If it happens, chalk this one up as something most of us saw coming from a mile away.
The Denver Broncos are, according to multiple reporters who have sources close to the team, likely to take center Cameron Erving if he’s available with their top pick in the 2015 NFL Draft.
Here’s what Troy Renck of the Denver Post had to say in his full first round mock draft:
“Likely pick: C Cameron Erving, Florida State. Expectation remains that Broncos will try to move up for a tackle. If not, Erving provides versatility and fits zone-blocking scheme well, making it worth passing on Oklahoma defensive tackle Jordan Phillips.”
And Mike Klis of 9News in Denver reported something similar:
“The Broncos, who don’t pick until the No. 28 overall selection, will likely come away with an offensive tackle, unless in the unlikely event Florida State center Cameron Erving is still available.”
So, while some (like SI.com’s Peter King and CBS Sports’ Dane Brugler) are jumping on the Cedric Ogbuehi train, it appears the hometown reporters are calling for Cameron Erving. Now, they could obviously be wrong, and with the decent chance that Erving will be gone by the time the Broncos are on the clock, it could end up being a completely different situation for John Elway.
Erving is a fantastic player who fits what the Broncos want to do offensively perfectly. He’s able to play both tackle and center, and was an All-American at both. He’s athletic, strong, versatile, and would be just what the doctor ordered for an offensive line with plenty of needs and uncertainty.
People have been slotting Cameron Erving to the Broncos in mock drafts for months. It’s a pick that just makes sense for everyone. If he’s available, he’d be a phenomenal pick for the Broncos, although some might find taking an offensive lineman a bit boring.
That’s what the Broncos need, so that’s what they’re likely to go and get.