With just one week remaining until the start of the NFL Draft, John Elway insists that the Denver Broncos still have no idea what they are going to do with the No. 5 overall pick.
On Thursday, Elway met with the media and discussed the various approaches his team could take. He basically ruled out nothing, including trading back.
John Elway: "I'm open to trading.'' #9sports
— Mike Klis (@MikeKlis) April 19, 2018
John Elway cuts off the first question in his new conference. "We'll take the best player for the Denver Broncos."
So, there's that.— Andrew Siciliano (@AndrewSiciliano) April 19, 2018
For what it’s worth, Elway also said the Broncos have only given four quarterbacks a first-round grade.
John Elway says they don’t have more than 4 QBs in the first round.
— James Palmer (@JamesPalmerTV) April 19, 2018
Since they pick fifth overall, that is significant. All four teams picking ahead of the Broncos could use a quarterback, though they will be tempted to take Penn State’s Saquon Barkley or NC State’s Bradley Chubb. If one of Sam Darnold, Josh Rosen or Josh Allen is still on the board when the Broncos pick, it would be tough to imagine Elway passing up that opportunity.
The Broncos signed Case Keenum this offseason, so they are set at the QB position for at least 2018. However, Elway — a Hall of Fame quarterback — still has not been able to draft a franchise-type QB. He also traded Trevor Siemian this offseason, so the Broncos could use a backup.
Elway seems determined to prove he can make the right move at the position, which is why it makes sense for him to see how the first four picks play out. But if some team is desperate to draft one of the big QB prospects this year, Elway may get an offer he can’t refuse. He would be unwise to tell teams the phone lines aren’t open.
