Considering the Broncos have
prioritized building this offense up around Bo Nix, I have to think the wait come draft night is going to be excruciating. There are quite a few players that can help this offense take a step forward, whether it's tight ends like Tyler Warren or Colston Loveland, receivers like Matthew Golden or Tetairoa McMillan, or a running back like Ashton Jeanty.
The problem is, there is a realistic chance all of them could be gone by the 20th pick. Does Denver get aggressive and move up. There have been swirling rumors about the Broncos using Courtland Sutton to move up. Ultimately, we have no way of knowing what will happen until George Paton pulls the trigger. Or, nothing may materialize and Mile High Nation will have to wait patiently as 19 teams select ahead of the Broncos.
I'm of the mindset that helping this offense means improving at any of the 10 positions around Nix. This defense was outstanding a year ago, and unless someone unexpected just falls in their lap, Denver should be focused on an offensive prospect. That brings me to this prediction. Grey Zabel is no stranger to Broncos fans. He may not have taken a Top-30 visit (which were highly invested on offensive skilled-position players), but he would be an instant upgrade in the middle of this offense.
The good news for Denver is they can make a pick like this and still improve in the playmaking department, thanks to the depth this class has at running back, wide receiver and tight end. This may not be the sexy pick everyone is hoping for, but forcing one isn't the right answer either. Sean Payton spent a lot of premium picks building his offensive line in New Orleans and I'm not putting it past him here if the right playmaker isn't available.
~Austin Smith, DraftTek Senior Analyst