The wait is almost over. The first round of the NFL Draft is happening Thursday night.
The Broncos sit in an interesting spot at the fifth overall pick in what should be an exciting NFL Draft. Various draft experts have the Broncos taking a quarterback, running back, offensive lineman or a cornerback to fill the spot left by pro bowler Aqib Talib.
The Broncos could also trade down, if they receive an offer from a team wanting to grab a blue chip prospect.
#NFLDraft prospects for #broncos
High risk, high reward: Baker Mayfield
Low risk, high reward: Saquon Barkley, Bradley Chubb
High risk, low reward: Josh rosen
Safe pick: trade down
Likely pick: Trade down at 5.— Grant Meech (@KOAAGrant) April 26, 2018
That could be a tempting offer considering the needs the Broncos have. Denver needs a running back to replace CJ Anderson, a 1,000 yard rusher released this offseason. They could use some help on the offensive line and another edge rusher to draw away attention from Von Miller.
They could also draft a very talented player at number 5 to fill any one of those needs.
Obviously the quarterback position is going to attract a lot of attention, with at least four, possibly six prospects going in the first round. However, the Broncos signed Case Keenum to go under center this offseason, and the team is still hopeful Paxton Lynch could grow into a backup role. But, the Broncos don’t draft in the top 5 very often, and if there’s a quarterback they love at number 5, they should take him.
It should be fun to watch! Be sure to follow @KOAAGrant who will be at Dove Valley covering the draft from Broncos headquarters.
2018 NFL Draft Order
1. Cleveland Browns
2. New York Giants
3. New York Jets (via Colts)
4. Cleveland Browns (via Texans)
5. Denver Broncos
6. Indianapolis Colts (via Jets)
7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
8. Chicago Bears
9. San Francisco 49ers
10. Oakland Raiders
11. Miami Dolphins
12. Buffalo Bills (via Bengals)
13. Washington Redskins
14. Green Bay Packers
15. Arizona Cardinals
16. Baltimore Ravens
17. Los Angeles Chargers
18. Seattle Seahawks
19. Dallas Cowboys
20. Detroit Lions
21. Cincinnati Bengals (via Bills)
22. Buffalo Bills (via Chiefs)
23. New England Patriots (via Rams)
24. Carolina Panthers
25. Tennessee Titans
26. Atlanta Falcons
27. New Orleans Saints
28. Pittsburgh Steelers
29. Jacksonville Jaguars
30. Minnesota Vikings
31. New England Patriots
32. Philadelphia Eagles