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O.J. Howard leads latest Denver Broncos mock draft

By Sayre Bedinger

Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide tight end O.J. Howard (88) scores a touchdown during the third quarter against the Clemson Tigers in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide tight end O.J. Howard (88) scores a touchdown during the third quarter against the Clemson Tigers in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 3, 2016; Bowling Green, KY, USA; Western Kentucky Hilltoppers offensive lineman Forrest Lamp (76) celebrates his teams victory following the CUSA championship game against the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs at Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium. Western Kentucky won 58-44. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 3, 2016; Bowling Green, KY, USA; Western Kentucky Hilltoppers offensive lineman Forrest Lamp (76) celebrates his teams victory following the CUSA championship game against the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs at Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium. Western Kentucky won 58-44. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports /

Third Round (1st selection): Forrest Lamp, OL, Western Kentucky

One of the best all-around blockers in the nation, Forrest Lamp could well find himself coming off the board before the Broncos select in the third round. In fact, this might be a player they identify as worth trading up for.

Some scouts feel like he could play tackle or guard at the next level, and the Broncos could certainly use the help at either position. Depending on what happens in free agency, this could be a great area of priority for John Elway. The Broncos’ offensive line has been very bad dating back to the end of the 2014 season, and certainly since the beginning of 2015.

Lamp strikes me as the type of player that could come in and vie for a starting position, and he’s been consistent for WKU. As a junior, he was the only offensive tackle in the country to earn a top 10 grade from Pro Football Focus both in the running and passing game.

Third Round (2nd selection): Curtis Samuel, WR, Ohio State

It may be a stretch to think Samuel will last to the end of the third round, but in a class this deep, you never know.

He was the only player in college football to rush for 700 yards and also have 700 receiving yards. He scored 15 total touchdowns and would be a major asset to the Denver Broncos offensively. The question is — what position would he play?

Someone as explosive as this and naturally gifted as this surely wouldn’t have a tough time finding a role in the Broncos’ offense, one that is desperately in need of additional playmakers.

Third Round (3rd selection): Jake Butt, TE, Michigan

This mock draft started with a tight end and also ends with a tight end. The Broncos certainly have needs to fill this offseason but they also have a loaded roster and perhaps not enough places for all of their draft picks. It might make some sense for them to take a flier on Jake Butt, one of the best tight ends in the country who recently had surgery to repair a torn ACL.

In the 2018 offseason, the Broncos stand to lose Virgil Green to free agency, and Butt could be a great contingency plan. Plus, at this point in the draft, it’s worth taking a risk on a talented player like this when you know he’ll eventually be able to be back at full strength.

This would give the Broncos an excellent young group of tight ends.

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