The Denver Broncos are currently positioned to pick No. 5 overall in the 2018 NFL Draft after finishing this past regular season with a disastrous 5-11 record.
Most of the talk in Denver has surrounded what has to be described as one of the worst quarterback situations in the NFL. It’s led to speculation that general manager John Elway and Co. might very well look to select reigning Heisman winner Baker Mayfield in April’s draft.
Potentially as a way to play his cards close to the vest, Elway recently took to the media in Mobile during Senior Bowl week to discuss the possibility of trading down from five.
“Any time you draft that high you have to make ‘em count,’’ Elway said, via a local Denver NBC News affiliate. “We’ve got a lot of picks so we have the ammo also (to trade), so we’ve got to make sure we make them all count.’’
Technically, Elway could be taking about trading up from No. 5 overall. The Browns (selecting first and fourth) have a need at quarterback. The same can be said for a New York Giants squad that’s picking No. 2 overall.
But Elway’s comments seem to suggest that his Broncos are wiling to move down from five as a way to add draft capital. Normally when teams move up that high, it’s to select a quarterback. The Washington Redskins, Arizona Cardinals and Baltimore Ravens are all selecting near the middle of the first round. Each one might be looking quarterback depending on how free agency plays out.
One thing is clear here. Denver can’t head into the 2018 season with its current crop of quarterbacks and find itself competitive. Trevor Siemian, Paxton Lynch and Brock Osweiler combined to throw 19 touchdowns compared to 22 interceptions during the regular season. That’s not sustainable.
There has, however, been reports linking Denver to veteran options at quarterback. That list includes Pro Bowl signal caller Kirk Cousins, who might actually hit free agency in March after playing under the franchise tag each of the past two seasons.