Horse Tracks: Broncos 2017 NFL Draft pick update

Good morning, Broncos Country.

When OverTheCap launched their preliminary projections for 2017 NFL Draft compensatory picks, the Denver Broncos were slated to earn four selections: two third-rounders for the departures of Brock Osweiler and Malik Jackson, a fifth-rounder for Danny Trevathan and a seventh-rounder for Ryan Harris.

Recently, OTC updated their projections and the Broncos are expected to net a fourth-rounder for Trevathan instead of a fifth-rounder.  It may not seem significant, but a jump from the end of the fifth round to the end of the fourth round gives the Broncos a bit more value with their projected selection, and the ability to nab a higher rated player on their board.

Denver is scheduled to have 10 picks in the 2017 NFL Draft.  They will be without their fifth-round selection, which was traded away for tight end A.J. Derby, and are also out their original sixth-round selection due to last seasons' trade for tight end Vernon Davis.  However, the Broncos did acquire the Tennessee Titans' sixth-round selection on a draft day trade during the 2016 NFL Draft.

As of now, here is the full listing of the Broncos' 2017 NFL Draft selections:

1st Round - Original
2nd Round - Original
3rd Round - Original
3rd Round - Compensatory (Brock Osweiler)
3rd Round - Compensatory (Malik Jackson)
4th Round - Original
4th Round - Compensatory (Danny Trevathan)
6th Round - via Tennessee
7th Round - Original
7th Round - Compensatory (Ryan Harris)

Though the Broncos are 7-3 and very well in the hunt for the AFC West Division title or a potential wild card playoff spot, there is no question that they have several holes to fill on their roster.  Long-term solutions on the defensive line at end and nose tackle come to mind, as well as significant upgrades on their offensive line and a desperate need for a viable threat from the tight end position.

With all those selections and nearly forty million dollars available in cap space for the coming off-season, expect John Elway and his staff to be extremely diligent and active in both free agency in the draft in order to keep the Broncos contenders for years to come.

Folks, it's never too early to discuss the NFL Draft and ways to make the franchise you love better. Feel free to discuss your draft strategy, what you would do with all those picks and who you think the Broncos should target in the comments section.

As always, thank you for reading and here is today's offering of Horse Tracks.

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