INDIANAPOLIS — Mock drafts remain delicious guess work. Dots get connected based on needs, schemes.
As such, some mocks project the Broncos to take an offensive lineman with the 28th pick in the first round. Their line could feature as many as three new starters. Though Michael Schofield, last year’s third-rounder, is expected to receive a chance to compete for the right tackle spot, Denver enters the combine with eyes wide open.
The Broncos will meet with LSU’s La’el Collins, the tackle said Wednesday. Minnesota tight end Maxx Williams, a 20-year-old with eye-opening athleticism, will meet with Denver as well this week.
Collins is a forceful run blocker and capable of playing tackle or guard. If the Broncos look for a guard only, South Carolina’s A.J. Cann could fit, but Cann said as of now he’s not scheduled to meet with Denver.
LSU tackle La’el Collins said he will meet with the Broncos during the NFL scouting combine. (Troy E. Renck, The Denver Post).
“I have talked to them. I talked to them at the Senior Bowl. And I will be talking to them this week as well. I think the system they are going to run is great. I feel like I can fit in any system. That’s just the type of player I am,” Collins said.
For Collins, the NFL looks a lot like his former practices. He sees former teammates everywhere, including a crew that starred last season.
“(Cincinnati’s) Jeremy Hill, (New York Giants’) Odell Beckham (the NFL Rookie of the Year), (Miami’s) Jarvis Landry all made big impacts on their team, I feel like I am the next guy to make an impact,” Collins said.
Williams projects as potential late first-rounder. The Broncos might have a need if they are unable to sign free agent Julius Thomas.
Florida’s D.J. Humphries, another possibility for the Broncos at tackle, talked confidently with reporters on Wednesday. He said his biggest challenge is keeping his weight up. He entered college at 245 pounds and played as low as 282 last year. He currently weighs 295. He was advised by the NFL to stay in school, but elected to enter the draft. He is considered a first-round possibility.
“It was on me. I just went with my gut,” Humphries said. “I felt like it was time.”
