ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- When we first scoured the web for mock drafts post-NFL Scouting Combine, the consensus seemed to be that the Broncos would select a defensive tackle with the 28th overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft.
Now, the position groups are a little more varied, ranging from linebacker to cornerback, linebacker, defensive end, defensive tackle and running back.
Here's a look at who the experts predict Denver will select in April.
ESPN's Todd McShay: Notre Dame LB Manti Te'o
Denver would like to find a replacement for departed DE Elvis Dumervil, but middle linebacker is also a top need and the Broncos offer the perfect scheme fit for Te'o. He plays fast enough to get from sideline to sideline, and he could be a very good player with Denver's defensive linemen protecting him. And with Peyton Manning leading the way, the Broncos have the leadership in place to deal with any concerns about Te'o fitting into the locker room.
ESPN's Mel Kiper, Jr.: Washington CB Desmond Trufant
Champ Bailey may be good when he's 50 at this rate, but the Broncos could still use another corner, and Trufant is an experienced player who can help immediately because he can mirror receivers both on the edges and in the slot. He utilizes great footwork, has underrated ball skills and can turn and run with anybody.
Sports Illustrated's Don Banks: Florida State DE Tank Carradine
In light of the Elvis Dumervil plot twist, the Broncos checking out the defensive end market stands to reason. Carradine is an intriguing possibility. After his November ACL injury, the jury is still out on him, at least until he shows how much mobility he has recovered in the weeks just before the draft. If the Broncos can live without much early impact from him this season, he could wind up being a steal at the bottom of the round.
National Football Post's Russ Lande: LSU DE Sam Montgomery
After losing Elvis Dumervil due to fax mistake, the Broncos need to get another pass rusher to keep offenses from focusing solely on Von Miller. Montgomery is an excellent run defender who gets more pressure than expected through strength, effort and hand use.
NFL.com's Gil Brandt: Trufant
Trufant, who has probably made as much progress as any prospect this year, had a fantastic workout at Washington's Pro Day. Denver needs corners; as the best remaining one on the board at this point, Trufant is a good fit for the Broncos. He has speed and athletic ability, and he will tackle. Trufant's brothers, Marcus and Isaiah, both play in the NFL.
NFL.com's Charley Casserly: Texas A&M DE Damontre Moore
Moore, who terrorized the SEC last season, plays faster than his timed speed.
NFL.com's Daniel Jeremiah: Trufant
The Broncos need to get younger at cornerback. Trufant has seen his stock soar since the end of the college season.
NFL.com's Matt Smith: Florida State DE Bjoern Werner
A bad combine saw his stock slide perhaps more than that of any other player (expect maybe Damontre Moore). Before Indianapolis, there was talk that Werner might have been the first defensive player taken in the draft. The Broncos got their corner in free agency (Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie), so here they nab an end to help out that secondary even more.
NFL.com's Bucky Brooks: North Carolina DT Sylvester Williams
John Fox wants to fortify the Broncos down the middle. Williams is an energetic three-technique with the first-step quickness to create disruption at the point of attack.
NFL.com's Josh Norris: Trufant
Defensive tackle is a possibility, but the Broncos re-signed Kevin Vickerson and (signed) Terrance Knighton. Champ Bailey isn't getting younger, and Trufant has very quick feet to mirror receivers downfield.
NFL.com's Charles Davis: Georgia LB Alec Ogletree
A top-10 talent who might slide due to off-the-field concerns. If so, Ogletree's speed will make an already great defense even better.
USA Today's Nate Davis: Moore
His stock has taken a beating ever since a horrid showing at the scouting combine. Still, Moore managed 12½ sacks for the Aggies last season, and the Broncos could use a young pass rusher in the wake of the Elvis Dumervil debacle. Perhaps a reunion with former A&M teammate Von Miller would be a needed boon to Moore.
USA Today's Jarrett Bell and Jim Corbett: Trufant and Moore, respectively
CBSSports.com's Rob Rang: Werner
While the Broncos deserve a great deal of credit for an impressive haul of free agents, the slip-up which caused Elvis Dumervil to become an unrestricted free agent could come back to haunt them. Therefore, adding another pass rusher to counter Von Miller is important. Werner doesn't possess elite athleticism and therefore could slip on draft day. He's instinctive and technically-sound, however, and would prove a steal if playing opposite an established star like Miller.
CBSSports.com's Dane Brugler: Williams
The Broncos re-signed Kevin Vickerson and added Terrance Knighton, but interior defensive line depth is needed. With Elvis Dumerville signing with the Ravens, the Broncos could go pass rusher like Damontre Moore here, but Williams is an athletic and versatile player with an intriguing NFL upside.
CBSSports.com's Pat Kirwan: Ohio State DT Johnathan Hankins
The Broncos signed wide body Terrence Knighton, but still need a disruptive defensive tackle with skills to penetrate. They could consider Sylvester Williams or Jesse Williams in this spot, too. One thing for sure: If they don't take one here, the good ones all will be gone by the next time they pick.
CBSSports.com's Pete Prisco: Alabama DT Jesse Williams
They need to improve in a big way in the middle of their defense.
CBSSports.com's Will Brinson: Moore
John Elway was crushing free agency until he allowed Elvis Dumervil to walk. Now he's got a need at pass rusher (even if the Broncos sign John Abraham or Dwight Freeney) and Moore's slipped because of poor testing results. Putting him in their rotation, along with his versatility, would be a nice fit.
CBSSports.com's Clark Judge: Alabama RB Eddie Lacy
Willis McGahee can't keep running until he's 50. Fresh legs are needed, and Lacy's the best back on the board.
FOXSports.com's Peter Schrager: S. Williams
The Broncos re-signed Kevin Vickerson and went out and got Terrence Knighton in free agency, bolstering their interior defensive line. Their work might not be done at the position. Williams is a 6'2, 313-pound run stuffer who can get to the QB. He excelled on a UNC defense loaded with stars. I think he could end up being a better pro player than college player.
SB Nation: Carradine
After the Elvis Dumervil fiasco, the Broncos could be in the market for a defensive end. For a team with as strong a roster as Denver's, Tank Carradine would make a ton of sense. He may not be back to full strength at the beginning of the season after tearing his ACL in November, but the upside he presents at the defensive end spot is higher than any player in this class. If he's healthy by mid-season, the rest of the league will be kicking itself.
Bleacher Report's Matt Miller: Mississippi State CB Johnthan Banks
The Denver Broncos have been active in free agency, and even though they added Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, the team needs another young player at the position to play behind the aging Champ Bailey.
Johnthan Banks is a physical, man-coverage cornerback who has the skill set to attack the ball as a cover man and a tackler. Banks could easily be the team's No. 3 cornerback in 2013 and then make his move to the starting lineup in 2014 as Bailey's replacement. Talk about a smooth transition.
Miller's picks for rounds two through seven:
Two: Western Kentucky DE Quanterus SmithThree: Syracuse S Shamarko ThomasFour: Illinois DT Akeem SpenceFive: Tennessee TE Mychal RiveraSeven: Ohio DE Tremayne Scott
