Going Deep: Predicting Denver Broncos eight picks in 2018 draft

The Denver Broncos have eight picks in the NFL Draft, including No. 5 in the first round April 26 in Arlington, Tex. Here is a look at the Broncos' five-year draft record with roster tallies reflecting totals as of the end of the 2017 season. Below that are the team's current needs heading into this draft and our projection for all their 2018 picks. BRONCOS' FIVE-YEAR DRAFT BREAKDOWN 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 TOTAL PICKS 7 6 9 8 8 STARTERS 0 1 3 7 1 BACKUPS 0 3 1 1 7 OTHER TEAMS 5 2 1 0 0 OUT OF LEAGUE 2 0 4 0 0 TOP 3 NEEDS IN 2018 DRAFT 1. Right tackle: The trade for Jared Veldheer solidifies the position for the moment, but the Broncos could look for a long-term answer in the draft. Denver cycled through four right tackles last season, and the results were predictable. Another guard is also a possibility. 2. Wide receiver: Denver is set at the top two spots for the short term with Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders, but both are now nine-season veterans in their 30s, so the Broncos could look to get younger at the position. Denver needs a true slot receiver, and while there are unproven internal options, Denver could look to find a player with a slot skillset -- and perhaps punt-return ability, too. 3. Defensive line: Derek Wolfe is expected to be back to full health, but he has struggled with injuries in recent years. Nose tackle Domata Peko is 33 and in the last year of his contract. Third-year veteran Adam Gotsis, who turned in some solid play last year, was arrested in March for an alleged rape from five years ago, and until that matter is resolved, a question mark will linger. Below is a list of all eight of the Broncos' picks, with players suggested by NFLDraftScout.com. BRONCOS 2018 Draft (Eight picks) Rd./overall pick: Player selected (*indicates compensatory pick) 1-5: Josh Allen, QB, Wyoming (6-5, 237, 4.76) 2-40: Carlton Davis, CB, Auburn (6-1, 206, 4.44) 3-71: Orlando Brown, T, Oklahoma (6-8, 345, 5.68) *3-99: Dante Pettis, WR, Washington (6-0, 186, 4.47) 4-106: Dane Cruikshank, S, Arizona (6-1, 209, 4.41) 4-113: Gerard Avery, LB, Memphis (6-0, 248, 4.59) 5-149: Tyler Conklin, TE, Central Michigan (6-3, 254, 4.80) 5-160: Jamil Demby, G, Maine (6-4, 319, 5.68)