Armed with 10 picks, including five in the first three rounds, Broncos general manager is in position to fill holes in the starting lineup and add depth at other positions during this week’s NFL draft.
A big opportunity with big challenges for Elway, who will be running his 10th Broncos draft from his suburban Denver home because of the coronavirus pandemic that has led to the closure of every team facility.
“Itap been a matter of adjusting,” Elway said Monday during a video conference. “A lot of times, we get set in our routines and in our comfort zones and all of a sudden, when that gets disrupted, things become more difficult. As an organization, we’ve tried to be flexible and do the best we can to comply.”
The unique setup of this year’s draft is a popular storyline — the war room of decades past replaced by scouts scattered throughout the country and the coaches and front office executives forced to work from home.
But this is still the draft. Teams will still make their picks. Needs will be addressed. Trades will be made. And itap critical for the Broncos, who have failed to make the playoffs the past four seasons, but believe they are trending upward.
Elway covered several topics during his 20-minute availability, including:
Moving up or down
Whatap the story: The Broncos traded down 10 spots (No. 10 to 20) in last year’s first round, which allowed them to move up in round 2 to draft quarterback Drew Lock. Sitting this week at No. 15, there has been some chatter about the Broncos moving up.
Elway said: “We’re preparing ourselves to go either direction. It depends on how it falls. But we’re also looking at going back. We can play around with the scenarios, but really, it depends on who’s available.”
Analysis: The question for the Broncos moving up is two-fold — who are they targeting and what will be the cost? It makes more sense to stay put or move down.
Wanted: A receiver
Whatap the story: An average of 13.2 receivers have been selected in the first three rounds of the past 10 drafts. That number could be exceeded this week. Alabama’s Jerry Jeudy and Henry Ruggs III, Oklahoma’s CeeDee Lamb, LSU’s Justin Jefferson and Arizona State’s Brandon Aiyuk could all be first-round picks.
Elway said: “Itap kind of what flavor do you like? Itap a very deep draft when it comes to receivers so everybody will obviously have different views on who they think is the best fit for them. Itap hard to say exactly how they’re going to fall, but the good thing and the fortunate thing is, we do need a wideout and itap a deep class.”
Analysis: Who says pre-draft news conferences are void of news? At least Elway admitted what we’ve been thinking all along — the Broncos need to give receiver some help. The depth of the class could allow Elway to wait until round 2 to get a receiver.
Cornerback a need?
Whatap the story: The Broncos have A.J. Bouye at one starting cornerback, but the other spot is uncertain. Bryce Callahan (foot) didn’t play in 2019 and Elway was tepidly optimistic when discussing Callahan’s health because he hasn’t been on the field yet. There will be cornerbacks available in the first two rounds who could step in and start opposite Bouye.
Elway said: “There is some depth at corner. You determine what you like. It goes back to how different teams look at them.”
Analysis: Elway mentioned four cornerbacks without being asked — Ohio State’s Jeff Okudah, Florida’s C.J. Henderson, Alabama’s Trevon Diggs and Clemson’s A.J. Terrell. Diggs and Terrell should be available at No. 15 or in a trade-down.
update
Whatap the story: Safety Justin Simmons has not signed his franchise tag tender and the Broncos’ stated goal is to work out a long-term contract. A second-team All-Pro last year, Simmons is viewed as an ideal fit for coach ’s defense and intercepted a team-high four passes last year.
Elway said: “We’ve given them an offer and they gave us an offer back so we’re in active negotiations with Justin.”
Analysis: That the sides are talking well before the July 15 deadline for tagged players to sign a long-term contract should be encouraging to Broncos fans.
Virtual draft
Whatap the story: The league conducted a mock draft Monday to test the technology and get teams prepared for Thursday through Saturday.
Elway said: “The draft got off to a little bit of a hiccup when it first started, but other than that, it went really smooth. There were really no problems with it so we got more comfortable with it. It should be fine. I’m sure there will be a couple of glitches here and there, but for the first time, I thought it went pretty well. … Our (information technology) guys have been tremendous. When it comes to the NFL and the draft, the heroes have been the IT people.”
Analysis: The Broncos will be ready to draft. Elway saluted eight individuals from the Broncos as being instrumental in preparing the executives, coaches and scouts for the draft — Russ Trainor, Tony Lazzaro, Gil Bencomo, Mike Corey, Rick Seifert, Nick Burris, Steve Boxer and Karl Schreiner.
