Troy Renck: The Broncos are headed to Buffalo, but let’s talk about Buffaloes. While we have a few weeks before diving into Denver’s prospects, the NFL draft order is official and cannot be broached without discussing CU quarterback Shedeur Sanders and Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter. The top five picks belong to the Titans, Browns, Giants, Patriots, Jaguars, the latter two of whom are searching for new coaches. CU boss Deion Sanders has made it clear that he will continue to provide correction and direction for his son and Hunter during this process. He has their best interests in mind, but how will that affect where they are taken? So, Sean, a two-parter: Do you believe Shedeur and Hunter will go in the first three picks? And will either force their way to a preferred destination?
Sean Keeler: They’ll both be gone before pick No. 4, my friend. I just can’t entirely convince myself that they’re bound for Tennessee, which has the top pick, or Cleveland, which selects second. It’s a classic CU quandary (CU-andary?): Coach Prime wants his son, or Hunter, to go No. 1. I’m not sure he’s particularly enamored with the idea of Shedeur in Nashville, though — or anybody from the family landing with the Brownies. The former’s had the Giants on the brain for weeks, even to the point of flashing some custom cleats that featured the G-Men’s famous blue-and-red logo. Titans coach Brian Callahan is a good guy with a strong pedigree. Shedeur’s got what he needs. I’m just not sure Nashville’s got what the Sanders family needs as a marketing destination.
Renck: The Titans and Callahan, a former Broncos assistant, face an interesting decision. They need an adult at quarterback after Will Levis showed he is more well-versed in mayonnaise than a blitzing defense. But do they like Sanders enough to take him first? Projections already have them selecting Miami’s Cam Ward. A strong case could be made for taking Hunter as the best player available, and chasing a quarterback next season. Hunter, though, wants to be given the opportunity to play on both sides of the ball. Would the Titans agree to this? They would be stupid not to.
Keeler: Hunter is two Pro Bowl players for the price of one, the perfect gift for a franchise that needs — well, everything. The Titans and Browns certainly fill that bill. But in a QB-coach league, nothing moves the needle the way landing the right QB1 does. Just ask the Broncos, who got it right with Bo Nix on, what, the 12th try? 13th? Callahan worked wonders with Joe Burrow in Cincy. I’d bet he’s looking for a Runway Joe of his own, and Shedeur can already make the throws Burrow had to learn as a rookie NFL. The Titans are taking a QB at No. 1 — or trading out of that slot to a team Shedeur and the Sanders family want to play for and using that leverage to stockpile picks. It wouldn’t shock me if this whole thing takes a few Eli Manning twists.
Renck: Of the top three teams, my educated guess is Sanders would prefer, in order, the Giants, Titans and Browns. While the glory of going first overall is cool, the NFL is about finding the right fit. Sanders’ best chance at success lies in New York with coach Brian Daboll — his job is safe — and receiver Malik Nabers, who already has a friendship with the former CU star. I can see Deion pulling strings behind the scenes to prevent Shedeur from going to the quarterback graveyard that is Cleveland. And I wouldn’t blame him. But let’s be fair. If Shedeur positions himself to get to the Giants, he must show he can adapt to the NFL and function without his father as his coach. Very few quarterbacks have been sacked as many times as he was in college — we all agree he holds onto the ball too long — and prospered at the next level. The Bears’ Caleb Williams provided a “What Not To Do” template this season. The tough part of this scenario? It means it could put Hunter in Cleveland as a full-time cornerback and part-time receiver. Cue the Rolling Stones, “I can’t always get what I want. …. “
Keeler: But if you try sometimes, well, you just might find … you get what you need. Coach Prime has always looked out for his kids’ best interests. And no NFL dad, if they have a vote, is going to let their QB son land in Cleveland. The Giants are the best fit for Shedeur, for all the reasons you cited — plus the market. While Hunter got the Heisman, if the game is to avoid starting your NFL along Lake Erie, No. 12 might wind up getting the short end of the stick.
Want more sports news? Sign up for the Sports Omelette to get all our analysis on Denver’s teams.