Let's take a look at some possible targets of the Denver Broncos, who have the No. 28 pick in the April 25-27 draft:

Tank Carradine, defensive end, Florida State

How he could be the choice? If Carradine had been healthy last year, he probably would have been a top-15 pick. But there is a strong chance he will be available. Denver could pull the trigger or perhaps even trade down a few spots to take him.

What are the risks? Carradine is coming off a major knee injury.

How would he help? He would help make up for the loss of Elvis Dumervil.

Why is he a top prospect? He has tremendous pass-rush burst and great college film.

D.J. Hayden, Houston, cornerback

How he could be the choice? He should be available at No. 28 and perhaps even in a trade down. It could be a matter of choice compared to another cornerback.

What are the risks? He is not an elite talent, and he may never become an elite player.

How would he help? The Broncos are looking to get younger at the position.

Why is he a top prospect? He is a big, strong competitor.

Margus Hunt, defensive end, SMU

How he could be the choice? If Denver thinks all the pluses outweigh the risks, he could be the choice. He would be a possible target in a trade down.

What are the risks? He is raw, and he is 26. That is a tough combination for a top pick.

How would he help? He would add to the pass-rush mix.

Why is he a top prospect? He is huge, and he has natural pass-rushing skills.

Johnathan Jenkins, defensive tackle, Georgia

How he could be the choice? If Denver thinks Jenkins is too good to pass up, his selection at No. 28 could easily be justified.

What are the risks? He takes plays off, and he is far from a finished product.

How would he help? Denver is solid at defensive tackle, but adding a young talent like Jenkins would be tempting.

Why is he a top prospect? He is huge at 359 pounds, and he is athletic.

Eddie Lacy, running back, Alabama

How he could be the choice? If he is available, I think Lacy has a strong possibility of being Denver's choice.

What are the risks? Some scouts think he may just be average and may be benefiting from a weak overall class.

How would he help? Denver wants to get younger at running back, and Lacy would be a terrific addition for an already strong offense.

Why is he a top prospect? He is the best running back available, and many scouts think he can be a top primary back.

Xavier Rhodes, cornerback, Florida State

How he could be the choice? Some teams will be in love with Rhodes' size. Some teams would think he'd be worth taking at No. 28.

What are the risks? Some scouts think he is just average at everything and will not be an impact player.

How would he help? Who couldn't use a young, big corner?

Why is he a top prospect? He is huge for a corner at 6-foot-2, 215 pounds and knows how to play the position.

Jamar Taylor, cornerback, Boise State

How he could be the choice? The word is, Denver likes Taylor more than some other cornerbacks.

What are the risks? He has had injury concerns, and he may have not have a high ceiling.

How would he help? Again, with Champ Bailey nearing the end of his career, this is a position where Denver could use some youth.

Why is he a top prospect? He has impressed scouts with his solid, steady play. He seems NFL-ready.

Manti Te'o, linebacker, Notre Dame

How he could be the choice? If Te'o falls to No. 28, I'm sure Denver will be tempted to take him. Production like his is rare.

What are the risks? There's concern about the hoax he was involved in, and his combine performance was weak coming off a poor performance in the title game against Alabama.

How would he help? Denver needs a strong inside linebacker, and he'd be another talent to a solid defense.

Why is he a top prospect? He has great film. He was highly productive, and there were few flaws in his college playing career.

Desmond Trufant, cornerback, Washington

How he could be the choice? The cornerback position at the bottom of the first round will be a matter of taste. If Trufant is there, Denver could be forced into making a tough decision.

What are the risks? He is not overly big or physical.

How would he help? See above.

Why is he a top prospect? There are few flaws with this player, who has the ability to get better.

Bjoern Werner, defensive end, Florida State

Why is he a top prospect? He has everything a team would want in a pass-rusher.

How would he help? A Werner-Von Miller pairing could quickly make folks forget about Dumervil's ugly departure.

What are the risks? Some scouts think the NFL may be too big for Werner, and his skill set may not be exceptional at the next level.