NFL Draft rumors: Broncos linked to Christian McCaffrey

Could Christian McCaffrey be a first round target for the Denver Broncos? 

The Broncos are looking to retool their team. They had a nice run, but every good thing must come to an end. General Manager John Elway is wise to retool now rather than have to rebuild later. They’re looking to add some playmakers to their offense to give some help to whoever their 2017 quarterback will be. Whether it’s Trevor Siemian or Tony Romo, the Broncos will need to give them playmakers. Christian McCaffrey is one name Denver is reportedly linked to.

"During the combine I consistently heard daily rumors that the Denver Broncos could take McCaffrey in Round 1 in large part due to the Elway/McCaffrey family relationship dating back to Stanford."

There is something to the family relationship note. Elway has hired people he is comfortable and connected with. His current head coach is Gary Kubiak, who was the offensive coordinator for the pigeon-toed quarterback. Offensive Coordinator Mike McCoy has ties to Elway as well.

However, to say the Broncos should draft McCaffrey because of his dad is ignoring what he can do on the field. He’s a very unique playmaker in the same mold as Brian Westbrook. McCaffrey can do damage as a running back and as a slot receiver. It’s not a stretch to imagine him netting around 1,500 yards from scrimmage per year if healthy.

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The biggest question is will McCaffrey be around at pick number 20. If you read 10 mock drafts, it’s likely you’ll see at least five different teams taking him. Factoring in what McCaffrey can bring to the return game, if he’s available when the Broncos pick in the first round, they should go after him. He’d be a unique tool in Kubiak’s offense and McCoy has a history of utilizing versatile players.