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What if I told you that John Elway and the Denver Broncos had Garett Bolles marked as their Plan B option in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft and that Plan A involved some crazy blockbuster trade with the Cleveland Browns that would have sent both Christian McCaffrey and Joe Thomas to Denver?
Denver explored a trade up for Christian McCaffrey, inquired about Joe Thomas' availability, but ultimately stayed put at 20 for an OT.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 28, 2017
Play for Thomas involved #Broncos moving up to No. 12 to get McCaffrey. Obviously, Mac was gone. #Broncos moved on to Bolles @DenverChannel pic.twitter.com/XCg2ICcPmW
— Troy Renck (@TroyRenck) April 28, 2017
Pretty sure this trade would have broken Mile High Report. In the end, McCaffrey went to the Carolina Panthers and the trade would never have a chance to materialize.
Then there were reports about Elway and company wanting to move up in the second round to get some explosive playmaker. It appears that too didn’t happen, multiple times.
Elway said tried to trade up in 2nd rd. Didn't say for who. Didn't happen and said he was "lucky" DeMarcus Walker was there at 51. #9sports
— Mike Klis (@MikeKlis) April 29, 2017
The rumors there were one failed trade to move up for tight end Adam Shaheen and another to get Joe Mixon.
In the end, Elway felt fortunate that a talent like DeMarcus Walker fell into their laps anyway. It may turn out that, sometimes, the best move you make is the one you failed to make.
Could Day 3 of the 2017 NFL Draft feature the Broncos first successful trade of the event?
Broncos draft picks
| Round | Pick | Selection | Position | School | Info |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Round | Pick | Selection | Position | School | Info |
| 1 | 20 | Garett Bolles | OT | Utah | Scouting Report |
| 2 | 51 | DeMArcus Walker | DE | Florida State | Scouting Report |
| 3 | 82 | Carlos Henderson | WR | Louisiana Tech | Scouting Report |
| 3 | 101 | Brendan Langley | CB | Lamar | Scouting Report |
| 4 | 127 | ||||
| 5 | 177 | ||||
| 6 | 203 | ||||
| 7 | 238 | ||||
| 7 | 252 | ||||
| 7 | 253 |
Horse Tracks
How second-round pick DeMarcus Walker fits on the Broncos
A prolific pass-rusher, defensive end DeMarcus Walker adds depth to the Broncos' defensive line corps.
How third-round pick Carlos Henderson fits on the Broncos
The speedy wide receiver and kick returner can bring an instant boost to Denver.
Woody Paige: Broncos get what they need, and they happen to be total opposites
Garett Bolles is a Teddy Bear off the field, The Grizzly at offensive...
DeMarcus Walker’s sack production couldn’t be ignored - SBNation.com
The former Seminole knows how to get to the quarterback.
Analysis of Broncos selecting Carlos Henderson in 3rd round | Broncos Wire
The Denver Broncos have selected Louisiana Tech wide receiver Carlos Henderson in the third round of the NFL draft.
Broncos' Elway hoping to buck trend with pick of Walker | FOX Sports
ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) With the 51st pick of the NFL draft, No. 7 was looking for a change of fortune in his seventh season as architect of the Denver Broncos.
Denver Broncos' Garett Bolles knows moment he learned to dream of NFL - ESPN
Broncos first-round pick Garett Bolles knows exactly when his troubled life turned around and headed in a positive direction, straight toward the NFL.
Broncos players welcome DeMarcus Walker, Carlos Henderson
Broncos players took to Twitter to give their new teammates a warm welcome.
NFL draft grades 2017: Day 2 shows off the strengths of the draft - SBNation.com
Trades dominated the first part of round two while teams targeted defensive backs
James Conner beat cancer, and he’s staying home to play for the Steelers - SBNation.com
The powerful RB beat Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and now his amazing story continues.
2017 NFL draft: Winners and losers from Friday - SBNation.com
The Browns got it right on Day 2, also.
NFL draft 2017: Best players available after Round 3 - SBNation.com
We’ll keep you up to date with the best available players through the draft as picks are made.
Even Mitchell Trubisky was surprised by how much teams valued offensive players in the NFL Draft - SBNation.com
Teams couldn’t help themselves from fawning over big-play offensive players in the first round of the draft.
NFL draft 2017 results: 3rd round ruled by small-school prospects - SBNation.com
The third round was a good one if you went to a small school.
The NFL draft is everything that’s good and terrible about sports - SBNation.com
ESPN’s comments on Gareon Conley’s sexual assault investigation were a good reminder: Not everything has to be filtered through the lens of sports.
Roger Goodell’s archaic stance on marijuana, explained - SBNation.com
The NFL commissioner has a reason for his hypocritical views on marijuana.