CENTENNIAL, Colo. -- The mystery began unraveling Thursday morning.
No Draft Day Kevin Costner-inspired drama. Turns out new Browns general manager John Dorsey wanted Oklahoma quarterback Baker Mayfield for months, beginning with the Heisman Trophy's solid work in the Senior Bowl. Mayfield exists as the clear favorite to go first overall when the draft begins at 6 p.m.
According to multiple sources, the Broncos prefer two quarterbacks if available at five: Mayfield and USC's Sam Darnold. Neither is expected to be on the board at five. Denver would likely pounce if North Carolina State defensive end Bradley Chubb remains in the mix. Good luck with that. Would the Broncos take Notre Dame burly guard Quenton Nelson or, in a real possibility, trade back to snare Buffalo's No. 12, No. 22 and a second-round pick?
With that in mind, I list top players who could land in Denver:
CB Denzel Ward, Ohio State: Elite athlete who can cover outside, but has the frame to work inside against slot receivers. Ward runs a 4.32 40-yard dash. Could fit at No. 5 -- that is a bit of a reach -- and even more ideal for the 12th spot. Chris Harris Jr. would love that. He wants to play outside to make more plays. Ironically, Ward, who is quiet, has been compared to Harris. Ward likes to hit, can play special teams and remains inspired to reach greatness following his father's death at the age of 46.
RG Will Hernandez, UTEP: A human road grader, who makes sense at the No. 22 pick. It is risky with Seattle possibly snatching him up first. Hernandez, who showed well at the Senior Bowl, played as heavy as 340 pounds in college. He loves boneless chicken wings. Who doesn't? He can move a pile, and has better feet than you'd think for a big dude. His former boss Sean Kugler now coaches the Broncos offensive line. Hernandez played on an 0-12 team last season, and never let up.
RG Quenton Nelson, Notre Dame: A former NFL lineman I trust who watched all of Nelson's games, most in person, calls him a sure-fire Pro Bowler for a "decade." He is a beast with a drive to "take away my opponent's will." I think he meant to play, but he might have meant to live. Because Nelson is a guard, trepidation surfaces. Nelson is the one player I hope the Broncos don't regret passing on.
LB Roquan Smith, Georgia: Sideline to sideline terror. Delivers game-changing hits. One of college football's most feared tacklers. Would strengthen a linebacking corps that could part ways with Brandon Marshall after this season.
LB Tremaine Edmunds, Virginia Tech: Long, rangy with elite speed. Father Ferrell was a two-time Pro Bowler. Edmunds is young with a tremendous ceiling. Also brings unique talent as a pass rusher on blitzes.
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Want Broncos news? Denver7 Broncos insider Troy E. Renck is your source. He talks to the players, covers the games and reports scoops on Denver7 and the Denver7 app. He is a CU grad who has covered pro sports in Colorado since 1996, including 14 years at The Denver Post. Follow him on Facebook, Twitter and TheDenverChannel.com’s Broncos page. Troy welcomes most of your emails at Troy.Renck@kmgh.com.
