They might all be gone.
Top receivers Jerry Jeudy, CeeDee Lamb and Henry Ruggs III could be gone by the time the Broncos are on the clock with their No. 15 overall selection. Cornerbacks Jeff Okudah, CJ Henderson and offensive tackles like Andrew Thomas may also go within the top 14 picks.
Then what? If it comes down to best available player for the Broncos with their No. 15 overall draft selection next Thursday, April 23, an inside linebacker could be the choice.
When you’re picking No. 15, sometimes it's best to let the player come to you.
The Broncos currently have three quality inside linebackers in Alexander Johnson, Todd Davis and Josey Jewell. The problem is they are similar. They all are strong-tackling types who are best at stopping the run but don’t have ideal foot speed in coverage.
Johnson -- a large, high-energy thumper -- came off the bench in game 5 last year and played at a high level in the final 12 games.
Davis still led the team in tackles for the third time in four years. But because he is in the final year of his contract at $5 million while Johnson is making an affordable $750,000 in his third season, the future is with Johnson.
This is a case where finances trumps age. Davis has considerably more NFL experience as he is entering his seventh season. Yet, Davis is also five months younger than Johnson, who sat out three years out of college because of legal charges in which he was ultimately found innocent.
In free agency last month, the Broncos made an offer to Christian Kirksey, an injury-plagued inside linebacker who can run but he wound up with a surprising two-year, $13 million deal from Green Bay.
Remember, too, Denver nearly took inside linebacker Devin Bush with their No. 10 overall pick last year before trading down.
So the Broncos have sent clear signals they would like an inside linebacker who can run. There are three inside linebackers in this draft who could be in play with the Broncos’ No. 15 pick – Isaiah Simmons, Ken Murray and Pat Queen. Several others could be considered when the Broncos are up for their No. 46 pick in the second round, and No. 77, 83 and 95 in the third round.
A look at 9 inside linebackers the Broncos could consider taking in Day 1 or 2 of the NFL Draft:
1. Isaiah Simmons, 6-3 ½, 238, 4.49, Clemson
Some – not all, but some – believe this is the best inside linebacker prospect in recent years, which would mean better than Roquan Smith in 2018 and Devin White and Bush last year. As a senior, Simmons had 104 tackles, 7 sacks and 3 interceptions.
2. Patrick Queen, 6-0, 229, 4.50, LSU
He’s got the kind of speed and pursuit hustle Broncos head coach Vic Fangio likes to have in at least one of his inside linebackers.
3. Ken Murray, 6-2 ½, 241, 4.52, Oklahoma
Better size than Queen and runs almost as well. The leading tackler for a Sooners’ defense that allowed 30.2 points per game the past two years.
Hard-working, leader type who got his degree in communications in just three years at Oklahoma.
4. Jordyn Brooks, 6-0, 240, 4.54, Texas Tech
A three-down linebacker coming off shoulder surgery but he still had an astounding 20 tackles for loss in 11 games as a senior last year. A second- to fourth-round pick.
5. Jacob Phillips, 6-3, 229, 4.66, LSU
A tad taller and leaner than prototype inside linebackers. A good athlete who could play multiple linebacker positions. Considered a second- to third-rounder.
6. Zack Baun, 6-2 ¼, 238, 4.65, Wisconsin
Mostly an edge rusher for the Badgers who is often projected as an inside linebacker for the NFL. Had 12.5 sacks and a pick six last year.
7. Malik Harrison, 6-2 ½, 247, 4.66, Ohio State
The Buckeyes’ program is so stacked, it sometimes takes a while for talented players to get regular playing time. Like defensive lineman Dre’Mont Jones before him, Harrison came on late in his college stint to become a productive player. Fast for his size.
8. Willie Gay Jr., 6-1, 243, 4.46, Mississippi State
Great speed for his size. A character risk as he’s reportedly been involved in fights with teammates and opponents and was suspended for academic fraud last season.
9. Logan Wilson, 6-2, 241, 4.63, Wyoming or Joe Bachie, 6-1, 230, 4.67, Michigan State
Wilson is a three-year captain and tackling machine who runs well enough to help immediately on special teams. He was the Broncos' projected No. 95 pick by Mike's Mystery Mockster last month.
Bachie is a strong tackler and playmaker who got popped for a banned substance in his senior season. The Broncos held a video visit with him.
Others: Afernee Jennings, Alabama; Troy Dye, Oregon; Josh Uche, Michigan; Davion Taylor, Colorado.
