NFL Draft 2014: Will We See The Denver Broncos Trading Up?

Aug 4, 2013; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker C.J. Mosley (32) during practice at Bryant Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Liles-USA TODAY Sports

We have heard some rumblings this past week that the Denver Broncos could possibly be trading up in this years draft which begins tonight. Denver is on the look out for a middle linebacker to solidify the defense, but might not get one unless they happen to trade up.

Denver has their eyes set on Alabama’s C.J. Mosley but teams like the Buffalo Bills (9th overall), Baltimore Ravens (17th overall), and Green Bay Packers (21st overall) have had their teams linked to the highly touted linebacker. Here is what draft expert Mel Kiper Jr. had to say about the prospects of Mosley.

"“He’s considered a first-round pick, eight to 21. He’s a great cover guy,” ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. said. “Inside linebackers have been phased out in importance of getting to the running back. You have to cover or pressure the quarterback.”"

Broncos GM John Elway played off the prospects of trading up for a linebacker and his thoughts on Nate Irving.

"“I don’t know that it’s necessarily a need,” Elway said. “We feel pretty good about Nate, especially on first and second down. When we look at it, we’re more concerned with third down, the nickel backer on third down. Ward does a tremendous job in the box, so he could be that guy. We are fortunate that we don’t have huge holes.”"

Even if the Broncos cannot select Mosley, there is another first-round type linebacker that has his name linked to the team —  that would be Ohio State’s Ryan Shazier. He would run an impressive 40-yard dash at the combine; 4.38 seconds, which was the fastest in this years draft class. Draft expert Todd McShay offered his two-cents on Shazier.

"“He plays the game hard. He shows up big in big moments. He does a good job reading his keys,” ESPN analyst Todd McShay said. “He’ll take a false step here and there, but he has the speed to overcome it.”‘"

The question remains, should the Denver Broncos consider trading up? My response, absolutely — at the right price. This team is all-in to win now and if you can add a player like C.J. Mosley or Ryan Shazier to a defense that is already improved with the additions of T.J. Ward, Aqib Talib, and DeMarcus Ware, you’re set. Denver will also be looking at the cornerback position in the first-second round if they cannot land a middle linebacker. It will be interesting to see what they do regardless, trade up, back, or stand pat with the 31st pick.