Broncos, three others reportedly interested in Christian McCaffrey
Mar 30, 2017, 12:00 AM | Updated: 9:33 am
The good news for Denver Broncos fans pining for the club to draft Stanford running back, and franchise legacy, Christian McCaffrey at No. 20 is it appears the team is interested.
The bad news? Three teams, all with higher draft picks in April’s NFL Draft, are also reportedly interested.
Tyler Polumbus, co-host of “Polumbus and Cecil” and former Broncos offensive tackle, said on Wednesday that sources told him that the McCaffrey camp believes the Broncos, along with a trio of other teams, are interested in drafting the running back prospect.
“It’s exciting. We’re in that group of four. I like that. I love it. We’re in it. We’re in the top four teams that are interested in him,” Polmbus said.
However, as it currently stands, the other three teams — the San Francisco 49ers, Philadelphia Eagles, and Indianapolis Colts — pick at No. 2, No. 14, and No. 15, respectively.
And that could spell bad news for McCaffrey enthusiasts.
“He’s not just a first-round pick. He’s not going to be there at No. 20. I firmly believe that Christian McCaffrey will not be available at No. 20,” Polumbus said.
So, the question is would Denver be willing to move up, potentially several spots, to grab take a running back in the first round?
Polumbus said, if it were him making decisions, he’d have to know more.
“I’ve got to know if I’ve got a left tackle or not,” he said.
Left tackle is a spot general manager John Elway said the team would “fix,” but no offseason moves have yet been made to fill the hole left by outgoing starter Russell Okung.
Still, Polumbus’ question remains: “Is Denver willing to leapfrog Philadelphia or Indianapolis to get to No. 12 and No. 10 if Christian McCaffrey is their guy?”
“I think they should be. I think they should be willing to make that move for that type of talent, because the talent available at 20 is much different than the talent available at 10 or at 12,” said Polumbus’ co-host, Cecil Lammey.
Lammey said he understands the consternation from fans about drafting a running back in the first round, but McCaffrey’s skillset beyond the traditional role of a running back sets him apart.
“It’s right where the Broncos need to be. They need to be there and, perhaps, find their way to be frontrunners for Christian McCaffrey because of the multiple ways that he can help your team,” Lammey said.
Follow digital content producer Johnny Hart on Twitter: @JohnnyHart7.