Any time the head football decision-maker declares a certain position the top priority with the offseason barely underway, folks tend to spend the ensuing weeks and months waiting for a Big Move.

That's where the Denver Broncos are at the moment, because John Elway has already declared they won't be better until the quarterback is. The Broncos sit at the No. 5 spot in the draft and have enough in their proverbial wallet to dive into free agency if they wish.

But in his first mock of the predraft season, ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. sees the Broncos making their move at No. 5 with USC's Sam Darnold. ESPN's Todd McShay had the Broncos selecting Wyoming quarterback Josh Allen in his first mock draft.

Elway, Broncos director of personnel Matt Russell and Gary Kubiak, who has a larger role in the personnel department this season, were in attendance Dec. 29 at the Cotton Bowl when Darnold's Trojans faced Ohio State. The quarterback threw for 356 yards in USC's loss and was 26-of-45 passing with an interception.

From the Broncos' perspective, Darnold fits the profile they've used before. Darnold won't turn 21 until right before training camp opens and the Broncos have selected 20-year-olds before on Elway's watch. Quarterback Brock Osweiler and running back Ronnie Hillman were each 20 in the 2012 draft.

Darnold has just the kind of frame, arm strength, demeanor and athleticism Elway likes at the position. He also has the upside the Broncos covet; he played just 27 games at USC before entering the draft after his redshirt sophomore season. Darnold finished 2017 with 4,143 yards passing, making him the first 4,000-yard passer in USC's storied football history.

The issue is turnovers because Darnold had plenty of them: 13 interceptions and nine lost fumbles this past season. He lost three fumbles against Utah and two against the Buckeyes at the Cotton Bowl.