 144 (from Ravens)
Round 5, No. 157 (from Jets)
Round 6, No. 219 (compensatory)
Round 7, No. 228 (from 49ers)
Round 7, No. 253
What to Know
1. Denver has gone defense with its first pick in each of the last five drafts, including starters Von Miller, Derek Wolfe and Sylvester Williams. Demaryius Thomas and Tim Tebow were both selected in the first round in 2010—the last time the franchise went offense first.
2. Last year's draft featured some quality selections who have shown plenty of upside, but the nine draft picks combined for just eight starts in 2015. Ty Sambrailo (three starts) and Max Garcia (five starts) filled in on the offensive line a few times when needed.
3. Most expect the Broncos to select a quarterback at some point in the draft, but the recent history hasn't been great. Since 2007, the organization has drafted five quarterbacks who have combined for just 28 career passing touchdowns (Tebow leads the way with 17).
Top Needs
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1. Quarterback
Peyton Manning has retired, and Brock Osweiler decided to sign with the Houston Texans in free agency. While last year's team proved you don't need elite quarterback play to win, this is still the most important position in football, and the Broncos have no one they can really trust on the roster.
Mark Sanchez is the presumed starter at the moment—a man with a 74.3 career quarterback rating. Denver doesn't need to reach to grab someone in Round 1, but finding a player somewhere in this draft is a must.
2. Inside Linebacker
Denver's front seven was as good as any in the NFL last season, but there is now a hole in the middle of the defense with Danny Trevathan gone in free agency. The team needs to find a replacement who is a sure tackler with enough versatility to drop back in coverage if necessary.
While Brandon Marshall will be able to take a lot of the pressure off for whoever steps into the role, an upgrade is necessary.
3. Defensive Line
Once again, this is a hole left by free agency with Malik Jackson choosing greener pastures. The defensive end didn't always put up huge numbers, but he did a great job of freeing up space for Von Miller and whoever else was rushing off the edge.
The main priority for the Broncos will be to find someone who can play defensive end in a 3-4, although adding depth along the entire line could be useful.
4. Offensive Line
The offensive line was a major weakness last season, although this year's version will already look quite different. The organization added tackles Russell Okung and Donald Stephenson in free agency, although this still won't be enough. Depth is also a major issue after getting rid of Evan Mathis, Louis Vasquez and Ryan Clady.
There are young players ready to step up like Ty Sambrailo and Max Garcia, but extra bodies are a must.
5. Safety
T.J. Ward and Darian Stewart will be back, but both missed time last season due to injury. Meanwhile, backups David Bruton and Omar Bolden are gone, which leaves a risky depth chart heading into the year.
Even if the Broncos don't need to target the position in the first round, they must get someone who can step in if necessary and potentially become a starter down the road.
Top Targets
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While picking at No. 31 will likely remove any chance of getting the truly best players at each position, here are realistic targets to fill each need.
Quarterback
1. Paxton Lynch, Memphis
With Jared Goff and Carson Wentz expected to be taken with the first two picks of the draft, the race for Paxton Lynch as the third quarterback off the board will be intense. While he is relatively raw, the 6'7" passer has a strong arm and impressive athleticism for the position, giving him as much upside as anyone in the class at the position. The Broncos likely won't be able to get him at the end of the first round, but they have enough draft picks to try to trade up and grab their quarterback of the future.
2. Connor Cook, Michigan State
There seems to be a significant drop-off after the top three quarterbacks in this class, but Connor Cook provides exactly what Denver would need at the position. The Michigan State product had a successful college career behind a great defense and strong running game while making big plays in key moments when needed. He is a smart player who avoids mistakes and could be able to contribute from day one.
Inside Linebacker
1. Reggie Ragland, Alabama
As the defensive leader of the eventual national champions, Reggie Ragland should be able to make a quick transition to the NFL. The All-American is perfectly suited to shut down the run with good speed, excellent instincts and the ability to wrap up any ball-carrier. There will be a lot of teams interested in the playmaking linebacker, but if he falls to Denver, the squad should draft him without hesitation.
2. Kentrell Brothers, Missouri
Arguably the second-best inside linebacker in the class, Kentrell Brothers is as productive as they come at the position. He finished his senior year with 152 tackles, including 12 for a loss, per Sports-Reference.com. Between his lateral quickness and ability to react to a play, Brothers can cover a whole lot of the field.
Defensive Line
1. Robert Nkemdiche, Ole Miss
This is a deep draft at the position, which means that although top options like Sheldon Rankins and A'Shawn Robinson might be off the board early, there will still be quality prospects available late in the first round and beyond. One of those players is Robert Nkemdiche, who has the tools of a top-10 pick but lacks the consistency of one. Off-field problems that led to a suspension in the Sugar Bowl also remain a concern for teams. Still, the talent is there to be a star in the NFL, and the Broncos could get great value if they take him late.
2. Chris Jones, Mississippi State
Chris Jones is a strong player with the size (6'6", 310 lbs) and strength to match up against any offensive lineman in the league. He has good enough technique to get into the backfield and blow up plays while also possessing the ability to take on blockers and free up space for his teammates. With the versatility to play multiple spots along the defensive line, Jones could be the perfect fit to solidify this already-great defense.
Offensive Line
1. Taylor Decker, Ohio State
Laremy Tunsil and Ronnie Stanley are expected to come off the board early, although someone like Taylor Decker could potentially fall to the Broncos if they are lucky. The Ohio State tackle is extremely long with a 6'7" frame and could quickly become a mauling run-blocker at the next level. With the right coaching, he could become an elite left tackle who protects the blind side for a decade.
2. Cody Whitehair, Kansas State
While he played tackle in college, Cody Whitehair projects to be a guard at the next level. That said, he could be among the best in the league at the position with the athleticism and technique necessary to excel in both passing and run plays.
Safety
1. Karl Joseph, West Virginia
If Denver elects to draft a safety early, Karl Joseph could be a quality choice with his playmaking ability in the secondary. The 5'10" player overcomes his height to be a star in both man and zone coverage while also showing plenty of willingness to step up and make a tackle against the run. Despite coming off a knee injury, he should be a first-round pick.
2. T.J. Green, Clemson
While more of a developmental player, T.J. Green could be a perfect option for the Broncos as he learns behind two quality starters next season. The Clemson defensive back is as fast as they come at the position—he finished a 40-yard dash in 4.34 seconds at the combine. If he can harness his speed and athleticism, he could become a big-time free safety in the NFL.
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Latest Rumors
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Trading for a Veteran Quarterback?
Earlier in the offseason, the Broncos were rumored to be closing in on a deal for Colin Kaepernick. Now, they are said to be involved in a potential discussion for Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Sam Bradford. However, Mike Klis of 9News reported the asking price is simply way too high at the moment.
Bradford re-signed with the Eagles this spring but now is trying to force a trade and won't show up to the team's offseason program, according to ESPN.com. The change of heart stems from the deal Philadelphia made to move up to the No. 2 overall pick, presumably to draft its quarterback for the future.
Although Bradford would still have a chance to begin the 2016 season as a starter, he has no interest in being a stopgap. With the Broncos, he would have a better chance to succeed with a team that already has the pieces to be a contender.
All it will take is the Eagles lowering their asking price for the veteran quarterback.
Possible Trade Up in First Round
If Denver doesn't trade away its draft picks for an established starter, it might trade away its excess to move up in the first round to get the quarterback it really wants.
It seems unlikely a player like Paxton Lynch will fall to the Broncos at No. 31, but with 10 draft picks, the organization can make some deals to move up to a spot where the Memphis star will more likely be available.
Charlie Campbell of Walter Football reported Denver could be interested in moving up to No. 27 in a trade with the Green Bay Packers to grab Lynch, jumping the division rival Kansas City Chiefs in the process. Dale Lolley of the Observer-Reporter noted the Pittsburgh Steelers could be involved in a trade with the Broncos for the 25th pick. Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports didn't mention the Broncos by name but noted the Seattle Seahawks could be willing to move back from their spot at No. 26.
None of this might be enough to actually grab Lynch, but there are options on the board for the team to select someone high on its draft board. With major needs and excess picks, this might be the smartest move.
Completely Different Direction?
If the Broncos do stay put and draft at No. 31, they could go in a variety of different directions. Bleacher Report's Matt Miller provided a unique possibility: "Many expect Denver to select a quarterback, but a scout in the front office says general manager John Elway will draft the best player and won't let the biggest need dictate his choice. The scout mentioned safety Karl Joseph as someone the Broncos were high on."
The team went "best available" last year, and it worked out with Shane Ray, who had a good rookie year despite not filling a true need. Of course, you won't know who the best available player is until the draft actually gets going.
As far as the projected pick of Karl Joseph, the safety does have a ton of upside and could become an impact player down the line. Coming off a knee injury, the team could also bring him along slowly behind its current starters already in place before allowing him to take over in the future.
While it won't fill an immediate need, there are worse things to do in the first round.
7-Round Mock Draft
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I provided a mock draft last week for the Broncos, but here is another possibility for the seven rounds.
Round 1, Pick 31: Connor Cook, QB, Michigan State
This would probably be a reach based on value, but the Broncos obviously need a quarterback. If Connor Cook is the best available and the team thinks he could be someone who helps it win, who cares what he is rated by experts? There is no point in getting cute and waiting to fix such an important position.
Round 2, Pick 63: Joshua Garnett, OG, Stanford
The Broncos stay on the offensive side of the ball and improve an offensive line that was dreadful at times last season. Joshua Garnett is one of the strongest players in the class and should instantly improve the run game, which will make things easier for whoever is at quarterback.
Round 3, No. 94: Carl Nassib, DE, Penn State
A deep class of defensive linemen allows the Broncos to wait until the third round to grab a position of need. Carl Nassib might be a one-year wonder, but it was an incredible year for Penn State as he led the nation with 15.5 sacks. At 6'7", 277 pounds, he has the size to remain productive at the next level.
Round 3, No. 98: Kenyan Drake, RB, Alabama
Both C.J. Anderson and Ronnie Hillman will return next season, but Denver could add a difference-maker in Kenyan Drake at the end of Day 2. The Alabama running back was obviously overshadowed by Heisman Trophy winner Derrick Henry, but the 6'1", 210-pound runner has great speed and agility and could be a star in the NFL if given an opportunity.
Round 4, No. 136: Scooby Wright, ILB, Arizona
While it's hard to get a read on where Scooby Wright will be taken in the draft, he is certainly someone the Broncos could use on their defense. The productive college player lacks elite speed, but he makes up for it with great instincts on the field. In a 3-4 defense where he doesn't have to cover sideline to sideline, Wright could be a major contributor.
Round 5, No. 144: Joe Haeg, OT, North Dakota State
Another upgrade to the offensive line comes in the form of the 6'6", 304-pound Joe Haeg. The offensive tackle is already a solid player with good technique, although it might take him some time to prepare for the major step up in competition from his FCS schedule. Without an immediate need for a starter at the position, Haeg will have time to develop and truly reach his potential.
Round 5, No. 157: Tyler Higbee, TE, Western Kentucky
The Broncos added veteran Garrett Graham this week, but it won't hurt to add a high-upside player like Tyler Higbee to the equation. The Western Kentucky player has seen his stock fall a bit due to an assault arrest earlier this month. However, you always get second chances in the NFL if you can play well enough, and Higbee certainly has talent as an athletic receiving option with excellent hands.
Round 6, No. 219: Jalen Mills, S, LSU
Jalen Mills has the coverage skills to play cornerback or safety, and this would give the aging secondary some much-needed depth at multiple positions. He is an athletic player who knows how to make a play on the ball and can learn behind some of the best in the league.
Round 7, No. 228: Greg Milhouse, DT, Campbell
Another player with versatility, Greg Milhouse can play multiple spots along the defensive line and could provide depth at either tackle or end. He is a strong pass-rusher who can get into the backfield in a hurry and would be a useful member of the defensive rotation.
Round 7, No. 253: Jalin Marshall, WR, Ohio State
Even if the shifty receiver doesn't make an impact on offense, Jalin Marshall could be a special teams star like he was for the Buckeyes and become the team's primary punt and kick returner.
Follow Rob Goldberg on Twitter for Broncos draft coverage and much more.
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