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First Round Picks Show Potential For Denver's 4 Major Pro Teams

By Michael Spencer

DENVER (CBS4)- Which former 1st round draft pick has the brightest future in Denver? That was the question we posed to CBS4 viewers on Tuesday night for our Century Link poll question.

There's no doubt that the future in Denver is bright, so there were plenty of young stars to choose from, but the CBS4 viewers selected Rockies slugger Trevor Story as the young player with the brightest future.

Colorado Rockies v Baltimore Orioles
BALTIMORE, MD - JULY 26: Trevor Story #27 of the Colorado Rockies hits a two run RBI single in the third inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on July 26, 2016 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Matt Hazlett/Getty Images)

Story finished the year with 27 home runs and was tied for the rookie lead in RBIs despite playing in just 97 games. If not for an injury he might have won the National League Rookie of the Year award. Instead, he finished fourth.

Other first round draft picks having an impact this season including Nuggets guard Jamal Murray, Broncos quarterback Paxton Lynch and Mikko Rantanen of the Colorado Avalanche.

Rantanen has been impressive for the Avs. He's currently in the top 20 among rookies in both points (11) and goals (3).

Winnipeg Jets v Colorado Avalanche
DENVER, CO - NOVEMBER 11: Jacob Trouba #8 of the Winnipeg Jets loses an edge while being chased by Mikko Rantanen #96 of the Colorado Avalanche as Nathan MacKinnon #29 looks on during the second period at Pepsi Center on November 11, 2016 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)

The 19 year-old Murray had 22 points in the Nuggets win over Philadelphia on Monday, but has struggled with consistency.

murray nuggets (1)
Jamal Murray practices with the Nuggets (credit: CBS)

Murray was named the Western Conference Rookie of the Month for November, but in his four games prior to Monday had just 20 points combined, and failed to score more than 10 points in either game.

Paxton Lynch has proven to be a project for the Broncos. Lynch got the second start of his career against Jacksonville, but led the Broncos offense on just one touchdown drive. Lynch was 12-24 with 104 yards, but proved he's not ready to be a starter just yet.

Denver Broncos v Jacksonville Jaguars
Paxton Lynch #12 of the Denver Broncos attempts a pass against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field on December 4, 2016 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)

Either way, the future appears bright for Denver sports; however, patience is a virtue and sports fans in the Mile High City know that all too well.

Michael Spencer is a Sports Anchor at CBS4. Read his bio or connect with him on Twitter @MichaelCBS4.

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