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I've seen a couple of mock drafts here, so I thought I would put my 2 cents in. I will use all of our picks, with reasons.
1st round
Brandon Spikes, MLB, University of Florida
Not only is he playing great right now, but he is also the leader of a great Florida defense (shanny likes players from Florida). He is vocal, even cocky. Something that we have not had since Al Wilson. I don't think Nate Webster or Niko are bad players, but they just don't have the leadership you need at the MLB spot. I think that Spikes has top leadership qualities, the ability to get teammates fired up (not just jumping around like Webser), surpasses all of the LB prospects, even Ray Maualuga or James Laurinaitis (although I don't think he's as polished as a player yet as those two)
Alternates: William Moore S, Missou (probably gone sooner), Taylor Mays S, USC (word is he is thinking of declaring), Peria Jerry DT, Ole Miss (fast rising, penetrating DT)
2nd round
Emmanuel Cook, FS, South Carolina
Urban Meyer recently commented that he is the best safety in the SEC, ahead of even Eric Berry. Again, he is the emotional leader of the best defense in the SEC and a heck of a player.
Alternates: Dannell Ellerbe MLB, Georgia, Shonn Green RB, Iowa, Derick Williams WR, Penn State
3rd Round
James Davis, RB, Clemson
I honestly don't see Davis going higher than this. He has not had a good year and most of the crunch time carries go to Spiller. However, at this point for a one-cut runner this is definitely a value pick for Denver.
Alternates: Rashard Johnson S, Alabama (rising now, although I don't know about his ability in run support, which Denver tends to value), Rafael Priest CB, TCU (still in search of a nickleback, especially with free agency departure of Paymah), Nic Harris S, Oklahoma (again I don't see how he comes off earlier than this, but would be the type of safety Denver likes, good in run support and can play in the box)
4th round
Brandon Tate, WR, UNC
He might not last this long; although he had a great year he is coming off a serious injury. However, he would definitely fill a need as a slot receiver to groom and someone to ease some of the return duties from Royal.
5th round (a)
Dorrel Scott, DT, Clemson
He is large and stout at the point. He has battled some injuries which may be a concern.
5th round (b)
Trevor Canfield, OG, Cincinnati
I think he is a great interior player that could come off the board a lot sooner. However, because he is only 305 lbs he may last this long, and at this point the Broncos would have to pull the trigger. With Nalen retiring, Hamilton and Weigmann aging, it is time to start grooming some reinforcements.
6th round
Terrill Byrd, DT, Cincinnati
I think Byrd is highly underrated at this point. He is an excellent penetrator and can put up some sack numbers from the inside.
7th round (a)
Corey Boudreaux, SS, San Diego State
He is a physical safety that plays well in the box but not terrific in coverage. He has potential in this role in the Broncos rotation.
7th round (b)
DeAngelo Willingham, CB, Tennessee
He has had a disappointing year, but his play from years past warrants a flyer at this point in the draft.
1st round
Brandon Spikes, MLB, University of Florida
Not only is he playing great right now, but he is also the leader of a great Florida defense (shanny likes players from Florida). He is vocal, even cocky. Something that we have not had since Al Wilson. I don't think Nate Webster or Niko are bad players, but they just don't have the leadership you need at the MLB spot. I think that Spikes has top leadership qualities, the ability to get teammates fired up (not just jumping around like Webser), surpasses all of the LB prospects, even Ray Maualuga or James Laurinaitis (although I don't think he's as polished as a player yet as those two)
Alternates: William Moore S, Missou (probably gone sooner), Taylor Mays S, USC (word is he is thinking of declaring), Peria Jerry DT, Ole Miss (fast rising, penetrating DT)
2nd round
Emmanuel Cook, FS, South Carolina
Urban Meyer recently commented that he is the best safety in the SEC, ahead of even Eric Berry. Again, he is the emotional leader of the best defense in the SEC and a heck of a player.
Alternates: Dannell Ellerbe MLB, Georgia, Shonn Green RB, Iowa, Derick Williams WR, Penn State
3rd Round
James Davis, RB, Clemson
I honestly don't see Davis going higher than this. He has not had a good year and most of the crunch time carries go to Spiller. However, at this point for a one-cut runner this is definitely a value pick for Denver.
Alternates: Rashard Johnson S, Alabama (rising now, although I don't know about his ability in run support, which Denver tends to value), Rafael Priest CB, TCU (still in search of a nickleback, especially with free agency departure of Paymah), Nic Harris S, Oklahoma (again I don't see how he comes off earlier than this, but would be the type of safety Denver likes, good in run support and can play in the box)
4th round
Brandon Tate, WR, UNC
He might not last this long; although he had a great year he is coming off a serious injury. However, he would definitely fill a need as a slot receiver to groom and someone to ease some of the return duties from Royal.
5th round (a)
Dorrel Scott, DT, Clemson
He is large and stout at the point. He has battled some injuries which may be a concern.
5th round (b)
Trevor Canfield, OG, Cincinnati
I think he is a great interior player that could come off the board a lot sooner. However, because he is only 305 lbs he may last this long, and at this point the Broncos would have to pull the trigger. With Nalen retiring, Hamilton and Weigmann aging, it is time to start grooming some reinforcements.
6th round
Terrill Byrd, DT, Cincinnati
I think Byrd is highly underrated at this point. He is an excellent penetrator and can put up some sack numbers from the inside.
7th round (a)
Corey Boudreaux, SS, San Diego State
He is a physical safety that plays well in the box but not terrific in coverage. He has potential in this role in the Broncos rotation.
7th round (b)
DeAngelo Willingham, CB, Tennessee
He has had a disappointing year, but his play from years past warrants a flyer at this point in the draft.
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