The draft is a passion for NFL reporter Jeff Legwold, who evaluates several hundred players each year during the months leading up to the annual selections. Legwold offers his insights here daily, with additional entries at .
The Broncos have positioned themselves, albeit at the cost of a Pro Bowl wide receiver with three 100-catch seasons, to take full advantage of the draft’s new three-day format.
With their trade of Brandon Marshall to the Dolphins this week, the Broncos own the 43rd and 45th picks of the draft — the 11th and 13th picks of the second round. And because the league loves all things TV, this year’s draft will feature an overnight break between Thursday’s first round in prime time (5:30 p.m. MDT on ESPN) and the second and third rounds Friday, starting at 4 p.m.
So a lot of teams say they are almost treating that second round as though it’s First Round Lite, with many hours to prepare for the new day.
And much like the 2009 draft, when they had three second-round picks, what the Broncos do in round two next week will have a lot to say about whether this draft is a successful one.
Jeff Legwold: 303-954-2359 or jlegwold@denverpost.com
