A dream draft for the Denver Broncos? It starts with an explosive three-down running back

What kind of draft is the one of which dreams are made? Well, my dream involves trading up for Ashton Jeanty, but failing that, it still sees the Broncos getting a three-down running back in Round 1.

ROUND 1, NO. 20 OVERALL: RB Omarion Hampton, North Carolina

There are a small handful of backs in this class who can be full-time starters in the NFL. Yes, this is a great class, but many players are likely best used as part of a committee. I’d like the Broncos to get a stud/lead running back. Omarion Hampton is one of those guys.

Hampton is the type of player who runs with bad intentions for defenders tasked with tackling him. In addition to power between the tackles, Hampton has the vision and patience to maximize what’s blocked for him. He’s a good receiver out of the backfield, and Hampton is built for a large workload.

ROUND 2, NO. 51 OVERALL: DT Tyliek Williams, Ohio State

Like the running back and tight end groups, this defensive tackle class is fantastic and full of talent. While the Broncos have a strong defensive line, there are a few (Zach Allen, John Franklin-Myers, Malcolm Roach) veterans who will soon be looking for new contracts. The Broncos could select a defensive tackle with a premium pick this year, and he could develop behind some solid pros with the idea he would be a starter as soon as next season.

Tyliek Williams is my favorite long-term prospect at the defensive tackle position that should be available in the second round. Williams is tough to move as a run defender, and he can be a plug-and-play zero technique. In addition to what he can do against the run, Williams has a few moves and a quick get off to attack the passer. He’s played a lot of snaps in college with proper stamina and freakish athletic traits.

ROUND 3, NO. 85 OVERALL: TE TERRANCE FERGUSON, OREGON

Even with the addition of free agent tight end Evan Engram, I believe the Broncos should take one (or more) in the draft. This is a full class of tight ends with players who can line up wide as a receiver, in line as a blocker, and some can line up in the slot or the backfield. Tight end usually takes a few years to get up to speed in the pros, so the Broncos need to think about a player who could help now as a pass-catching option behind Engram but also for the future when this player could take over.

Terrance Ferguson could make an immediate impact for the Broncos, even in a part-time role. The Oregon tight end has great chemistry with his college teammate Bo Nix, and he’s got the speed to stretch the field better than any player at the position on the Broncos roster. His play strength should increase in a pro weight program, and Broncos coach Sean Payton would likely love to have a chess piece like Ferguson on the roster.

ROUND 4, NO. 122 OVERALL: CB COBEE BRYANT, KANSAS

The Broncos are likely to select a cornerback at some point, and Cobee Bryant would make a fine pick to open Day 3 of the draft. He’s a slender corner, but Bryant has a lot of ‘dawg’ to his game. He’s a feisty player who loves tough matchups, and Bryant does not back down from a challenge. If added, he might one day be able to push for a starting job.

ROUND 6, NO. 191 OVERALL: RB TAHJ BROOKS, TEXAS TECH

Even with a stud back like Hampton added, I believe the Broncos should be interested in a late-round back like Tahj Brooks. He’s a large player who can run with power and intent. Brooks doesn’t waste a lot of motion as a runner, and he knows how to get open as a receiver out of the backfield.

ROUND 6, NO. 197 OVERALL: TE ORONDE GADSDEN II, SYRACUSE

Just like with running back, I want the Broncos to select two tight ends. With Ferguson selected earlier, a player who can help right now and in the future, I want a tight end who will take some time but has developmental upside.

Oronde Gadsden II, the son of a former Miami Dolphins standout, is a freakish athlete who could be a weapon for the team in a few seasons. He’s got incredible straight-line speed and can be a mismatch against linebackers or safeties when he’s ready to step onto the field.

ROUND 6, NO. 208 OVERALL: WR LAJOHNTAY WESTER, COLORADO

The Broncos seem happy with their wide receivers, and with good reason because of the upside of players like Troy Franklin or Devaughn Vele. However, they may take a receiver at some point in this draft.

Payton likes receivers with length and speed, but CU’s Lajohntay Wester is a smaller/quicker player who can be difficult to tackle (and sometimes merely get a hand on) after the catch. I think he could help as a slot receiver and on special teams in the near future.

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