Around the web: Draft day approaches

The 1st round of the 75th NFL Draft will begin next Thursday night, and we'll have full coverage of the event. Be sure to stop by the blog, our Facebook page, and Twitter page for player profiles, photos, videos and more this weekend.

After Denver traded away Brandon Marshall, almost every NFL Analyst has predicted the Broncos to select Dez Bryant at #11. Even Josh McDaniels expressed his support of Bryant at a Pre-Draft press conference this past week. So, Denver will be drafting a WR in the first round? Not so fast. ESPN draft analyst Todd McShay had this to say: “I don’t expect them at all to take a receiver in the first . . . and it wouldn't shock me if they wait till pick #80 to get one.

Meanwhile, Head Coach Josh McDaniels hinted the Broncos may trade down, stating: "[The] odds would be in favor of us going backwards." With 3 picks in the first 45, and McDaniels draft history, it is speculated this could be a very eventful weekend for the Broncos. Expect trades aplenty.

Over at BroncoMadness.com, I recently wrote up a post that pointed out some reasons Denver may go after a Quarterback. Over at MHR, Sayre Bedinger's latest Mock has the Broncos selecting QB Tim Tebow with the 43rd pick. Following suit, BT's David East's Mock has the Broncos taking him at #45. McDaniels only had great things to say about Tebow in his Pre-Draft Presser, and is going to visit with him again tomorrow. Denver drafting a Quarterback is definitely a possibility.

Alabama nose guard Terrence "Mount" Cody was scheduled to visit the Broncos, but it's unclear if the visit took place. The Broncos could use a Big DT, and it is well know that Cody is BIG.

Ever since McDaniels benched Marshall and Tony Scheffler last season, it has been speculated that both players were done in Denver. The Broncos traded Marshall to Miami, while Scheffler signed his Tender, clearing the way for him to be traded as well. Of the teams who are reportedly interested, the Cincinnati Bengals stick out. Although Bengals coach Marvin Lewis hinted about a draft day for Tony, McDaniels said a few teams have called about him, the Bengals not included.

Overall, there's some good depth in the draft this year. Head Coach Josh McDaniels has taken a fancy to Dez Bryant, Tim Tebow, Sean Weatherspoon, and Rolando McClain. The Broncos are in a good position, if they don't like whose on the board, they could aways trade down, and go after Idaho Guard Mike Iupati or Florida's Center Maurkice Pouncey; Tennessee's Dan Williams may also be around later than expected.

This week is going to be busy - and fun. Be sure to stop by the blog on draft day and catch all the action!