Horse Tracks: Broncos need an impact player with their top pick, not a project

Good morning, Broncos Country.

The Denver Broncos have a golden opportunity to add a wealth of talent to their roster through the 2018 NFL Draft. With a current arsenal of nine selections and the fifth overall pick, John Elway and his staff have the draft ammunition needed to make some big waves — and they certainly need to. After an abysmal 5-11 campaign under first-year Head Coach Vance Joseph, it’s clear that there is no quick solution to making Denver great again, but getting some quality contributors in this year’s draft is a good starting point for the Broncos to get back to their Super Bowl winning ways.

The roster isn’t devoid of talent. The defense is still one of the best units in the entire league, but it could use upgrades at a few position, in particular inside linebacker. Alas, the offense is an entirely different story, which has a myriad of holes and is in desperate need of a talent infusion. Tackle, guard, quarterback, running back, tight end and receiver — a strong case could me made that each and every one of those positions needs an addition through this year’s draft.

It’s impossible to nail every selection, but the Broncos can’t afford to have a lot of big whiffs come April, especially in regard to their top pick. The desire and appeal of getting a franchise quarterback is understandable, but do you really believe the Broncos are going to get their top prospect at the position at fifth overall? I doubt it. Do you really want the Broncos to roll the dice on a quarterback and risk going through another Paxton Lynch scenario? I certainly don’t.

The Broncos need an impact player with their top pick, not a project. It’s not often Denver has the benefit of picking so high, thus it’s essential for them to reap the rewards. Make no mistake, this player must become an integral piece of the franchise’s foundation, not a project who is going to take time. Could a quarterback be that guy? Sure, but I’m not going to risk prime draft capital on any quarterback in this class because they are all significant projects.

The Broncos need to select an impact prospect who plays right away. A player who fills a significant need and can play a high percentage of snaps as a rookie. There are plenty of positions that could use such an upgrade, and there are a handful of ‘safe’ prospects that address those needs. Give me a Quenton Nelson for the offensive line, widely-regarded as one of the best offensive trench prospects in the past decade. Give me a Roquan Smith, a dynamic linebacker that would give the Broncos the ferocious playmaker the need in the middle of their defense. Give me a Minkah Fitzpatrick, a Swiss Army knife defender in the secondary who can play any position you want him to.

What the Broncos can’t afford to do and should avoid all costs is selecting a project. Don’t roll the dice on a Josh Allen or a Baker Mayfield, John Elway. You’ve already struggled several times using a high pick in that respect. You don’t want to go down that road again, because deep down you know where that leads. The best thing you could do is go and get yourself a franchise quarterback in free agency and a future franchise player with the fifth overall pick.

Two birds, one stone. Two franchise players, one off season. It’s not often a golden opportunity like this exists, so when it happens you take advantage of it.

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

Horse Tracks

After 5-11 finish, Denver Broncos players know 'nobody is safe'
The Broncos know that no player is off limits, any move could be considered and any contract could given a second look this offseason.

Lamar Jackson a wild card, but worth a long look from Denver Broncos
Teams will have questions about his size and durability, but Lamar Jackson's resume and play under pressure make the QB an interesting option.

Broncos have to decide if Josh Allen could turn potential into payoff
Josh Allen will be the potential-over-production quarterback prospect in the NFL draft this year.

Broncos cornerback review 2017: A position of strength for Denver
For each of the past three seasons, as one Broncos opponent after another languished in attempt to throw the football with anything resembling consistency, Denver has left little doubt about its biggest overall defensive strength.

Former Denver Broncos players discuss QB options, offseason needs for team
Four former Broncos -- Mark Schlereth, Ryan Harris, Tyler Polumbus and Joel Dreessen -- weigh in on the team's impending decisions at quarterback at other positions. And some of their predictions might surprise.

AFC West awards: Coach of the year decided between Chiefs, Chargers
Andy Reid's team won a division title. Anthony Lynn's team overcame a 0-4 start in a soccer stadium. Who takes the honors? (Hint: It was a close one.)

Alex Smith provides veteran option for Browns at quarterback
If new Browns GM John Dorsey is looking for a QB to play efficiently for a young team, he doesn't have to look past the guy he knows well.

2018 NFL Draft: Rosen takes early lead in QB race – National Football Post
National Football Post's Dion Caputi explains why UCLA quarterback Josh Rosen is the early favorite for the top prospect selected at the position in the 2018 NFL Draft.

Tom Coughlin's unique success vs. Bill Belichick ... explained!
Bill Belichick might be the greatest coach ever, but one man's gotten the best of him: current Jaguars exec Tom Coughlin. Two former Coughlin charges, David Carr and Shaun O'Hara, explain the keys to success.

Sean Payton on 'Skol' clap: 'It was good playoff fun'
Saints coach Sean Payton confirmed Tuesday that he imitated the Vikings' "Skol" clap near the end of Sunday's playoff game in Minnesota.