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I'll be on vacation again until the 5th of January when I return back to University; so until then I'll leave you with a mock draft; with some explanations. No trade scenarios, but be sure to keep into perspective that this is with the Broncos currently making the playoffs and the Redskins giving us a top-ten selection in the third-round. Oh, also remember we do not have a fourth-rounder; as it's Atlanta's this year in part of the swap they got for John Abraham. Also, I hate to cut the mock short, but I will not include a sixth and seventh round. The draft is a crap shoot in itself and it's almost impossible to project those picks; given the Broncos past draft history, it'll be an offensive lineman, a quarterback, running back or perhaps a value pick on defense.
Enjoy everyone!
Denver Broncos First-Round Selection: Victor Abiamiri, DE - University of Notre Dame
The Denver Broncos pursued both Andre Carter and John Abraham last off-season to solve their pass-rushing woes from the edge and they ended up with Kenard Lang. Although Land, Ekuban and Dumervil have provided help on rushing the passer; they're inconsistent at best and the Broncos could stand to add a prospect who has yet to reach his full potential and has some of the best triangular numbers for any prospect at his position this year. Not to mention outside Courtney Brown and Elvis Dumervil; the age of all of our current defensive ends including Lang, Ekuban and Engleberger is over thirty years old.
Denver Broncos Second-Round Selection: Eric Weddle, S - The University of Utah
Hamza Abdullah and Curome Cox may have been valuable assets this season and shown some promise; injuries to Sam Brandon, Nick Ferguson and the age of John Lynch make this pick too easy. Weddle is the epitome of a team player who can play offensive positions, and even hold on kicks and he can return. He'll do anything it takes to win; and players who can make an impact on special teams are what Denver scouts tend to look at and it's hard to ignore a player like Weddle who in a year could take over for either Lynch or Ferguson and be an impact special teams player.
Denver Broncos Third-Round Selection: (Via Washington Redskins) Brandon Mebane, DT - University of California
Although it's likely that the Broncos re-sign Michael Myers in the off-season; the Denver Broncos do not have an under tackle on the roster that can effectively rush the passer. Mebane is one of the best in college football at doing so and would provide good value at this point in time. Some scouts question his physical tools; but the kid can just play football. He has the heart, the motor and the work ethic to succeed in the NFL. A productive, experienced starter for the Golden Bears since 2004; Mebane would be a welcomed addition to a Broncos defensive line that is less than stellar and could use a push at the one-technique position next to Gerard Warren.
Denver Broncos Third-Round Selection: Ryne Robinson, WR - University of Miami (OHIO)
Even thought it's likely that Rod Smith returns as a slot receiver for the Broncos next season, Denver is in desperate need of a #3 guy who can stretch the field with speed and add success in the return game. Robinson does both; and although his size and conference will go against his grade he's a solid selection in round three.
Denver Broncos Fifth-Round Selection: Doug Free, OT - Northern Illinois
At the beginning of the year Doug Free was a sure-fire first-day prospect; but after suffering a foot injury at the beginning of the year versus Ohio St. Free's play has been less than stellar. Too often scouts overlook a player based on injury because they have not seen him play before injury, or they are unaware that he is injured. It's likely that Free will become one of these players, but even better for the Broncos. Among other question marks that could cause Free to fall is his significant lack of strength. It's a known fact that Free at best can only bench 20 reps at 225; and if he fails to improve his strength before the combine and off-season workouts; it will cause damage to his stock. But if you take away the "negatives" Free is an excellent prospect who can project to either tackle position in the professional level; and could very well be this years Eric Winston.
Enjoy everyone!
Denver Broncos First-Round Selection: Victor Abiamiri, DE - University of Notre Dame
The Denver Broncos pursued both Andre Carter and John Abraham last off-season to solve their pass-rushing woes from the edge and they ended up with Kenard Lang. Although Land, Ekuban and Dumervil have provided help on rushing the passer; they're inconsistent at best and the Broncos could stand to add a prospect who has yet to reach his full potential and has some of the best triangular numbers for any prospect at his position this year. Not to mention outside Courtney Brown and Elvis Dumervil; the age of all of our current defensive ends including Lang, Ekuban and Engleberger is over thirty years old.
Denver Broncos Second-Round Selection: Eric Weddle, S - The University of Utah
Hamza Abdullah and Curome Cox may have been valuable assets this season and shown some promise; injuries to Sam Brandon, Nick Ferguson and the age of John Lynch make this pick too easy. Weddle is the epitome of a team player who can play offensive positions, and even hold on kicks and he can return. He'll do anything it takes to win; and players who can make an impact on special teams are what Denver scouts tend to look at and it's hard to ignore a player like Weddle who in a year could take over for either Lynch or Ferguson and be an impact special teams player.
Denver Broncos Third-Round Selection: (Via Washington Redskins) Brandon Mebane, DT - University of California
Although it's likely that the Broncos re-sign Michael Myers in the off-season; the Denver Broncos do not have an under tackle on the roster that can effectively rush the passer. Mebane is one of the best in college football at doing so and would provide good value at this point in time. Some scouts question his physical tools; but the kid can just play football. He has the heart, the motor and the work ethic to succeed in the NFL. A productive, experienced starter for the Golden Bears since 2004; Mebane would be a welcomed addition to a Broncos defensive line that is less than stellar and could use a push at the one-technique position next to Gerard Warren.
Denver Broncos Third-Round Selection: Ryne Robinson, WR - University of Miami (OHIO)
Even thought it's likely that Rod Smith returns as a slot receiver for the Broncos next season, Denver is in desperate need of a #3 guy who can stretch the field with speed and add success in the return game. Robinson does both; and although his size and conference will go against his grade he's a solid selection in round three.
Denver Broncos Fifth-Round Selection: Doug Free, OT - Northern Illinois
At the beginning of the year Doug Free was a sure-fire first-day prospect; but after suffering a foot injury at the beginning of the year versus Ohio St. Free's play has been less than stellar. Too often scouts overlook a player based on injury because they have not seen him play before injury, or they are unaware that he is injured. It's likely that Free will become one of these players, but even better for the Broncos. Among other question marks that could cause Free to fall is his significant lack of strength. It's a known fact that Free at best can only bench 20 reps at 225; and if he fails to improve his strength before the combine and off-season workouts; it will cause damage to his stock. But if you take away the "negatives" Free is an excellent prospect who can project to either tackle position in the professional level; and could very well be this years Eric Winston.
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