Klis: Who Broncos draft hinges on if club signs LT in free agency
Mar 2, 2017, 12:00 AM | Updated: 9:13 am
Who the Denver Broncos pick with the 20th overall selection in late-April’s NFL Draft, or perhaps where they select, could be linked to who they can hook in free agency.
Specifically, left tackle, 9News Broncos Insider Mike Klis told 104.3 The Fan’s Sandy Clough on Wednesday.
Klis said that if Denver lands a left tackle when free agency kicks off next week, the club could go elsewhere in the draft in terms of position group.
If they strike out, however, Klis said he could even see them trading up to find a tackle.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if they tried to trade up and get an offensive tackle in the first round,” Klis said. “That’s how I see this playing out.”
And even if the Broncos ink a left tackle in the draft, it doesn’t mean they would necessarily go with a skill position at No. 20.
“Even if they did a left tackle in free agency, I wouldn’t be surprised if they get a guard or center in with that first pick,” Klis said, adding that they could be looking for an interior defensive lineman who can rush the passes as well.
But, if the Broncos can shore up its offensive and defensive trenches, then Klis said he can see Denver in a “best player available” situation.
“Running back, I can see in the second round. I can’t necessarily see them in the first. But if they load up in free agency on the d-line and the o-line, then they can definitely go with the best player available, and maybe then a running back comes into play,” Klis said.
Don’t rejoice just yet Christian McCaffrey fans.
Despite believing it’s possible for McCaffrey to go in the first round, Klis said those “multi-threat” type of running backs are traditionally second-rounders.
“You almost look at a guy like him as a luxury,” Klis said. “Christian McCaffrey is kind of like a final piece guy. He doesn’t necessarily, by himself, raise all boats. The Broncos would definitely consider Christian McCaffrey if he’s there in the second round.”
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