Draft day is finally here. While a lot is made about who teams take in the first round, what really makes a great draft class is the gems they find a little later on. This article is for them, the players who will not hear their names called on the first day of the draft.

In the 2017 crop, there are a lot of players who could likely help the Denver Broncos. Even after the first round, there are people that may be able to make an impact right away.

Of course, being the “experts” we are, we’re pretty sure that we know who those players are here at Mile High Sports. As such, we asked several of our personalities what they thought. Here are their responses.

Kent Erickson, The Big Show: Taylor Moton, G/T, Western Michigan

In order to be considered a “sleeper” in the NFL draft I think you first have to be considered a third-day prospect.  With today’s technology and access to information, I don’t think any projected second-day picks are under the radar.  So when I go to Saturday’s possibilities, I still look at the biggest hole in the April version of the Broncos roster.  Then I look at my board and hope to see a guy who is 6-foot-5, weighs 330 pounds, and ran his 40 in five flat. Taylor Moton can play guard or tackle and played them both extremely well at Western Michigan for the… Broncos.  Get out of the way and make your biggest problem the least of your worries.

Les Shapiro, Afternoon Drive: Dalvin Tomlinson, DL, Alabama

I think Alabama defensive lineman Dalvin Tomlinson could be a helluva pick if he’s there in the third or fourth round.  Really athletic.  Good size.  Yes, he has a history of injuries, but when he’s healthy, he’s a man.  He gets lost in the “Alabama draft prospects” conversation because of those injuries, but if you can keep him on the field, he can make an impact.  He can be that good.

Benny Bash, The Big Show: Dede Westbrook, WR, Oklahoma or Eric Saubert, TE, Drake

Westbrook is a dynamic WR who can fill in in the slot and eventually be a replacement for Emmanuel Sanders. He will help instantly on special teams and be a much needed third threat on passing downs.

Saubert is a late day-three pick who might be the sneakiest pick in 2017. He tore up the Senior Bowl and is a decent route-runner considering his size. He needs a little work, but has the potential to be a good value pick. 

Ryan Edwards, Danny and Ryan: Curtis Samuel, WR, Ohio State

Speed guy and could be a slot WR or line up in the backfield to give the Broncos offense many different looks. The Broncos want to add some “Juice” to their offense and Samuel would be a great addition, especially if they are unable to secure Christian McCaffrey in the Top 10.

Clint Daly, Broncos columnist: Samaje Perine, RB, Oklahoma

There has been quite a bit of pre-draft talk about a certain running back from Oklahoma. I’d like to talk about the other one. There’s no question that Joe Mixon is an explosive player, and he could be a first or second-round pick. However, I’m a little more partial to Samaje Perine. He is a physical runner, that is capable of finding space in those short yardage, and goal-line situations. In his three seasons at Oklahoma, Perine averaged over 1,300 yards and 16 touchdowns per season. At 5-foot-11 and 233 pounds, the thing that stands about Perine is just how hard he runs. He runs angry, and that’s a very good thing. In addition, Perine has an excellent reputation for being a solid character in the locker room, and an extremely hard worker. He will probably last until at least the third round, so there wouldn’t be much risk in taking him at that point, but if the Broncos select a running back from the University of Oklahoma, let’s hope it’s the right one.

Sean Walsh, Walsh and TJ: Adam Shaheen, TE, Ashland

The Broncos need a young tight end. I am big on on Adam Shaheen from Ashland. He is 6-foot-6 and 280. Shaheen also ran a 4.79 40-yard dash. Denver could use a huge body to target in the red zone. It is really something they haven’t had since Julius Thomas.

Adam Uribes, Broncos reporter: Curtis Samuel, WR, Ohio State or Ahkello Witherspoon, CB, Colorado

I know that people are starry-eyed over Christian McCaffrey landing here in Denver, but I just don’t feel he’s a good fit here. However, if the team is dead set on taking a dual-purpose running back that can catch the ball, Curtis Samuel out of Ohio State is in the same mold and can be had a better value in the second round or later. With a surplus of talent at the corner spot, Ahkello Witherspoon out of Colorado is another player that could fit nicely in the No-Fly Zone and upgrade the depth at corner with the loss of Kayvon Webster.

Drew Demo, Managing Editor: Jalen Robinette, WR, Air Force

The Broncos could use another playmaker on offense. They need more performance out of the slot. Drafting Robinette is how they get it. Robinette would not be good in the slot. His size, big-play ability and tracking in the air make him ideal for the outside. What drafting him would do, would enable Emmanuel Sanders to play almost exclusively out of the slot, where his quickness and versatility can thrive. Robinette is raw, but his physical gifts are extraordinary. If he’s available with the last pick of the third round, the Broncos should unquestionably snatch him up.

John Mendoza, Broncos columnist: Will Holden, OT, Vanderbilt

Holden is a massive body at six-foot-seven inches, 311 pounds. Playing both right and left tackle at Vanderbilt, Holden has experience to be a great depth piece for the Denver Broncos before making his way into the starting lineup. Though not as athletic as other linemen in the draft,  Holden is crafty, has outstanding fundamentals and plays as smart of football as anyone. He would be the perfect guy for the Broncos to target late in the third round or early in the fourth.

Joe Williams, The Big Show: Jake Butt, TE, Michigan

The Wolverines won a lot of games last year because of Butt. He would have been a first-round pick this year had he not torn his ACL in their bowl game against Florida State.

Levi Waddell, intern: Cooper Kupp, WR, Eastern Washington

The Broncos have had some strong slot receivers in recent history; Brandon Stokley, Wes Welker and in some situations Eric Decker. Kupp should be the Broncos’ next in line. An elite route-runner, the 6-foot-2, 204-pounder’s competitiveness and confidence would give a well-needed boost to the Broncos’ dull receiving core. His strong hands and ability to bully corners make circus catches an easy feat, and his ball-tracking skills are top-notch.