The Broncos, by virtue – or lack thereof – of their 7-9 record, own the 12th pick in the NFL draft.
That’s the highest pick they’ve had in the Mike Shanahan era. They selected 11th in 2006, when they acquired Jay Cutler, but had to trade up to do it.
So what should they do with that 12th pick? They need a defensive tackle, a linebacker or two, a safety, a left offensive tackle and a punter.
I’m going to go out on a limb here and predict they don’t draft a punter in the first round. That leaves all those other glaring needs.
It remains to be seen who’ll get the call from the Broncos, and right now it doesn’t matter. As we speak, all you need to know is this: If Shanahan is going to turn things around, he can’t afford a shaky draft.
That first-rounder needs to be a player who can step in and make an immediate impact. And it wouldn’t be a bad idea for two or three other picks to become starters, too.
Follow Jim Armstrong’s daily Broncos commentaries on The Jimmy Page at 7 a.m. and noon, and read his columns on Sundays and the day after Broncos games at .
He can be reached at 303-954-1269 or jmarmstrong@denverpost.com.
