Broncos Meet With Draft Prospects Bell, Patton

(Bell's signature hurdle. BTN Screen)

The free agency buzz has died down and teams have started honing in on draft preparations.  For the Denver Broncos, part of that process entails meeting with prospects that have caught their eye.

On Thursday morning, JHSM was informed by Le’Veon Bell's representatives that the Michigan State running back has received interest from Denver.  That interest was confirmed this afternoon, when Scout.com's Aaron Wilson reported that Bell has scheduled a private workout with the team.

Another prospect, Louisiana Tech wide receiver Quinton Patton met with the team on Tuesday morning, according to DraftInsider.net's Tony Pauline. NFL Network's Mike Mayock has Patton ranked as his fourth-best wide receiver in the draft.

Bell (6'2", 230 lbs.) is a 21 year old junior running back that rushed 382 times for 1,793 yards (4.7 average) and 12 touchdowns last season.  After scoring 33 touchdowns in three years, Bell has been dubbed the best running back in the draft by NFL.com's Bucky Brooks.

Patton (6'2", 195 lbs.) is a 22 year old senior wide receiver that caught 104 passes for 1,392 yards and 13 touchdowns during his final year at Louisiana Tech.  He is projected as a second round prospect by NFLDraftScout.com.

The Broncos currently have $8,831,523 in cap room and $3,919,615 of it will go towards 2013 rookie salaries.  Bell and Patton are two candidates to land portions of that $3.9M this April.

The first round of the 2013 NFL Draft will take place at Radio City Music Hall in New York City on Thursday, April 25.  If they to not trade out, the Broncos' first selection will be 28th overall.