Robert Nkemdiche (Photo : Getty Images)
The Denver Broncos could select a defensive tackle if there is no quarterback available left in the first round of this year's NFL draft.
Gil Alcaraz IV of Spin Zone reported that the Broncos may have another option if they do not get to draft a quarterback, which has been rumored as the team's primary prospect in the 2016 NFL draft in Chicago According to Alcaraz, the Broncos could use the No. 31 pick on Ole Miss' Robert Nkemdiche as replacement for Malik Jackson, who left Denver for a massive deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
"One of the toughest losses Denver suffered this offseason was the departure of Jackson, a disruptive defensive end who signed a massive deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars," Alcaraz wrote.
"That's where a player like Robert Nkemdiche could come into play. In terms of physical talent, the Broncos could ask for a much better rookie replacement for Jackson."
The Broncos are linked with the San Francisco 49ers for a possible trade for quarterback Colin Kaepernick. While the two teams have yet to confirm any transaction, there is a growing sense that Denver's draft prospects later this month will depend if they could land Kaepernick.
With Kaepernick on board, the Super Bowl 50 winners could focus rebuilding their defense after "losing several defensive starters to free agency." This suggests that the possibility for the Broncos to select Nkemdiche at No. 31 would solely be based on the success of the team to acquire a quarterback outside the draft night.
Meanwhile, Nkemdiche has been one of the busier prospects in this year's draft class, with the 21-year-old scheduled to meet 16 NFL teams this month.
Nkemdiche has visited the Arizona Cardinals earlier this week, as well as the Oakland Raiders the following day. He will also meet with the Jacksonville Jaguars and Baltimore Ravens later this week, according to NFL's official website.
Scott Bair of CSN Bay Area believes that Nkemdiche is a "first-round talent" who could be one of the Raiders' potential draft option at No. 14.
"Some believe he's a Top-10 talent who should be available after the first round's opening third, but the Raiders must be convinced Nkemdiche is a relatively safe pick," Blair noted.
