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Karlaftis is an NFL-ready, three-down defensive end who can help keep the Broncos pass rush afloat.

The Broncos need a quarterback, of course, but the feeling I get is that they're more likely to try to add a veteran in either the trade or free-agent market. They have a solid roster, and a veteran could help them win right away. This could change as we get closer to the draft -- and they hire a coach -- but I'm going to stay away from quarterback here for now.

Denver could be a great spot for the draft's best off-ball linebacker, Dean, who was the leader of the spectacular Georgia defense. He makes tackle after tackle and can run sideline to sideline to make plays, and he has three-down potential because of his ability to cover tight ends and running backs. He'll also help as a blitzer -- he had six sacks in 2021. The Broncos have the Rams' second- and third-round picks from the Von Miller trade, so general manager George Paton has a real chance to get this team back to the playoffs if he can nail a few early selections, as he did with Pat Surtain II and Javonte Williams last year.

The Broncos said "no thanks" to Justin Fields and Mac Jones at No. 9 overall last year. Will they pass on the quarterback position again a year later? We'll see if Denver is able to find an upgrade at the position prior to the draft or if it buys into one of the quarterbacks in this draft class.

Denver landed an impact defender with the ninth pick last year, and it could do that again with Lloyd. A former safety, he has outstanding eyes and explosion to drive downhill (22.0 tackles for loss in 2021) and the athleticism to make plays in coverage (four interceptions, two pick-sixes in 2021).

Howell watched his top receivers and top running backs go onto the NFL while he stayed back at Chapel Hill, and he still managed to earn a 90.0 PFF grade in 2021. The drop-off in talent with his supporting cast took a baseball bat to UNC's chances in the ACC, but Howell still showed out as one of college football's top signal-callers. He has a rocket arm with plus mobility for the position, enough for Denver to pull the trigger on his talents at No. 9 overall.

If the Broncos can pry Aaron Rodgers away from Green Bay, they don't need to worry about drafting a quarterback. But after Teddy Bridgewater and Drew Lock put together a disappointing 2021 season, Denver needs another option. The 6-1, 220-pound Howell is a polarizing prospect, but he put up huge numbers (10,283 passing yards, 92 touchdown passes, 1,009 rushing yards) in three seasons for the Tar Heels.

Much of the Broncos' draft direction will depend on what they do in free agency or via trade in terms of landing a veteran quarterback. If they don't like the draft options under center, they might as well pick the best center to come through in ages instead.

I expect the Broncos to make a push for Aaron Rodgers, but if the presumed MVP remains in Green Bay, a quarterback has to be the top priority. Corral is slightly undersized, but he's a NFL-caliber playmaker with genuine arm talent. His X-rays were negative after he injured his ankle in a loss to Baylor in the Sugar Bowl.

Drafting an off-ball linebacker in the top 10 can be a dangerous proposition given concerns about positional value. What Dean can do for a team, however, might help alleviate concerns about that and his 6-0, 225-pound frame. With a knack for rapidly processing plays and chasing down ball carriers in the open field, Dean has the potential to fortify the heart of any defense he joins. That package should be a draw for the Broncos, who know the value of a savvy defender after nabbing standout rookie cornerback Patrick Surtain II in this slot last year.

The Broncos finally take a quarterback. Matt Corral has his flaws, but the Broncos love quarterbacks with flaws so he should fit right in.

The Broncos' defense is exceptional. Denver has young and talented playmakers at wide receiver, tight end, and running back. There is plenty to like about the offensive line. The only thing that is missing is a quarterback and Matt Corral could be the signal-caller to maximize a sound infrastructure that is in place.

Corral is a creative playmaker with good accuracy. Given the altitudes in Denver, Javonte Williams at running back, and a physical offensive line, this team should be about running the football and catching defenses out of breath and wilting in the fourth quarter. Corral is the complementary quarterback that can create explosive plays in the passing game to fully embrace a winning script in Denver and get the Broncos back to their winning ways that were once the norm.