It is officially NFL Scouting Combine week as one of the NFL’s greatest offseason events has arrived. As NFL hopefuls embark on a week filled with promise, here is what to expect from the Broncos as well as the players hoping to make their dreams a reality.
This is going to be a big week for Broncos new head coach Vic Fangio and general manager John Elway, which will all kick off on Wednesday as Vangio is scheduled to talk with the media at 9:30 a.m., while Elway heads to the podium at 3:45 p.m. that same day. Those interviews will be important in hopefully providing some clarity on who the Broncos could potentially be targeting in the draft as well as the franchises plan moving forward.
Elway and Fangio’s interviews will be the first time the two have spoken publicly since the ‘rumored’ acquisition on Joe Flacco, which should provide an idea of whether or not Denver could still target a quarterback in the first round. The Broncos quarterback question is firmly centered around Missouri product Drew Lock, who Denver has shown interest in throughout the pre-draft process.
Lock is scheduled to throw on Mar. 2 as that will be the day where quarterbacks, wide receivers and tight ends all work out together. Saturday will also be the day in which Kyler Murray and Dwayne Haskins will have their first opportunity to show scouts and teams what they can do. Seeing as both of Haskins and Murray are underclassman, this will be their first opportunity to separate themselves from Lock, Daniel Jones and Will Grier, who all had the chance to compete at the Senior Bowl.
For the Broncos, Murray is a guy to keep an eye on as he could be Lock’s greatest competition in potentially getting drafted by Denver. Whether Murray throws this weekend or not, interviews are going to be just as important for him as he can now tell teams why he is fully committed to football over baseball. Murray being in Indianapolis could be monumental for his draft stock, which could possibly include an interview with Denver if Elway is interested in the former Heisman Trophy winner.
Kyler Murray is a straight up cheat code.
PASSING: 272 yards, 2 TD
RUSHING: 99 yards, 3 TD pic.twitter.com/NdL0voKXj1— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) November 18, 2018
All eyes will certainly be on the quarterbacks at the combine, but Sunday’s competition could be just as important for Denver as the defensive lineman and linebackers will work out. This will be NFL teams’ first look at Nick Bosa since his return from a core injury in October, as the former Ohio State star will look to cement his spot as the top overall player. Former Alabama defensive lineman Quinnen Williams might have something to say about that, though, as he is without a doubt the draft’s best interior pass rusher and run stuffer.
For the Broncos, their interest on Saturday may turn to former LSU linebacker Devin White, who could definitely be in play with the 10th overall pick. The weigh-ins earlier in the week will be just as important for White as he is expected to come in around 240 pounds and just over 6′ in height. As the Broncos have a sudden need at inside linebacker with Brandon Marshall likely leaving, White could be a solid replacement for Denver as he projects to be the draft’s first linebacker selected.
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The final day of workouts — Monday, Mar. 4 — could also have a major factor on what the Broncos do on draft day as the defensive backs will have a chance to compete. Cornerback is a major need in Denver with Bradley Roby being a free agent as the Broncos are looking for a solid corner to pair next to Chris Harris. Greedy Williams, Byron Murphy, Deandre Baker and Trayvon Mullen are all corners the Broncos could be keeping a close eye on as all four could be in play with either of Denver’s first two selections.
As far as local competitors go, Wiggins native and first round hopeful Dalton Risner will compete on Day 1 of the combine — Mar. 1 — along with the running backs and special teamers. University of Northern Colorado standout receiver Alex Wesley will run and compete on Saturday, which he talked about in an interview with Mile High Sports just a few weeks ago.
Whether it is a local star or someone the Broncos are heavily interested in drafting, the NFL Combine is going to bring nothing short of fireworks this week. With Fangio and Elway kicking it off at he podium on Wednesday, we are certainly in for an exciting week as draft season is officially in full swing.