Optimum Scouting’s/Sporting News’s Eric Galko, the Denver Broncos really want to come away with UTEP guard Will Hernandez during tonight’s first-round of the 2018 NFL Draft.

Over @SportingNews: "What I've Heard"

-#Browns QB Discussion

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-Josh Jackson, Kolton Miller going early

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-More!https://t.co/khfbZtBa5o — Eric Galko (@OptimumScouting) April 24, 2018

He says that the Denver Broncos will likely have to fight off the Carolina Panthers for Will Hernandez’s services in the first-round.

Two teams that could fight for Will Hernandez’s services are the Panthers and Broncos. If Denver trades back with Buffalo, Hernandez could be the pick at No. 22.

Galko reiterated this during a periscope which he did just an hour ago. He said that the Broncos “WANT” Will Hernandez and that they will either take him with one of their potential two first-round picks or trade back into the first-round for him.

He doesn’t believe the Broncos will be picking at 5 so a trade back which has been rumored as the likely outcome is something he expects.

Hernandez is a 6’2”, 348lb offensive lineman who is considered one of the top guards in the entire draft. NFL Network’s draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah has Hernandez ranked as his 21st overall player in the draft.

Hernandez has average height and a very thick/square build for the position. He lines up at left guard for the Miners and completely dominates in the run game. He is quick out of his stance and uses his upper strength to torque and dump defenders at the point of attack. He does a nice job of re-working his hands to maintain inside position and maintain leverage. In pass protection, he has the power base to anchor bull rushers and surprising quickness to redirect vs. athletic defenders. He piles up some gnarly knockdowns when he’s uncovered. He’s always looking for extra work. Overall, Hernandez is a tempo setter in the run game and more than adequate in the passing game. He had a great Senior Bowl and combine.

If drafted by the Broncos, Hernandez would step in as the Broncos starting guard opposite of Ronald Leary and bring a big-time power element to their offensive line. He would also be reuniting with his UTEP Head Coach Sean Kugler who is coaching the Broncos guards and centers and recruited him to UTEP.

So you can imagine that Kugler’s influence here is a big-time deciding factor into the Broncos interest in Hernandez.