Denver Broncos: 5 Potential 2016 NFL Draft First-Round Targets
From the archive: published Apr 8, 2016, 10 years ago. Details may have changed since.
The Denver Broncos are heading into the 2016 NFL Draft with the No. 31 overall pick. It is a pick that will mean a lot for the future of the Broncos’ franchise and one that they hope to find an impact player with.
John Elway has a lot of holes to fill in his roster after the way that the offseason has gone. One notable position that could use some help is the quarterback position. Peyton Manning chose to retire and Brock Osweiler left the Broncos to join the Houston Texans to be their long-term quarterback in free agency.
Looking ahead to the draft this year, there are quite a few names that would make sense for the Broncos.
It will be interesting to see which position they decide to address first when the time comes. Denver could go many different directions, and mock drafts have shown the confusion as to what they will do.
While that may be the case, it is never too early to begin looking into potential options. Denver is one of the more intriguing teams heading into the draft, which isn’t normally the case for the Super Bowl winner.
All of that said, what five prospects are potential first-round targets for the Broncos in the 2016 NFL Draft?
One potential target for the Broncos would be Michigan State Spartans quarterback Connor Cook. He is not one of the more hyped quarterbacks in the draft class, but he is going to be a very solid option. Denver could bring him in to compete for the starting job with current quarterback Mark Sanchez.
Cody Whitehair, Offensive Line, Kansas State Wildcats
Another need for the Broncos is on the offensive line and Cody Whitehair would be a solid late-round pick. Denver could wait until the middle rounds of the draft to get their offensive line help, but Whitehair would make sense. It wouldn’t be shocking to see the Broncos end up taking a piece like Whitehair with the No. 31 pick.
Eli Apple, Cornerback, Ohio State Buckeyes
There is a chance that the Broncos could decide to add to their already stacked defense. Eli Apple would make a lot of sense for Denver and there is a high likelihood that he will be available with their first pick. He was a big piece for the Buckeyes and would be able to compete for playing time immediately.
A’Shawn Robinson, Defensive End, Alabama Crimson Tide
Denver is always looking to improve their pass rush and Alabama defensive end A’Shawn Robinson is a piece that could intrigue them. Last season with the Crimson Tide, Robinson ended up recording 47 tackles, 3.5 sacks, and two defensed passes. Robinson has the skill-set and potential to be a star in the future, and the Broncos may just take him.
Adding a little bit of a risk into the mixture for the Broncos, Notre Dame linebacker Jaylon Smith could be a fit. Even though he suffered a gruesome knee injury last season, the Broncos still could be smart to take him. Depending on how sever the injury ends up being, Smith could be the answer to replace Danny Trevathan at the linebacker position.
Overall, the Broncos are going to get a piece that will help them in the long run. Elway and the Broncos’ coaching staff will work together to find a player that fits the system and can make an impact.
Expect to see the Broncos consider some of these prospects in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft.
Who do you think the Denver Broncos should target with the No. 31 overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft? Do you think any of these players should be drafted by the Broncos?
[AP Photo/Gregory Bull]