Denver Broncos: Pre-Draft Notes & Projections

(DenverBroncos on Instagram)

The 2013 NFL Draft is just moments away, with the Denver Broncos scheduled to select 28th overall in the first round.  Earlier in the week, Broncos V.P. of Football Operations John Elway noted that the team is planning to select a player at No. 28.

But as the draft draws closer, the likelihood of Denver trading (up or down) seems to be increasing.  Elway noted a few hours ago that if a player they like falls farther than expected, they may trade into the upper-20s to select him.  

The possibility of trading down also remains an option.

The mock drafts have been learning towards defensive ends for the Broncos in the first round, with Florida State defensive ends Bjoern Werner and Cornellius Carradine are the heavy favorites to go off the board at No. 28.  Other first round candidates the Broncos will consider include Washington's Desmond Trufant, UCLA defensive end Datone Jones and Florida State cornerback Xavier Rhodes.

Two dark horses that may fall farther than expected include Alabama running back Eddie Lacy and Notre Dame linebacker Manti Te'o, who have both drawn interest from Denver.

Meanwhile over at MileHighReport.com, David East is projecting the Broncos to select Michigan State running back Le'Veon Bell and Miami (OH) quarterback Zac Dysert this weekend.  I fully endorse both of those projections, especially the Bell selection.

Bell met with the Broncos twice before the draft and told me the team was impressed with his versatility.  If he falls into the third round, watch for the Broncos to scoop Bell off the board with their 90th pick (assuming they do not trade their third round selection).

The draft will begin at 6 p.m. MT and will be broadcast on NFL Network and ESPN.