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The Broncos have done it before. One year they drafted three cornerbacks. Another year they drafted three defensive linemen. That kind of approach worked against them in some ways, because it caused them to neglect other positions. However, this year they might be planning the same thing, and it could be a big help to one area of the team that has been neglected in recent years -- the offensive line.
I'm not saying they'll do it, but here's the draft I'd like to see:
Gosder Cherilus (OT, Boston College) #1
Pat Sims (DT, Auburn) #2
Jacob Hester (FB, LSU) #4
Robert Felton (G, Arkansas) #5a
Adam Spieker (C, Missouri) #5b
Kevin Robinson (WR/KR, Utah State) #7
James McClinton (DT, Kansas) #7
#1. Cherilus is the most skilled O-lineman in the draft, played against NFL-caliber competition, played for a good team, played on a balanced offense, and comes from an offensive-lineman factory. Although he was All-SEC, Chris Williams played for a bad team and that says something about his play. I'm sure he has ability, but his rise to 1st-round status on the draftniks' boards has all come long after the season was over and isn't necessarily due to what he demonstrated on the playing field.
#2. Similarly, who do you want for DT? An undistinguished player from a 3-8 team whose post-season rise on the draftniks' charts has little to do with his play, or a proven All-SEC defensive tackle from a defensive powerhouse like Auburn? I'd go with the latter. Sims over Laws.
#4. It's been a long time since the Broncos had a genuinely good fullback who was adept at both run blocking and pass blocking. Hester did both in LSU's balanced attack, and he's a good runner as well.
#5a. Some draft boards have Felton still being around in the 5th, although he was hyped up to 1-2 round status soon after the season. He was a key part of Arkansas' running game. He would be an upgrade over Chris Kuper, giving the Broncos some much-needed power along the line of scrimmage. If not him, there are a number of other guards who would be available in the 5th and who could add power to the line.
#5b. With Nalen in the twilight of his career, and Chris Myers visiting other teams, the Broncos may need to draft a center. Spieker was a key player and long-time starter in Missouri's great offense.
#7a. Okay, one skill player. Kevin Robinson is an exceptional kick returner who would instantly help Denver's return game. He could also be groomed to take over the slot receiver position when Brandon Stokley decides to hang up his cleats.
#7b. The Broncos could use one more tackle for their rotation. McClinton was a very good player for Kansas, sort of an Elvis Dumervil among defensive tackles. Slightly undersized, but played with enormous passion and skill. As things stand now, he would make a good backup in the DT rotation, and if Marcus Thomas has more legal problems, he could become necessary. Although small for DT, he's pretty big for a DE, and might be useful in a pinch as a backup, run-stopping DE.
I'm not saying they'll do it, but here's the draft I'd like to see:
Gosder Cherilus (OT, Boston College) #1
Pat Sims (DT, Auburn) #2
Jacob Hester (FB, LSU) #4
Robert Felton (G, Arkansas) #5a
Adam Spieker (C, Missouri) #5b
Kevin Robinson (WR/KR, Utah State) #7
James McClinton (DT, Kansas) #7
#1. Cherilus is the most skilled O-lineman in the draft, played against NFL-caliber competition, played for a good team, played on a balanced offense, and comes from an offensive-lineman factory. Although he was All-SEC, Chris Williams played for a bad team and that says something about his play. I'm sure he has ability, but his rise to 1st-round status on the draftniks' boards has all come long after the season was over and isn't necessarily due to what he demonstrated on the playing field.
#2. Similarly, who do you want for DT? An undistinguished player from a 3-8 team whose post-season rise on the draftniks' charts has little to do with his play, or a proven All-SEC defensive tackle from a defensive powerhouse like Auburn? I'd go with the latter. Sims over Laws.
#4. It's been a long time since the Broncos had a genuinely good fullback who was adept at both run blocking and pass blocking. Hester did both in LSU's balanced attack, and he's a good runner as well.
#5a. Some draft boards have Felton still being around in the 5th, although he was hyped up to 1-2 round status soon after the season. He was a key part of Arkansas' running game. He would be an upgrade over Chris Kuper, giving the Broncos some much-needed power along the line of scrimmage. If not him, there are a number of other guards who would be available in the 5th and who could add power to the line.
#5b. With Nalen in the twilight of his career, and Chris Myers visiting other teams, the Broncos may need to draft a center. Spieker was a key player and long-time starter in Missouri's great offense.
#7a. Okay, one skill player. Kevin Robinson is an exceptional kick returner who would instantly help Denver's return game. He could also be groomed to take over the slot receiver position when Brandon Stokley decides to hang up his cleats.
#7b. The Broncos could use one more tackle for their rotation. McClinton was a very good player for Kansas, sort of an Elvis Dumervil among defensive tackles. Slightly undersized, but played with enormous passion and skill. As things stand now, he would make a good backup in the DT rotation, and if Marcus Thomas has more legal problems, he could become necessary. Although small for DT, he's pretty big for a DE, and might be useful in a pinch as a backup, run-stopping DE.
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