Top-3 pick could change the franchise
In the last decade, a top-10 pick has changed hands 28 times, including at least four times in each of the last three years.
The potential for similar draft-night activity this April is possible as quarterback-needy teams jockey for position.
But it will be pricey for the Broncos to move from No. 10 into at least the top three.
(It makes total sense for the Broncos to move into the top three, more sense than it makes to give up a 2020 first-rounder to move into the latter stages of Round 1.)
A look at four major quarterback-related trades revealed the potential asking price for Arizona (No. 1), San Francisco (No. 2) or the New York Jets (No. 3), who are committed to quarterbacks Josh Rosen, Jimmy Garoppolo and Sam Darnold, respectively.
2012: The Redskins moved from sixth to second with the Rams to select Robert Griffin III. The deal happened March 10, well ahead of the draft. The Redskins gave up first-round picks in ’12, ’13 and ’14 and a second-round pick in ’12. Injuries derailed Griffin’s career.
2016: The Rams moved from 15th to first (the largest-ever climb to the top pick) in a trade with Tennessee and drafted Jared Goff. The Rams gave up four picks in 2016 (one first, two seconds and one third) and two picks in ’17 (first and third). The Titans threw in two 2016 picks (fourth- and sixthround). The Rams lost in this year’s Super Bowl.
2016: Six days after the Ramstitans trade, Philadelphia made its move. To move up six spots (No. 8 to No. 2), the Eagles gave up five picks — first-, third- and fourth-rounders in ’16, a firstrounder in ’17 and a secondrounder in ’18. Cleveland also gave the Eagles a 2017 fourthrounder. Wentz was tracking toward an MVP award in 2017 before a torn ACL.
2017: On draft night, Chicago wanted Mitch Trubisky and moved from up third to second overall. San Francisco received four picks — first-, third- and fourth-rounders in ’17 and a third-round pick in ’18. The Bears won the NFC North in 2018.
2017: Also on draft night, Kansas City moved from No. 27 to No. 10 in a trade with Buffalo to select Patrick Mahomes. The Chiefs gave up first- and thirdrounders in ’17 and a firstrounder in ’18. Mahomes won NFL MVP in ’18.
So let’s say the Broncos want to move up to San Francisco’s spot at No. 2. I would craft a package that makes sure the Broncos keep their secondround pick this year.
To the 49ers: First round picks in ’19 and ’20. Secondround pick in ’20. Third-round pick this year and one of the Broncos’ fourth-round picks this year.
Five picks to move up eight spots. But it’s for a quarterback.
Rankings recap. Watching and reading coverage of national signing day prompted me to look back at the high school ranking for several Broncos players. Via 247sports.com:
Five-star: Running back Royce Freeman (2014).
Four-star: Tight end Jake Butt (2013) and defensive end Demarcus Walker (2013)
Three-star: Linebacker Von Miller (2007), cornerback Chris Harris (2007), safety Justin Simmons (2012), defensive end Adam Gotsis (2012) running back Phillip Lindsay (2013), receiver Courtland Sutton (2014), receiver Daesean Hamilton (2013), linebacker Bradley Chubb (2014) and cornerback Isaac Yiadom (2014)
Two-star: Receiver Emmanuel Sanders (2005) and linebacker Josey Jewell (2013).
If there is a conclusion, it’s that the star ranking may get a player more scholarship offers, but once he arrives on campus, it’s all about how he develops and how well he is coached.
Around the NFL
Callahan’s promotion. Former Broncos assistant coach Brian Callahan was named the Cincinnati Bengals’ offensive coordinator Thursday. Callahan, only 34 years old, was on Denver’s staff from 2010-15 in a variety of offensive roles before working two years in Detroit and one year in Oakland as quarterbacks coach. New coach Zac Taylor will call the Bengals’ plays. Bengals president Mike Brown was direct after Taylor’s hiring in what the team wanted: Offense and an organizational reset. Defending Mahomes. The AFC West was exposed by Mahomes in 2018 and will now spend the offseason formulating a response. “I think it’s one of the greatest accomplishments I’ve ever seen,” Raiders coach Jon Gruden said at the Senior Bowl of Mahomes’ MVP season. “We got to match up better. We got to improve our coverage. We got to improve our underneath coverage. We got to deal with (tight end Travis) Kelce and (receiver) Tyreek Hill and a lot of problems they present other than Mahomes.”
Moving on. Two days after the Super Bowl, Rams coach Sean Mcvay wrapped up the season. “You don’t allow it to hijack your ability to move forward,” he said. “To say that you’re not disappointed and you wanted to do more with what you can control — I feel that way after every single game whether we win or lose.”
Interesting dynamic. Minnesota’s offensive staff has a Broncos flavor. Last month, Gary Kubiak (assistant head coach-offensive advisor), Klint Kubiak (quarterbacks) and Brian Pariani (tight ends) joined the Vikings. Rick Dennison (offensive line/run game coordinator) was hired Friday. Coordinator Kevin Stefanski, with the Vikings for 12 years, will call the plays.