THEdraftnik's 3rd Mock Offseason

[BroncoooJohnson]

I have good and bad feelings about this mock.

I don't think Richardson will be there in the second, and I don't think Hunt will be there in the 5th, even if he gets injured. That said, if both were available at those picks I would jump on either.

If we get Robinson, I would like to see what he could do at running back. He's playing RB for Michigan right now because his elbow is hurt, and he's doing a damn good job. I would love the pick itself, regardless of position.

[bronx_2003]

What immediately springs to mind is having FIVE new starters on D when its playing so well this season with JDR. I want continuity. We could bring in another DT but I would rather stick with Carter/Porter/Harris, and also give Irving a chance. We have been developing him for the starter position.

I would love the Kruger signing. D-will may be too expensive after we re-sign PM and clady.

One thing that bothers me about the draft.

1st pick - 'Richardson got suspended for violating team rules about two weeks ago'

2nd - 'before a knee injury last year'

3rd - 'his off the field issues'

6th - '26 years old and still extremely raw'

8th - 'his off the field decisions led to him being dismissed from Auburn'

9th - 'an out of control program'

I like the detail and some of the thought process. It just needs tweaking IMO.

[Matymaddog]

Brief Late November Mock

1 - Xavier Rhodes S Florida State
Xavier Rhodes is the best player available. He plays corner in college and could provide those duties for this team but I believe his talents make him a versatile enough player to play corner and safety in the NFL. I kind of see him in the mold of Malcolm Jenkins. Loves the physical nature of football as if he were meant to play safety but also can cover like a corner. Seeing on how we have Champ Bailey as well as three corners that are stepping it up in Carter, Harris, and Bolden we don't need Rhodes to play corner. Where we need him is Safety. He can match up with Tight Ends with his 6-2 217 lbs size better than some of the other players on our roster.

2 - Sylvester Williams DT North Carolina
This is another best player available pick. This pick isn't completely seeded in production however as it is obvious that Sylvester still needs to develop more to be an effective starter at the next level, hence falling to the late 2nd round. The one thing that stands out about Sylvester Williams is his non-stop motor. When you see a guy with the kind of measurables he has with that kind of motor, it's worth making an investment in.

3 - Stedman Bailey WR West Virginia
Another best player available pick. Are you beginning to get the idea? It would be difficult to argue against Stedman Bailey being the best player available at this pick if he drops to this point. Yes, he has a projected top 5 pick throwing to him. Yes, he also has a 1-2nd rounder playing across from him. However, he has 33 touchdowns in the last 2 years followed only by Tavon Austin with 20. He is a slot reciever that could also replace Demaryius or Decker if lost to injury on the outside.

4 - Will Davis CB Utah State
Will Davis, now this pick strays a little from best player available as I am sure there are plenty of players that drop with percieved "Immense upside". Well I venture to guess that we let Tracy Porter walk. In the event we could use another corner to come in and compete for that 5th spot. Will Davis is just as likely to win a place on this team as the first 3 picks. He is a sleeper and can more than contribute to this team if given the chance.

5 - DJ Harper RB Boise State
Back to the best player available concept. DJ Harper is in fact that. An extremely talented player who's career has been hampered by injuries is worth the risk in the 5th.

7 - Jake Knott LB Iowa State
Jake Knott falls a few rounds because of his season ending surgery. Some teams may even question his committment considering he opted for surgery and not to play through and injury in order to be ready for the combine. I think we all know it was just a sound financial decision. He played Sam in college but I believe he is fully capable of playing all 3 LB spots as well as provides some scheme versatility. Very solid depth here that could compete and win a spot on this team.

[Idiot_Kicker]

I think Rhodes is going to be exposed a bit in the offseason workouts, and will be viewed as a 'tweener without a true position. I think that will cause him to slide down a bit into the second round. He will probably be viewed as a slot corner, which is increasingly important, but I am not convinced he has the skils to be an every-down starting CB.

Sylvester Williams is way under-valued here, and will likely be a Top 20 pick of the first round.

Bailey is projected about right in the third round, and is a possibility for the Broncos, as is your 4th round pick, Will Davis. I would like those picks as 3rd and 4th round picks.

The rest of your projections I am not familiar with.

[Matymaddog]

I think Rhodes is going to be exposed a bit in the offseason workouts, and will be viewed as a 'tweener without a true position. I think that will cause him to slide down a bit into the second round. He will probably be viewed as a slot corner, which is increasingly important, but I am not convinced he has the skils to be an every-down starting CB.

Sylvester Williams is way under-valued here, and will likely be a Top 20 pick of the first round.

Bailey is projected about right in the third round, and is a possibility for the Broncos, as is your 4th round pick, Will Davis. I would like those picks as 3rd and 4th round picks.

The rest of your projections I am not familiar with.

I completely agree about Sylvester Williams. Was originally going to make him the 1st round selection but if guys like Louis Nix III come out and players like Sheldon Richardson and Sharrif Floyd keep stepping it up it is possible but again, I doubt it. I believe Richardson was just suspended. I saw another mock draft on here with these as the first 2 picks and as hopeful as I am Sylvester drops to the late 2nd, I would be more than happy passing up on Rhodes and grabbing Sylvester in the 1st. I think Rhodes drops to the second but only the top 10 picks of the 2nd. I think he'd make a great slot cb but like I said, I also think he'd be a good safety as well. I just don't see him not being effective at the next level.

DJ Harper was originally Boise States starter over Doug Martin before his ACL injuries which are a cause for concern. That's why he is projected as a late round guy as it is but he is dynamic when healthy.

DJ Harper 5-9 205
188 attempts
935 yards
12 touchdowns
4.97 avg
19 receptions
152 yards
1 touchdown

He also returns kicks


Jake Knott Iowa St OLB Sr 6-3 252 lbs
8 games
79 tackles (55 solo)
6 tackles for a loss (0.5 sacks)
3 quarterback hurries
2 forced fumbles
2 interceptions
5 pass break ups

[HDbroncos02]

I think Rhodes is going to be exposed a bit in the offseason workouts.

Exactly what happened to Alfonzo Dennard. Now Dennard is playing well with the Patriots.

[HDbroncos02]

HD's Weekly Mock Draft (after Week 12)

The Broncos are 8-3 and well on their way to a playoff berth. The offense hasn’t been as prolific as it has been in recent weeks. Without McGahee, the Broncos rely on Moreno and Hillman to handle the workload. Our defense has kept us alive and ahead in the football game. Von Miller is playing at an exceptional level and hasn’t peaked yet. I project us picking between 24 and 32. Let’s hope for 32. Here is my weekly mock:

1. Sheldon Richardson, DT, Missouri
6’3” 295 lb

My pick here was going to be Louis Nix III out of Notre Dame. But I highly doubt that Nix will commit to the NFL as a junior. Richardson’s stock has risen, but I believe that he will be available when Denver is on the clock. Richardson is an athletic DT who can pass-rush and stop the run. Despite being an interior lineman, he possesses the ability to get to the QB, which our FO likes (example- Derek Wolfe). I think Richardson will stay as a DT instead of becoming a DE like Wolfe. With 8 tackles for a loss and 2 sacks, Richardson is disruptive in the backfield. Pairing with Vickerson will give Denver a formidable duo in the middle. Our pass-rushing arsenal would include Miller, Dumervil, Wolfe, and Richardson as a result of this selection. On another note, Richardson’s suspension was academically-related, so I don’t believe it is going to become an issue.

2. Stepfan Taylor, RB, Stanford
5’11” 215 lb

My favorite prospect in this draft (besides Te’o) is Stepfan Taylor. This pick, however, goes beyond my personal bias. Taylor plays in a pro-style offense that made teams rave about Andrew Luck. Taylor can run inside and outside with authority. Taylor is a good blocker as well as a good receiver out of the backfield. Taylor has the body to power his way up the middle and gain tough yards. Taylor has the speed and shiftiness to zip around the outside and break away from chasing defenders. Taylor is the Doug Martin of this draft. In every season that Taylor has started, he rushed for well over 1,000 yards and above 10 touchdowns. While not a complete loss in the receiving game, Taylor has had over 25 receptions each season, including 213 all-purpose yards against USC this season. Taylor has shown outstanding, consistent production generating eight 100-yard games, with some coming against Notre Dame, USC, and Oregon. With McGahee hurt, it only confirms the need for a workhorse RB. Even with Moreno’s impressive outing (considering his situation), we still need that consistent feature RB. Hillman’s role against the Chiefs displays that he is only a third down and receiving/change-of-pace RB. I believe we should cut Lance Ball and keep Moreno. McGahee should be gone in the next two years, so we should capitalize on this opportunity to draft Stepfan Taylor.

3. Stedman Bailey, WR, West Virginia
5’10” 188 lb

I notice a lot of mockers here have Bailey becoming a Bronco in the third round as well. I’m not one of those, “Hey look! Another Bailey selection! I’m going to jump on the bandwagon!” I’ve paid attention to Stedman Bailey ever since the beginning of the season (before Baylor) and I think he would be a marvelous addition to our WR corps. Totaling at a school-record 37 receiving touchdowns for his career with the Mountaineers, Bailey has a nose for the endzone as well as receptions (95 this season). Previously overlooked to Tavon Austin, Bailey is starting to be recognized for his feats at WVU. Ideal size for a slot receiver, Bailey will become Peyton Manning and Brock Osweiler’s reliable target for years. While I believe we should retain Stokley for next year, Stedman Bailey should get the nod at slot immediately. We would have legitimate weaponry for Manning with the addition of Bailey. One more note, I believe that Bailey is a safer pick than Tavon Austin.

4. Phillip Thomas, SS, Fresno State
6’1” 215 lb

Phillip Thomas is one of the best if not the best ballhawk in this draft class. With a nation-leading 8 interceptions this season, Thomas is being recognized as a finalist for the Jim Thorpe Award (best defensive back) and was on the watch list for the Chuck Bednarik Award (best defensive player). Thomas also has three touchdowns on those interceptions and three forced fumbles. Beyond the national recognition, Thomas still projects as a Day 3 selection. In addition to his elite playmaking talent, Thomas is a sure, open-field tackler. Thomas leads Fresno State in tackles with 73 stops. He has proven that he can play up in the box with 10.5 tackles for a loss this season. Thomas is also an accomplished run defender, with multiple goal-line and third down stops on his résumé. The drafting of Thomas gives us an immediate starter at SS. I am not counting out Quinton Carter with this pick. I’ve noticed on multiple occasions where Rahim Moore, Jim Leonhard, and Mike Adams were all on the field for a play. The future trio of Moore, Carter, and Phillip Thomas would give us a commanding secondary.

5. A.J. Klein, MLB, Iowa State
6’2” 244 lb

D.J. Williams looks like he could stick at MLB for now. One more off-field incident and he will be gone. Even if it doesn’t happen (let’s hope), we still need a MLB. I like Nate Irving and Steven Johnson, but we need an upgrade. Yes, a fifth round pick can be an upgrade that’s what the draft is for. Klein has the talent to secure the starting middle spot for a decade. A tackling machine, Klein had over ten total tackles against teams like Baylor, Kansas State, Texas Tech, and West Virginia. This would be unimpressive, if he wasn’t playing on Iowa State. Klein amassed over 300 tackles during his career with the Cyclones. Joe Mays is an inconsistent tackler, as opposed to A.J. Klein, who supplies teams with a reliable, consistent tackling ability. We can’t afford to give up 3rd and 19’s to opposing offenses, so Klein will be an important addition to our promising defensive unit.

7. Nigel Malone, CB, Kansas State
5’10” 185 lb

I believe that we may not re-sign Tracy Porter, so I am taking Malone here in the seventh round. Malone has four interceptions this season with the Wildcats. A physical corner, Malone can challenge bigger receivers. While Malone’s four interceptions don’t exactly define an elite playmaker, his interception skills are his best aspect. Malone goes after the football in the air with good, not sloppy, technique. He has a wide receiver’s mentality when catching the football. Malone wastes very little opportunities for a turnover. With 4.52-second speed, Malone has enough velocity to keep up with receivers. Many wide-outs are often frustrated with his 18 career pass break-ups.

COMMENTS AND OPINIONS WELCOME! YOUR FEEDBACK IS IMPORTANT! PLEASE FEEL FREE TO INVEST CP!

Go Broncos! - HDbroncos02

[Kansas Bob]

I like it, I just hope Malone can be another Chris Harris. lol I would like to see a big ugly OL in there somewhere.

[HDbroncos02]

I like it, I just hope Malone can be another Chris Harris. lol I would like to see a big ugly OL in there somewhere.

I tried to fit an OL in there, but I'm relying on our FO to take care of Clady. We do need an OG though. Kuper is injury-prone and we need a lineman for depth or to start. I don't like the idea of drafting, say Barrett Jones, in the first round. We have more important needs than OL. I agree that we need an OL.

[BroncoooJohnson]

I like the mock, I like it a lot. The Taylor/Bailey picks give our offense good depth at skill positions, and Richardson/Thomas will make us a stronger team against the run.

I tried to fit an OL in there, but I'm relying on our FO to take care of Clady. We do need an OG though. Kuper is injury-prone and we need a lineman for depth or to start. I don't like the idea of drafting, say Barrett Jones, in the first round. We have more important needs than OL. I agree that we need an OL.

I don't think OG is necessarily a need, with Philip Blake coming back next year.

[SmokeBassett]

Post-Thanksgiving Mock Draft

This mock-draft thing is getting addictive. I'm going to have to go to mock-draft rehab pretty soon.

1. Montee Ball, RB, Wisconsin
He's the second-coming of Willis McGahee, so we might as well take him now. I say this because we can get a great guard later in the draft, can't get a great DT in the 1st, but can get a decent DT in the 2nd.

2. John Jenkins, DT, Georgia
There are many decent DTs in this year's draft. What we need is not so much a pass rusher as a behemoth who can push the pocket and draw double teams to free up other defenders. At 350 lbs, Jenkins fits that bill and does a decent job for the SEC-title contender.

3. Philip Thomas, S, Fresno State
Great safeties are hard to find these days. Thomas is a 6-1, 215-lb prospect who looks like he just might be the real deal. He has 8 interceptions to go with 82 tackles, 4 forced fumbles and 4 sacks. I think he just might be better than Moore, Adams and Carter, all of whom are decent.

4. Adam Smith, OG, Western Kentucky
Those who have studied economics are familiar with Adam Smith, but unfortunately most people who study football are not. Smith is a skillful, all-around, 325-lb guard who helped pave the way the last three years for Western Kentucky's top-notch running game. A consistent pass blocker, Smith also pulls well, holds blocks and drives opponents backward. He is a 4th-round pick who can start day one and give us more power at Chris Kuper's position. Even though he doesn't seem to be on the draft gurus' radar, I draft him in the 4th just to make sure another NFL team doesn't get him, since the NFL personnel people seem to be much better at finding good O-linemen in late rounds than the draft gurus are (e.g., Chris Kuper).

5. Chad Bumphis, WR, Mississippi State
We seem to use 3-receiver sets more often than 2-receiver sets, so we might as well start thinking in terms of having three starting receivers. Bumphis is a quick, sure-handed receiver and an elusive runner. But the main reason I choose him is that he is also a good kick returner, and I'm not sold on Holliday or Bolden. Alternates: Ryan Swope, Conner Vernon, Justin Brown, Chris Harper.

7. Mystery QB
Hmmm... We've got an OG, a DT, a safety, a RB and a WR-KR, what else do we need? How about a 3rd QB? Sean Renfree, Collin Klein, Nick Florence, Zac Dysert, Dayne Christ and several others are probably better than Hanie. I'd like one with some mobility.

[BroncoooJohnson]

I would much rather have Joseph Randle in the first. He has higher upside at the RB position, if he can add 5-10 pounds.

Also, Jenkins has been mocked in the mid first by most mocks I've seen, swap the first two picks and the mock looks pretty good

[HDbroncos02]

I love the first three picks! I think you should switch Ball and Jenkins because Jenkins will go in the first round. Ball could rise up to the second at most. I would draft Thomas in the third round at the highest.

[Kansas Bob]

I think you can probably get Ball in the third but Jenkins will probably be gone in top 25 in the first round, IMO. I do like the idea of a DT, RB, OG, SS,and WR in this draft but I really don't know all the names. Good job.

[BroncosTX77]

Montee Ball has too much tread on his tires and his injuries pile up. He's not a first round pick. I agree with your position choices though