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Denver Broncos: Who are the Broncos’ draft options in round one?

By Kyle Standfield

Jan 2, 2017; Arlington, TX, USA; Wisconsin Badgers offensive lineman Ryan Ramczyk (65) in action during the game against the Western Michigan Broncos in the 2017 Cotton Bowl game at AT&T Stadium. The Badgers defeat the Broncos 24-16. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 2, 2017; Arlington, TX, USA; Wisconsin Badgers offensive lineman Ryan Ramczyk (65) in action during the game against the Western Michigan Broncos in the 2017 Cotton Bowl game at AT&T Stadium. The Badgers defeat the Broncos 24-16. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide tight end O.J. Howard (88) celebrates as he scores a touchdown in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game against the Clemson Tigers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide tight end O.J. Howard (88) celebrates as he scores a touchdown in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game against the Clemson Tigers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Expert: Nate Davis (USA TODAY)

Prediction: O.J. Howard, TE, Alabama

Nate Davis of USA Today is the lone expert chronicled on this list that is predicting the Broncos will go for an offensive, skilled position player in the first round. He is forecasting Denver will select tight end O.J. Howard out of Alabama.

Howard is a world-class athlete who would give either Trevor Siemian or Paxton Lynch a potent weapon to target. He is explosive off the line, has massive hands and can jump out of the stadium. He is too fast for linebackers and at 6’6″, too big for defensive backs.

He has shown the ability to pull in bad passes and turn short passes into large gains with after catch yardage.

The four-year Alabama product caught 45 passes for 595 total yards as a senior under head coach Nick Saban. He produced three touchdowns and averaged 13.2 yards per completion.

Where Howard may struggle at the next level is in the blocking game. Scouts have assessed he will need to improve his hand strength and hit the gym in order to deal with defensive line men in the NFL.

The Broncos have relied heavily on Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders in the passing game for a few years now. Adding Howard to the mix will take some of the pressure off of those guys, diversify the offense, and give the Broncos their first legitimate offensive tight end since Julius Thomas was in town.

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