John Elway attempting to maximize leverage heading into 2019 NFL Draft

For a second straight year, the Denver Broncos have a top 10 pick in the NFL Draft.

In 2018, the Broncos selected Bradley Chubb after only having one mock scenario, where the star pass rusher slipped to the No. 5 overall pick. After being selected, Chubb set a new franchise record (previously held by Von Miller) for most sacks by a rookie in a season (12).

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Choosing to draft Chubb with the 5th overall pick, proved that John Elway exercised self control by not selecting a quarterback. Prior to the 2018 draft, the Broncos expressed interest in quarterbacks such as Baker Mayfield, Sam Darnold, Josh Allen, and Josh Rosen. Coaching the Senior Bowl, evaluating the NFL Scouting Combine, commuting to Pro-Days, and flying in quarterbacks to Dove Valley were all clear cut signs the Broncos were set to draft a first round quarterback.

Instead, the Broncos did not draft a quarterback at all.

This year, John Elway traded Case Keenum to the Washington Redskins, after trading for Joe Flacco from the Baltimore Ravens. In his introductory press conference, Elway proclaimed that Flacco is just now entering his prime. Having a Super Bowl MVP quarterback, supports John’s philosophy of win now rather than rebuild.

If the Broncos found their quarterback, why bring in projected first round quarterbacks Drew Lock, Dwayne Haskins, or Kyler Murray? Why work out Daniel Jones at Duke last week?

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While some might describe the interest as a “smoke screen,” the Broncos are building value with their No. 10 overall pick. On his local radio show, NFL analyst and three-time Super Bowl Champion Mark Schlereth said the Broncos are “creating the perception that they are willing to take a quarterback at 10.”

Schlereth explained that the Broncos are maximizing their current leverage of drafting a quarterback. Having identified their veteran starting quarterback, the Broncos aren’t desperate to draft a rookie in the first round.

“Ten percent odds they take a quarterback,” he added.

With teams like the Washington Redskins and Miami Dolphins interested in this year’s quarterback class, the Broncos will potentially have an opportunity to trade down in the draft.

Each year the draft forces teams to desperately reach for potential franchise quarterbacks that bust out of the league. Unlike other positions, a first-round busted quarterback has the potential to set a franchise back for years. Case in point, the Broncos are still recovering from trading up to draft Paxton Lynch (26th overall) in 2016.

As speculation continues to grow, and with the draft two weeks away, the Broncos No. 10 overall pick should continue to grow in value.