Until the Washington Redskins’ bountiful offer, the Broncos’ biggest question heading into the NFL draft Saturday was how they would use their first- round pick. Now, the burning query is how the Broncos’ brass is going to spend the morning and afternoon Saturday.
“I guess we’ll have a long lunch,’ Denver general manager Ted Sundquist joked.
And perhaps an early dinner.
After the Broncos traded their top pick, No. 25 overall, to Washington on Tuesday, their draft changed dramatically. Denver, one of four teams without a first-round pick, is scheduled to be the final team to make its initial choice when it makes the 56th selection.
The trade did more than extend the Broncos’ wait. Denver received the No. 76 pick from Washington and now has three picks in the third round, including Nos. 97 and 101. Denver also has picks Sunday in the sixth and seventh rounds.
The trade also netted Washington’s picks in the first and fourth rounds in 2006 in exchange for Denver’s first-round pick this year. If the Broncos keep those picks, it will be the first time the team has had two first-round picks.
“We think this trade will help us now and later,’ Sundquist said. “We can still get some things done in the first day.’
In addition to stockpiling for next year and saving bonus money this year, the Broncos made the trade because they weren’t sure the group of players they were interested in would be available at No. 25. Many scouts also say the talent this year is only marginally worse in the second round than at the bottom of the first round.
“We’ll be able to get some players who can help us,’ Sund- quist said. “We find players in the second and third rounds.’
Sundquist said the team will be looking for the best available player in the second round and not for any particular position. However, Denver likely will consider cornerbacks first. With 22 solid starting players, the Broncos could use a nickel cornerback and a returner. They would like to fill the two needs with the same player, if possible.
Among the cornerbacks likely to be available at No. 56 are Houston’s Stanford Routt, Florida State’s Bryant McFadden, LSU’s Corey Webster and Oklahoma’s Antonio Perkins, who also is a stellar return man. Routt, who is a track star and has run the 40-yard dash in 4.3 seconds, will be an interesting player to watch. Another prospect is Oklahoma State’s Darrent Williams, who is only 5-feet-9 and 176 pounds but has cover skills and is a terrific return man.
Although the Broncos are likely to look at cornerbacks, they also will consider receivers, offensive linemen and perhaps running backs Saturday.
A running back the Broncos could look at in the middle rounds is Oklahoma State’s Vernand Morency, who starred in a zone-blocking scheme similar to Denver’s. The Broncos took Oklahoma State’s in the second round last year. Because of injuries to the players behind Bell, their new starting tailback, the Broncos could use more depth.
Depth issues are likely be addressed on the offensive line and at receiver. Among the linemen Denver could look at early are North Carolina State’s Chris Colmer and Wisconsin’s Dan Buenning.
Northern Colorado receiver Vincent Jackson could be a possibility for the Broncos if he’s available in the third round.
Denver isn’t likely to do much dealing on the first day of the draft. Per league rules, Denver’s compensatory picks at 97 and 101 can’t be dealt. Denver trading is more likely to come Sunday.
NFL draft preview
NFL writer Bill Williamson projects 10 things to watch for in this weekend’s draft:
1. Who will be the first pick? Unless there is a breakdown or a trade, it appears San Francisco will take Utah quarterback Alex Smith with the No. 1 overall pick.
2. What will the Broncos do in the second round? Denver probably will look for a cornerback to play in nickel defense with its No. 56 pick. The top choices could include Houston’s Stanford Routt, Stanford’s Stanley Wilson or LSU’s Corey Webster.
3. Will the Broncos take a specialist? Expect Denver to take a returner and maybe a punter. The top returners include Hawaii’s Chad Owens, Maryland’s Steve Suter and Northern Illinois’ Dan Sheldon. Punting possibilities include Rhys Lloyd of Minnesota and Brigham Young’s Matt Payne.
4. Who will the Redskins take with the Broncos’ former top pick, at No. 25 pick? Speculation is Washington will try to take Auburn quarterback Jason Campbell. Usually when teams trade up, they go after a skill-position player.
5. Who will be the first player from Colorado taken? Mullen High School product Alex Smith could be chosen in the first round. Pittsburgh, with the No. 30 pick, has been eyeing the tight end from Stanford.
6. Will the Broncos take a player from Colorado? Just a hunch, but if Northern Colorado star Vincent Jackson is available in the third round, the big receiver could be staying home. But he likely will be gone by the 76th pick.
7. Which stars could fall? Depending on how the draft board breaks, California quarterback Aaron Rodgers or Auburn running back Carnell Williams could drop out of the top 10.
8. Which team should Broncos fans fear? San Diego, the defending AFC West champion, has the 12th and 28th picks. The Chargers are zeroing in on receivers and defensive ends.
9. Which team will the Broncos root against? With Denver owning the Redskins’ top pick in next year’s draft, a poor performance by Washington could result in Denver having a high pick in 2006.
10. Who will the Oakland Raiders take with the 212th pick? Former Ohio State running back Maurice Clarett. Just makes sense, doesn’t it?
Draft facts
What: 70th NFL draft
When: First through third rounds Saturday; fourth through seventh rounds Sunday
Where: Javits Convention Center, New York City
TV: Saturday – ESPN, 10 a.m. and ESPN2, 3:30 p.m.; Sunday – ESPN, 9 a.m.
Broncos picks (six): Nos. 56, 76, 97, 101, 200 and 239
Staff writer Bill Williamsoncan be reached at 303-820-5450 or bwilliamson@denverpost.com.
