DENVER -- Covering the Broncos requires a plane tail number, depth chart and a salary cap spread sheet.
Wednesday, the Broncos' top executives, including general manager John Elway, advisor Gary Kubiak and coach Vance Joseph, traveled to Oklahoma to attend the Sooners pro day. They sought another long look at quarterback Baker Mayfield and tackle Orlando Brown, who is attempting to rebound from one of the worst combine performances ever. Brown improved on the bench press and 40-yard dash, but the variance of opinions on him cuts a wide swath. The Broncos will travel to California for UCLA quarterback Josh Rosen's pro day on Thursday.
Mayfield has long impressed the Broncos, starting with his Rose Bowl performance to his command of the huddle and practices at the Senior Bowl to his NFL combine interview. The Broncos signing of Case Keenum to a two-year, deal for roughly $36 million keeps all options open in the draft. Keenum arrives as the clear starter from day one, but the Broncos are dating, not married to him, based on the financial commitment.
The roster flexibility allows the Broncos to select a quarterback fifth overall if they fall for one of the players. Or they could trade the pick to a team like the Bills or Cardinals, who are seeking to move up in the draft.
The Broncos need offensive line help. It will not come in the form of Nate Solder. Elway tipped his hand at the combine when he indicated the team planned to keep Garett Bolles at left tackle. Denver is seeking a right tackle. And Solder, a former standout at the University of Colorado was obviously not moving positions. All he did Wednesday was become the highest-paid left tackle, agreeing to a four-year, $62-million deal with $35 million guaranteed with the New York Giants, per NFL Network.
Former Colorado State Pueblo star Ryan Jensen, a versatile linemen for the Ravens throughout his career, will visit the Bucs and Colts, agent Mike McCartney told Denver7.
So what's up with the Broncos? As tackles go, keep an eye on Cameron Fleming in what is a tepid class. The lack of free agent depth is why the Broncos could draft a tackle, such as Brown. It is considered a strong draft class for guards.
Denver continues to seek a nickel cornerback. Several came off the board on Monday and Tuesday, leaving the Broncos focusing on T.J. Carrie. They are also talking with the agent for veteran Tramaine Brock, and could sign him. He last played with the Vikings. Again, the Broncos are looking for help in sub packages with Bradley Roby moving into a starting role following the trade of Aqib Talib to the Rams.
Another position of need? Tight end. The expectation is that Jake Butt, his knee healthy, will emerge as a solid contributor. However, adding a veteran remains a possibility. Tyler Eifert and Brent Celek are among the options. Eifert has battled health issues and Celek was a salary cap casualty in Philadelphia, where he was respected as the team's longest-tenured player.
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Want Broncos news? Denver7 Broncos insider Troy E. Renck is your source. He talks to the players, covers the games and reports scoops on Denver7 and the Denver7 app. He is a CU grad who has covered pro sports in Colorado since 1996, including 14 years at The Denver Post. Follow him on Facebook, Twitter and TheDenverChannel.com’s Broncos page. Troy welcomes most of your emails at Troy.Renck@kmgh.com.
