Denver Broncos’ first-round pick seems like it could be a slam dunk

The Denver Broncos are busy mulling over their list of possible players to draft, considering every conceivable scenario. 

The team likely has a short list of players it feels can be had with the No. 20 overall pick in the first round, but those who compile mock drafts have finalized their list as nearly every single one you can find right now has the team taking North Carolina running back Omarion Hampton. 

Bryan DeArdo of CBS Sports compiled a consensus mock draft using info from mocks created by ESPN and NFL.com in addition to CBS Sports. Hampton is the pick made for the Broncos in that draft as well, and DeArdo had the following to say in regards to that:

“The majority of mock drafts have the Broncos landing Hampton, the second-ranked RB prospect in this year’s draft behind Jeanty. Hampton led the ACC in rushing each of the last two years. He also rushed for a whopping 30 touchdowns over that span.”

It seems that every analyst sees the Broncos going with Hampton in the first round, so why does it seem so hard to believe that it’s going to be that easy?

The Broncos may very well end up with Hampton, but head coach Sean Payton knows that he can find talent at running back in this class. The team does want to make sure that position is addressed, but taking a running back in the second or even third round is not a crazy idea with the depth in this talent pool. 

That could allow the Broncos to use their first-round pick on a defensive lineman such as Kenneth Grant or Shemar Stewart. Payton and general manager George Paton will take a running back in this class, but the idea is to come away with the most overall talent that they can.

There is also the chance that Hampton could be off the board before the Broncos even get a chance to get him. If Ashton Jeanty goes in the top 10 — something that is widely expected — the Dallas Cowboys could be a spot for Hampton at No. 12. Because of that clear possibility, the Broncos have multiple backup plans. 

While all signs point to the team taking Hampton to be its new RB1 with the No. 20 pick, you might want to think twice before putting any money on the line with that bet. 

Last season, the Broncos were set on Bo Nix and were thrilled he fell to them at No. 12. Does the team feel the same way about Hampton this year? That remains to be seen, and we will soon find out. 

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