Today, the NFL announced the exact 2016 draft order, and it looks like the Broncos are going to be pretty well off, with 10 total selections, including four in the first three rounds.
Broncos' 10 picks in 2016 NFL Draft: Rd. 1 (31), Rd. 2 (63), Rd. 3 (94, 98), Rd. 4 (136), Rd. 5 (144) Rd. 6 (219), Rd. 7 (228, 235, 253).
— Patrick Smyth (@psmyth12) March 29, 2016
It’s also important to mention that the Broncos will be drafting “Mr. Irrelevant” — A.K.A. the final selection (253rd) of the draft — for the first time in franchise history.
Broncos are set to have the final pick in the draft (Rd. 7, 253rd) for 1st time in team history. Team has never selected "Mr. Irrelevant."
— Patrick Smyth (@psmyth12) March 29, 2016
If the Broncos use all 10 of their selections, this will be the first time the Broncos will have had 10 or more draft picks since 2009, when they took Knowshon Moreno and Robert Ayers in the first round. That’s not very likely, though. John Elway has never been afraid to wheel and deal in the draft, and with Denver’s need for a quarterback, don’t be surprised if they end up moving up to grab the guy they want.
And while everyone will want to focus on those first four picks, the final six are just as important. Since he’s returned to Denver, Elway has done a great job in the later rounds, finding key contributors like Malik Jackson and Danny Trevathan.
We can’t forget, either, that the Broncos are Super Bowl champions. To have this many picks a year after bringing home the Lombardi Trophy is a luxury Denver is happy to have. Now if Elway can hit on some prospects the way he has in the past, this could be a fun draft.