3 NFL Draft prospects the Broncos should avoid
1. Travis Etienne, RB, Clemson
Another popular way to take pressure off a young quarterback is to pair him with a running back that can turn mundane plays into explosive touchdowns. Etienne showcased that ability during his collegiate days at Clemson. He would give the Broncos offense an added dimension they haven’t possessed during Lock’s tenure.
The issue is that the Broncos already have a competent starting running back. Melvin Gordon is severely overpaid, but he’s not going anywhere anytime soon. Denver cannot afford to spend high-end draft capital to try to secure a modest upgrade over their high-priced veteran.
The Broncos also need to pass on Etienne because spending a high first round pick on a running back just isn’t smart business in the modern NFL. The league is littered with late round picks and undrafted free agents who have blossomed into stars in the right situation. If Denver really wants to find a new starter this offseason, they need to focus their attention on finding a diamond in the rough.
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Watch for Etienne’s stock to rise significantly during the pre-draft process. He’s going to earn a lot of flattering comparisons to Alvin Kamara as Draft Day approaches. That might push him into the middle of the first round, but Denver cannot afford to be the team that takes that substantial gamble.