Now that the scouting combine has gotten underway, fans are getting to see the prospects that they have been hearing about in the flesh and on a football field doing drills.
Each of the 32 NFL teams have their undivided attention on what is going on in Indianapolis, but for weeks, these teams have known where they sit in the draft order and have gotten together a good list of the players they will have a chance to draft.
The Denver Broncos have the No. 15 selection in the first round as it stands now. Obviously, they aren’t going to get Joe Burrow or Chase Young at that spot.
So who are some of the players the team will have a crack at and also make sense for the roster? That is what we’re looking at here.
These are going to be realistic picks. So if you have been looking over the many mock drafts that are out there, you will see some familiar names here.
This will also not focus on just one position as the Broncos are a team with many needs.
Here are the four most realistic picks that the Broncos can make this April.
Henry Ruggs, WR, Alabama
Ruggs is a guy who has been linked to the Broncos throughout the draft process, but after he just ran a 4.27-second 40-yard dash at the combine, there will likely be a line of teams wanting to get the speedy wide receiver.
Ruggs can flat out fly, obviously, but he’s not just a fast wide receiver. He is a complete wide receiver, capable of hurting a defense on short throws, intermediate throws and deep throws. That is because aside from his blazing speed, his ability to run after the catch makes him a defensive coordinator’s nightmare.
The Broncos would be getting their version of Tyreek Hill with this guy.
A.J. Epenesa, DE, Iowa
Depending on what happens in free agency, defensive line could be an urgent need for the Broncos. Since Derek Wolfe, Shelby Harris and Adam Gotsis are all unrestricted free agents, I’m going to assume the team will be looking for find a defensive lineman early in this draft.
Epenesa should be on the board at No. 15 and if the Broncos are looking for a pass-rushing defensive lineman, Young is probably the only better option in this class.
Epenesa registered 22 sacks and 30.5 tackles for loss across the last two seasons at Iowa. He displays incredible power at the point of attack, has the desired length teams like for the position and the overall athletic talent to be a game-wrecker on defense for years to come.
Kristian Fulton, cornerback, LSU
Chris Harris is almost certainly not going to be back next season, so the team is going to have to shore up the cornerback position likely through free agency and the draft.
Fulton would be a great answer in the draft.
The LSU cornerback is a blanket in coverage, shows great reactionary ability and his ball skills are better than average too. He is not the best tackler but the team that drafts him could help him out in that area. He’s willing, just needs to be more consistent.
Tristan Wirfs, OT, Iowa
The Broncos might have to get a little lucky to land Wirfs as there are several teams in front of them that could desperately use a new tackle, even if some scouts feel he would be better at guard.
However, Mekhi Becton’s huge showing at the combine should shoot him up the board and Wirfs could trickle down to the Broncos.
Crazy power combined with a ton of athleticism is what you see with Wirfs, who was the first offensive tackle to start as a freshman at Iowa in 20 seasons.
The Broncos could be flexible with Wirfs, even moving him to guard since Ja’Wuan James is already at right tackle. But having him on the roster would give the team a better offensive line instantly and would allow the team to move on from James or Garret Bolles at some point while having someone ready to step in.
