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2017 NFL Mock Draft: Running backs steal spotlight

By Brad Weiss

Nov 12, 2016; Fayetteville, AR, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) runs for a large gain after a reception during the first quarter of the game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 12, 2016; Fayetteville, AR, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) runs for a large gain after a reception during the first quarter of the game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide tight end O.J. Howard (88) runs the ball while guarded by Clemson Tigers safety Jadar Johnson (18) during the fourth quarter in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide tight end O.J. Howard (88) runs the ball while guarded by Clemson Tigers safety Jadar Johnson (18) during the fourth quarter in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports /
20

O.J. Howard

TE, Alabama

The Denver Broncos saw themselves on the outside looking in at the playoffs this season, which was only one removed from them hoisting the Vince Lombardi Trophy as winners of Super Bowl 50. Heading into next season, there is a ton of question marks up and down the roster, and that starts with their head coach. Gary Kubiak had to retire due to health reasons, and the team tabbed Vance Joseph to take over for the 2017 NFL season.

While Joseph has zero head coaching experience at the NFL level, he has already begun to swing his weight around. He let the world know that there will be an open completion for the starting quarterback spot next season, a position that was won by Trevor Siemian prior to the 2016 season. The team did spend a first round pick on Paxton Lynch during last year’s draft, and Joseph is going to give him every opportunity to win the job in camp.

No matter who is playing quarterback next season, the fact of the matter is that the Broncos need a tight end. This past season, they had no tight end, or running game, which led to Siemian having to try to win games on his own. O.J. Howard is an elite tight end prospect, and if he is available at No. 20, the Broncos have to make him their draft pick. He will be a great safety valve for whoever is under center, and will give the Broncos another wrinkle to their offense.

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