THEdraftnik's 3rd Mock Offseason

[Mantheyman]

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.

I like your mock and some of the reasoning behind the picks, but I'd feel better if we traded out of the first round and use one of our extra 2nd or 3rd round picks to get a RB. Also not too sure about a S in the 3rd round. Unless he's the BPA, you might have to convince me to make that pick.

[FlowdaBroncoFan]

I would rather take Mike Gillislee in the 2nd at RB, but thats just me. Overall, not bad though.

[Matymaddog]

Ray Rice didn't take a pounding through the Big East swiss cheese defenses like Ball did vs. Big 10 defenses. It's to the point now if a RB isn't "special" you can wait til the 2nd round to get him.

Apples to Oranges. It's still fruit. Not everyone in the Big 10 can lay the wood just like not everyone in the Big East is soft.

I believe Ball is special, I just question his speed at the next level. Currently 2nd rounder in my mind.

[BroncosTX77]

Ray Rice didn't take a pounding through the Big East swiss cheese defenses like Ball did vs. Big 10 defenses. It's to the point now if a RB isn't "special" you can wait til the 2nd round to get him.

[Matymaddog]

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

For having piling up injuries he sure plays a lot and gets a ton of carries. Also, no more carries than Ray Rice coming out. That whole tread on the tires argument didn't work then and I don't think it works now. We might as well start talking about how many carries players got in peewee for "Tread on the tires" argument. Tread doesn't really start until they are getting hit by professional talent week in and week out. He also runs in a way that he is constantly protecting himself.

[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

[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.

[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.

[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

[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 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.

[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.

[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]

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

[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.