It gives the Broncos flexibility in the draft - especially the first round.
The pending trade agreement for Joe Flacco to the Broncos is an intriguing scenario for Denver - a team desperately trying to build for the future while not sacrificing the GM’s oft-cited mantra to “Win now.”
Because with Flacco the starting quarterback for the near future, the Broncos now have a lot more room to breathe with their No. 10 pick in the draft.
So for all you NFL Draft mocksters out there, change your No. 10 pick guesses from Lock/Jones/Kyler/Haskins to Greedy/Baker/Murphy. Or Devin White. #9sports
— Mike Klis (@MikeKlis) February 13, 2019
Although Elway could certainly pick a quarterback at the 10th spot - and may still do so - the move for Flacco signals a hesitation for this year’s top draft QBs and hints that Elway could go a different direction.
Will that be for a cornerback? A linebacker? An offensive lineman? General “BPA?”
“Yes” is the likely answer.
Of course which BPA or which position of need Elway may go after in the first round is still a guess, but it definitely makes the draft a little more intriguing. So in the event that Drew Lock is already gone at No. 10 - or Elway decides to wait until the second or third round to pick up a young QB to sit behind Flacco - like Duke’s Daniel Jones or West Virginia’s Will Grier - what position will he go in the first round and who are the likely top picks?
Cornerback
Personally, this is the position I’d prefer Elway target for his first-round pick. There are several good options in the first round, and picking at No. 10 should mean at least one is still on the board when it’s Elway’s turn. Greedy Williams of LSU has been a top prospect all year - and with a name like “Greedy,” you can’t help but want him on your team. Deandre Baker from Georgia is another first-round corner and was the player Todd McShay designated to the Broncos in his recent mock draft. Byron Murphy from Washington has also been mentioned in conjunction with the Broncos.
Inside linebacker
With Brandon Marshall likely to become a free agent this offseason, the Broncos definitely need help at linebacker, a perpetual weak spot in the Broncos’ defense. The Broncos may target their new QB’s old teammate, C.J. Mosley, in free agency, but Mosley will likely be a popular target..
This position is also key to Vic Fangio’s defenses, having created top-ranked units in both San Francisco and Chicago, playing with the likes of Patrick Willis and Roquan Smith. If Mosley can’t be had in Denver, the draft offers some great possibilities as well, especially with LSU’s Devin White, a player Walter Football says can be a three-down linebacker with the ability to be a game-changer.
Offensive lineman
There are a few offensive tackles considered first-round talent, and it’s possible (though unlikely) Elway may go that route again and give a long look to players like Alabama’s Jonah Williams or Oklahoma’s Cody Ford.
The bold prediction is that Elway takes a tight end in the first round, but since there’s a fair amount of depth at TE this season, he likely waits until the second or third round to pick up top talent at the tight end position. Also some depth at wide receiver should offer a good talent pool for the Broncos to choose from to give Flacco as many weapons as possible.
Horse Tracks
Reports: Broncos to trade for quarterback Joe Flacco
The Broncos cannot comment on or confirm the reported trade. Any reported trade — and the corresponding compensation — cannot be made official until the new year begins on March 13.
Examining the risk that comes with Denver acquiring Joe Flacco
John Elway rolled the dice again on a QB, this time on Joe Flacco. What did Elway risk in the Flacco wager?
Five Possible Trade Destinations for Denver Broncos QB Case Keenum
Denver will reportedly be shopping Case Keenum after agreeing in principle to a trade with Baltimore for Joe Flacco. Here are some possible destinations.
Joe Flacco trade provides temporary stability for Denver Broncos
While still searching for the next franchise quarterback of the Broncos, the addition of Joe Flacco gives the option to be patient and win at the same time.
Broncos considered Foles before settling on Flacco – ProFootballTalk
The Broncos had not one but two former Super Bowl MVPs in mind at quarterback. Via Mike Klis of 9news.com in Denver, the Broncos considered Eagles quarterback Nick Foles before ultimately striking a deal with the Ravens for quarterback Joe Flacco.
Colin Cowherd explains why he loves the Joe Flacco to Denver Broncos trade
Today Joe Flacco was traded from the Baltimore Ravens to the Denver Broncos. Hear why Colin Cowherd is a big supporter of the trade and thinks Flacco is a great fit for John Elway in Denver.
Grading the Joe Flacco trade from Ravens to Broncos - How did Denver get here?
Denver will have a minimum of $28.5 million on its 2019 salary cap for Flacco and Case Keenum, with no quarterback of the future on the roster.
Joe Flacco still not long-term solution Broncos need at QB - Denver Broncos- ESPN
Sure, adding Flacco is another high-profile QB addition for John Elway. It doesn't mean wins in 2019 or help the Broncos' future.
Denver Broncos likely lack cap space to fill all free-agency needs - Denver Broncos Blog- ESPN
An early look at the biggest holes John Elway and the Broncos will try to fill in free agency -- including at quarterback.
Will Joe Flacco trade be another quarterback whiff for John Elway? – The Athletic
This is what John Elway the general manager does in his seemingly endless search to find the Denver Broncos a starting quarterback: He just keeps swinging. But this has the makings of another miss.
from Mile High Report - All Posts http://bit.ly/2V1CP9B
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