According to the Denver Post, the top three targets for the team at #12 seem to be Ryan Clady, Brandon Albert and Christopher Williams. This seems to go along with the information I’ve been stating on forums for over three months that the Broncos were extremely interested in drafting an offensive tackle, or looking for an upgrade prior to Matt Lepsis’ retirement.
So what’s the breakdown?
I’m under the impression (from some information) that Clady is the Broncos top tackle available, and would love for him to fall to #12. It’s possible, but very unlikely. Why? Kansas City has the picks and ammunition to draft a defensive end to replace Jared Allen at #5 (such as Vernon Gholston) and then trade up with #17 and their other selections to nab the offensive lineman they so desire.
After Clady, Brandon Albert makes the most sense due to versatility and upside. Out of all the three, I hear Chris Williams is ranked last. According to several articles and reports, teams are concerned that he may need minor back surgery similar to what Ryan Harris went through last year – and furthermore question how his relatively short arms will impact his ability to block in the NFL. Williams is still a first-round prospect, but the Broncos should carefully consider their options at #12. If Clady and Albert are both gone, they could trade down and have a shot at Jeff Otah or Gosder Cherilus later in round one.
From the outside looking it, it seems like Broncos might be forced to take Williams at #12. It’s unlikely that highly regarded prospects like Clady and Albert will somehow fall to #12. There are a few people, including Mike Klis from the Denver post that Denver might have the option of at least two, if not all three of them. I doubt that’s the case. Be prepared for the Broncos to have their choice of Chris Williams at #12 (and only Williams) this Saturday, with the option to move back if he’s not that appealing to them.
I like Williams overall, but these recent reports regarding the aforementioned are very concerning. Buyer beware.
If the Broncos don’t go offensive tackle at #12, then when and who?
The Broncos have liked Sam Baker a real long time, and he was one of the initial names I heard pop up in conversations amongst people in the “biz” a few months ago. He’s a perfect fit for the Broncos scheme with realistic left tackle ambitions in the NFL. However, he’s had some durability concerns and some teams are viewing him more as an inside player at guard and center. With the ascension of players like Clady, Albert and Williams, Baker has softly slid into the second round and could be available for the Broncos at #42. In the off-chance that the Broncos stray away from tackle at twelve, look for them to zone in on Sam Baker in the early second to fill their need.
Even if we get a tackle early, how about other middle-round guys at the offensive line?
I’ve read and heard that the Broncos are extremely interested in players like Jeremy Zuttah and John Greco, who have played tackle in college, but also have the versatility to move inside. These two players are as high as the early third round on some teams boards, so the Broncos might have to sneak back into the third round to get one of them. However, there is a possibility one or both slips into the fourth round where the Broncos have two selections. Roy Schuening is another name on the inside to watch out for as the Broncos look to protect Jay Cutler.
More developments to come as I catch the draft drift. . .
This entry was posted on April 25, 2008 at 4:31 pm and is filed under Draft Commentary. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.
You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
Offensive Tackle likely at #12.
By Christopher HartAccording to the Denver Post, the top three targets for the team at #12 seem to be Ryan Clady, Brandon Albert and Christopher Williams. This seems to go along with the information I’ve been stating on forums for over three months that the Broncos were extremely interested in drafting an offensive tackle, or looking for an upgrade prior to Matt Lepsis’ retirement.
So what’s the breakdown?
I’m under the impression (from some information) that Clady is the Broncos top tackle available, and would love for him to fall to #12. It’s possible, but very unlikely. Why? Kansas City has the picks and ammunition to draft a defensive end to replace Jared Allen at #5 (such as Vernon Gholston) and then trade up with #17 and their other selections to nab the offensive lineman they so desire.
After Clady, Brandon Albert makes the most sense due to versatility and upside. Out of all the three, I hear Chris Williams is ranked last. According to several articles and reports, teams are concerned that he may need minor back surgery similar to what Ryan Harris went through last year – and furthermore question how his relatively short arms will impact his ability to block in the NFL. Williams is still a first-round prospect, but the Broncos should carefully consider their options at #12. If Clady and Albert are both gone, they could trade down and have a shot at Jeff Otah or Gosder Cherilus later in round one.
From the outside looking it, it seems like Broncos might be forced to take Williams at #12. It’s unlikely that highly regarded prospects like Clady and Albert will somehow fall to #12. There are a few people, including Mike Klis from the Denver post that Denver might have the option of at least two, if not all three of them. I doubt that’s the case. Be prepared for the Broncos to have their choice of Chris Williams at #12 (and only Williams) this Saturday, with the option to move back if he’s not that appealing to them.
I like Williams overall, but these recent reports regarding the aforementioned are very concerning. Buyer beware.
If the Broncos don’t go offensive tackle at #12, then when and who?
The Broncos have liked Sam Baker a real long time, and he was one of the initial names I heard pop up in conversations amongst people in the “biz” a few months ago. He’s a perfect fit for the Broncos scheme with realistic left tackle ambitions in the NFL. However, he’s had some durability concerns and some teams are viewing him more as an inside player at guard and center. With the ascension of players like Clady, Albert and Williams, Baker has softly slid into the second round and could be available for the Broncos at #42. In the off-chance that the Broncos stray away from tackle at twelve, look for them to zone in on Sam Baker in the early second to fill their need.
Even if we get a tackle early, how about other middle-round guys at the offensive line?
I’ve read and heard that the Broncos are extremely interested in players like Jeremy Zuttah and John Greco, who have played tackle in college, but also have the versatility to move inside. These two players are as high as the early third round on some teams boards, so the Broncos might have to sneak back into the third round to get one of them. However, there is a possibility one or both slips into the fourth round where the Broncos have two selections. Roy Schuening is another name on the inside to watch out for as the Broncos look to protect Jay Cutler.
More developments to come as I catch the draft drift. . .
This entry was posted on April 25, 2008 at 4:31 pm and is filed under Draft Commentary. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.