Denver has become one of the most trade-happy teams in the NFL in the past two years. With the draft six days away, the Broncos might not be done trading.
Denver, which has dealt four first-round picks in the past three drafts, swapped its No. 22 pick last week to San Francisco for second- and third-round picks. The Broncos, who still have the 15th overall pick, have four selections in the first 68, the most of any team. While Denver no longer has the bargaining power of two first-round picks, it has great flexibility.
Expect more deals. General manager Ted Sundquist said the Broncos could go in any direction.
“We could do anything, and that’s the truth,” Sundquist said. “Usually at this point, I have a feel where it’s going to go. I have no idea right now. … We can do anything. It’s great.”
The team has been in preliminary trade talks with several teams the past couple of weeks and likely will spend this week in “what if” talks. And there are plenty of what ifs.
Denver can package and try to get another first-round pick. It can move down from No. 15 while staying in the first round and get more first-day picks.
It also could be interested in making a trade for a veteran player. The Broncos have been in talks with Green Bay about receiver Javon Walker and with Detroit about quarterback Joey Harrington. If either player is traded – and Denver has plenty of competition for both – it likely will happen this week.
To get Walker, Denver likely would have to offer a second-round pick or perhaps package receiver Ashley Lelie and a midround pick. The Lions likely would require a low-round pick for Harrington.
Receiving offers
If Lelie is traded, it likely will be this week. The Broncos are trying to accommodate his request. San Francisco vice president of player personnel Scott McCloughan told local reporters Friday that Broncos officials called him last week about Lelie, but as of now the price is too high. It’s believed the Broncos are looking for a first-day pick in exchange.
If Lelie isn’t traded, don’t expect him to stay away from the team as a holdout. It would be career suicide for him to miss training camp if he is property of the Broncos. Lelie, who wants to be a No. 1 receiver, has one year left on his deal. He will likely leave at the end of the season if he isn’t traded.
No matter what happens, don’t expect Lelie to be at the team’s offseason workout program in the final 12 weeks. But expect him to be with the team when the season starts.
Jets make noise
It was curious last week that the Jets asked Reggie Bush to participate in a short, impromptu workout along with former USC quarterback Matt Leinart. New York, which has the No. 4 overall pick, got to see the former teammates together again.
But why?
Perhaps New York is preparing to trade up three spots with Houston and take Bush. The Jets have needs at almost every position, so getting Bush – the best talent overall – wouldn’t be a bad decision. However, the Jets shouldn’t invest too much to get Bush. They should stay at No. 4 and take the best quarterback available, whether it’s Leinart, Texas’ Vince Young or Vanderbilt’s Jay Cutler.
Trouble with Pacman
There are more troubling signs for Tennessee’s Adam “Pacman” Jones, who was the sixth pick last year. Last week, a Nashville drug bust netted a suspect with alleged ties to the cornerback.
This is just the latest negative news surrounding Jones. He was involved with several off-field issues last year. He also had trouble on the field. Jones showed some promise as a return man, but the team drafted him primarily to play cornerback.
His lack of progress frustrated the team. If his off-field troubles continue, it could expedite his departure.
Bill Williamson can be reached at 303-820-5450 or bwilliamson@denverpost.com.
