Since winning the Super Bowl, the Denver Broncos have seen quite a bit of roster turnover. The core of the team is still intact, but there are a few obvious needs heading into the 2016 NFL Draft. Which need the Broncos will look to address with their first-round pick is uncertain, and a trade either up or down can’t be ruled out with John Elway calling the shots, but the Broncos need to end up with one of these five players.
5. Connor Cook, Quarterback, Michigan State
Getty ImagesIf the Broncos don't end up trading for Colin Kaepernick, taking Cook at the end of the first round isn't a bad move. Cook has a lot of the tools necessary to be a starter in the NFL, and his record as a starter in college speaks for itself. He's the type of quarterback who can win with a great defense, and bringing him in to compete with Mark Sanchez is not a bad move.
4. Ryan Kelly, Center, Alabama
Getty ImagesKelly is the best center in the draft, so he may not be available 31st overall. If he's available, the Broncos would be wise to take him. Denver needs to look at offensive linemen early in the draft, and Kelly could be an instant upgrade at the center position, helping to improve what was arguably Denver's biggest weakness last year.
3. Robert Nkemdiche, Defensive Line, Ole Miss
Justin Ford - USATODAY SportsThere's a chance Nkemdiche's stock falls enough to make him available to the Broncos at 31 in a trade scenario. Obviously, there are some character concerns, but his talent makes him worth the risk, and the Broncos made a similar move with Shane Ray last year. Nkemdiche could play multiple positions on the defensive line and be a great addition for an already outstanding Denver defense.
2. Vernon Butler, Defensive Tackle, Louisiana Tech
Getty ImagesIf Nkemdiche doesn't fall to them, the Broncos can look at Butler as a quality backup plan if they want to draft a defensive player in Round 1. Butler has great size and strength, and he played multiple d-line positions in college. He could fit a couple different places in Denver's 3-4 scheme, helping to fill the hole left by Malik Jackson.
1. Cody Whitehair, Offensive Guard, Kansas State
Scott Sewell - USATODAY SportsWhitehair is a fairly safe bet to be available at pick No. 31, and taking him would not be a bad choice for the Broncos. He's arguably the best offensive guard available, and he could step in right away to a position of need for Denver. He played left tackle in college and if he had to, he could play just about anywhere on the offensive line. That versatility would make him a great first-round pick for the Broncos.
Share 
