Today’s the day. It’s time for the 2015 NFL Draft.
The Denver Broncos are slated to pick 28th overall in the first round, but with rumors they could move up or down, who knows where they might end up?
This is a critical draft for John Elway and company. They have some serious needs on the offensive line, defensive tackle, and possibly inside linebacker. I could see any of those positions being addressed in the first round, but as my final mock draft suggests, a surprise player could fall into their laps.
Any predictions made before the draft are usually a 90 plus percent chance to not come true, especially when you’re picking at the bottom of each round, but I want to go ahead and make five bold predictions for the Broncos in this year’s draft.
1. A QB will be selected in the 2nd round
I wouldn’t be shocked in the least if the Broncos decided to use their second round selection on a quarterback, namely either Garrett Grayson of Colorado State or Bryce Petty of Baylor.
John Elway talked about how spread QBs haven’t had a ton of success at the NFL level, so it might be his preference to go for a guy like Grayson, who might be more pro-ready than anyone else.
This might not be that bold of a prediction, to be honest. Mike Klis of 9News in Denver flat out said that the Broncos were drafting one, it’s just a matter of ‘when’. I guess that’s the bold part of all this. I am predicting the Broncos will take Garrett Grayson in round two, depending of course on what happens in the 1st round.
2. Broncos Will Trade Up More Than Once
And I think they might do it in the first round. I don’t know how far they will move up, but I could absolutely see the Broncos moving up a few spots in the first round to try and secure a tackle of their choosing, specifically jumping ahead of the Arizona Cardinals at the 24th pick.
If the Broncos trade up, look for them to move up into the 23rd slot with the Detroit Lions.
After the first round, the Broncos could move up in the second or third round and try and snag a player they liked that might be falling. You just never know how the chips are going to fall when the draft starts.
3. Broncos will take a WR earlier than expected
Mike Klis reported the Broncos could take a wide receiver in the first or second round. That would be a stunner.
It would speak volumes to the way the team feels about the Demaryius Thomas situation, but that’s another story entirely…
Kris put Breshad Perriman on the team’s short list (12-13 players) of possible first round targets. That would be something else.
4. Broncos will trade a player for picks, or vice versa
I don’t know how it’ll go down, but the Broncos are deep at receiver, running back, cornerback, and they have a lot of young linebackers. If they plan on using a pick on a possible replacement at any of those spots, don’t be surprised to see them trade a player for a pick.
Conversely, I could see the Broncos trading one of their 10 picks (six available for trade) for a veteran player that can help the team, preferably someone still on a rookie contract.
5. Broncos top pick will be a shocker
I don’t know who might fall, but I think the Broncos and everyone else will be pleasantly surprised. The pick is likely to be an offensive tackle, but these are bold predictions, right?
Therefore, it’s okay if they’re wrong.
I’ll go ahead and predict that the Broncos snag one of the troubled but extremely talented pass rushers — Randy Gregory or Shane Ray — with their first round draft pick.