2017 NFL mock draft: Christian McCaffrey to the Denver Broncos

A quick glance at the roster of the Denver Broncos, you can quickly decipher the team’s biggest needs. The team still doesn’t have a franchise left tackle, don’t have legit lead running back, and could use an upgrade at tight end.

The last of those three would be off the table in this mock draft since O.J. Howard of Alabama and David Njoku are both gone. That leaves offensive tackle and running back, and where Mile High Report’s Scotty Payne goes in the SB Nation NFL writers’ mock draft.

Payne: I know offensive tackle is a need for the Broncos, but the playmaking ability of McCaffrey is too good for John Elway and the Broncos to pass up. Also, there are multiple reports out there that Elway and the Broncos are high on the former Stanford star, so the pick makes sense.

Broncos offensive coordinator Mike McCoy is innovative as they come so I believe he will find a role for McCaffrey in their offense this season. I believe McCaffrey can be a lead back in the NFL and that he can push C.J. Anderson for the starting gig. Keep in mind Anderson has been inconsistent and injury prone during his career and 2016 fourth-round pick Devontae Booker struggled last season. So the addition of McCaffrey could add a much needed spark to the Broncos offense.

McCaffrey’s versatility allows him to be on the field at the same time as, say, Anderson or Booker. He can line up in the slot and run crisp routes and give the Broncos a true slot weapon. That is something they have lacked for the past few years.

Add in his contributions in the return game and the Broncos are filling three needs with one selection.

He’ll be an instant fan favorite and hopefully an instant impact player for the Broncos on offense.

Analysis: My big issue with this pick is that we’ve yet to see an offensive tackle get taken in this mock draft, so the Broncos have their pick. At this point Ryan Ramczyk of Wisconsin has good value and he could take over the left tackle spot in Denver. However, considering that the Broncos have added linemen Menelik Watson and Ronald Leary this offseason, they may be under the belief they don’t need to take a blocker early. If that’s the case, I love the fit of McCaffrey. Leading up to the draft the feeling is that McCaffrey will be a top-20 pick, and that’s exactly where Denver sits.

Our final pick of the day in the SB Nation NFL writers’ mock draft is coming up at 3 p.m. ET from the Detroit Lions and Pride of Detroit.