The Denver Broncos chose to upgrade their offensive line and roll the dice on one-year wonder Garett Bolles out of Utah to be the team's left tackle of the future. Some fans loved it, some fans hated it. It was a significant need for the team and with that addressed, I expect John Elway and his staff to shift their focus to adding dynamic playmakers who can put points on the board and improve an offense that ranked among one of the league's worst in 2016.
Ability. Explosiveness. Mentality.
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) April 28, 2017
"[@gbolles74] is a perfect fit."
" https://t.co/b22eromQtE pic.twitter.com/56KNZFVItO
If you're hoping that the Broncos redeem themselves on Day 2 of the 2017 NFL Draft, there is a good chance they will be able to. The team has three selections: #51, #82 and #101 on Day 2 of the NFL Draft and have a lot of ammunition on Day 3 that they could use to move up and get the players they covet. Here is a look at some of the best players available that the team could be targeting this evening.
Best Day 2 Prospects Available for the Denver Broncos
There's A Lot of Running Backs
One of my highest-ranked players is still available and that's Florida State running back Dalvin Cook, who slid out of the first-round due to injury and off-the-field concerns. However, he is an elite talent at the running back position and would give the Broncos a true three-down back capable of tearing apart defenses at the next level.
The #Broncos now need another weapon in the backfield. Joe Mixon or Dalvin Cook trade up would be fun! Run the ball every down!
— MileHighReport (@MileHighReport) April 28, 2017
Oklahoma's Joe Mixon is also available, but it's widely-speculated that he will be selected at the top of the second-round by the Green Bay Packers. Other backs to keep an eye on are Tennesee's Alvin Kamara, Toledo's Kareem Hunt and South Florida's Marlon Mack — who would all provide a spark to the team's running game that is in desperate need of a talent infusion.
Versatile Wide Receivers and Tight Ends
Three wide receivers went in the Top 10 selections in the first-round of the draft, but none thereafter. The second day of the draft is loaded with a myriad of prospects who could bolster the Broncos' receiving corps and give them the third threat they need alongside Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders. JuJu Smith-Schuster, Curtis Samuel, Zay Jones, Chris Godwin, Taywan Taylor, ArDarius Stewart and Dede Westbrook are names to keep an eye on.
Remaining players for Friday include RB Dalvin Cook, RB Joe Mixon, RB Alvin Kamara, WR Zay Jones, RB/WR Curtis Samuel, QB DeShone Kizer.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 28, 2017
Virgnia Tech's Bucky Hodges, South Alabama's Gerald Everett, Michigan's Jake Butt and Ashland's Adam Shaheen would make sense for Denver on the second day. Players like Jonnu Smith, Michael Roberts, Jeremy Sprinkle and Jordan Leggett would also be quality selections for the Broncos in the third-round and provide an upgrade at the position.
#Broncos need help on offense. Players who could be in mix today: Mixon, Curtis Samuel, Adam Shaheen, Bucky Hodges, Jake Butt @DenverChannel
— Troy Renck (@TroyRenck) April 28, 2017
Head Coach Vance Joseph stated he wanted to add some 'juice' to the team's offense, so don't be surprised if two of the team's three selections on Day 2 correlate with his desire to get better on that side of the ball.
Potential Upgrades on the Offensive Line
Even with the Broncos using their first-round pick on Garett Bolles to address the left tackle position, I wouldn't count them out from double-dipping and adding yet another high-profile lineman to their unit.
Former @Temple_FB ‘no-star’ recruit @DDawkins66 will complete his ‘long journey’ at this week’s @NFL draft. https://t.co/ewsFWfexgM pic.twitter.com/yARMwxk2iU
— Temple News Sports (@TTN_Sports) April 25, 2017
Western Kentucky's Forrest Lamp is still available, as well as Alabama offensive tackle Cam Robinson. The Broncos are high on Western Michigan right tackle Taylor Moton, who should be in play with their second-round selection. Other names to consider are Dion Dawkins, Ethan Pocic, Dan Feeney, Dorian Johnson, Pat Elflein and Antonio Garcia.
A Plethora of Talented Defenders
The strength of the team is undoubtedly the defense, but it's quite possible that the Broncos decide to add a player to that side of the ball with one of their Day 2 selections.
Michigan State's Malik McDowell is still available, who would be a formidable presence on the defensive line and be an impact player from the 5-technique position. Michigan's Chris Wormley is also an option, who can play inside and outside and contribute on special teams. Auburn's Montravius Adams, Alabama's Dalvin Tomlinson and North Carolina Charlotte's Larry Ogunjobi could be targets to address the team's need at nose tackle.
Malik McDowell as a 2-round pick is insane to think about.
— Cameron Parker (@CameronParkerPO) April 28, 2017
The team could also use an upgrade next to Brandon Marshall at linebacker and there are many prospects available. Zach Cunningham and Raekwon McMillan are prospects the team is high on. If the team desires to add another pass rusher at outside linebacker, Tyus Bowser, Jordan Willis, Carl Lawson and Ryan Anderson would all make sense.
This year's defensive back class is stacked and an immense amount of talent is still on the board. Chidobe Awuzie, Rasul Douglas, Kevin King and Sidney Jones are just several top corners available. With T.J. Ward in the final year of his contract, don't be surprised if the Broncos snag a safety somewhere in the draft.
Top-5 available IMO after round one:
— Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) April 28, 2017
1) RB Dalvin Cook
2) OG Forrest Lamp
3) DT Malik McDowell
4) LB Zach Cunningham
5) RB Curtis Samuel
Washington's Budda Baker is a premier prospect who should hear his name called quite early in the second round. Prospects like Josh Jones, Justin Evans, Marcus Maye, Desmond King and Tedric Thompson could also be considered by the team to solidify their defensive secondary.
Feel free to name some of your favorite prospects the Broncos should consider on Day 2 in the comments section!