1. Cleveland Browns: Sam Darnold, QB, USC
2. New York Giants: Saquon Barkley, RB, Penn State
3. New York Jets: Baker Mayfield, QB, Oklahoma
4. Cleveland Browns: Bradley Chubb, DE, North Carolina State
In this scenario, there are a couple of sub-scenarios to look at. The first scenario is one where the Broncos simply draft Wyoming quarterback Josh Allen.
As you know if you’ve been reading this site for any length of time, that is a very risky move to make.
The Broncos could also trade this pick to the highest bidder, whichever team covets Allen (or Josh Rosen) the most.
Those teams include the Miami Dolphins, Buffalo Bills, and Arizona Cardinals. In my estimation, the Broncos are most likely to trade down with Buffalo, which can offer two first round picks in this year’s draft. The Bills are also extremely well-equipped on day two of this year’s draft to be able to move some picks to Denver.
If the Broncos are offered the Bills’ 12th and 22nd overall picks, as well as a second round pick this year, and maybe another couple of picks next year, how could they turn that down?
John Elway may not be sold on this year’s crop of quarterbacks compared to Case Keenum, at least to the point that he would take one fifth overall. He has certainly done the research to find out one way or another.
If the Broncos trade down and pick up the 12th and 22nd picks, I think they would be targeting UTEP offensive guard Will Hernandez with one, and one of Roquan Smith, Denzel Ward, Tremaine Edmunds, or Vita Vea with the other.