Official Draft Day Coverage!

Final Thoughts: Overall, this Broncos draft deserves an A-. They met a lot of needs, got a lot of quality players, but there were some reaches and some injury concerns.

UDFA’s for the Broncos:

• OL Mitch Erickson (South Dakota State)
• K Garrett Hartley (Oklahoma)
• P Brett Kern (Toledo)
• OT Tyler Polombus (Colorado)
• WR Lorne Sam (Texas El-Paso)
• RB Anthony Alridge (Houston)
• OLB/SS Wesley Woodyard (Kentucky)
  

Denver has selected Ryan Clady as I expected and predicted months ago. A lot of people are down on him because of his Wonderlic scores, but real talent evaluators understand and know he was the best pure left tackle in the NFL Draft and can get it done in the NFL. Denver was extremely fortunate for him to be there at #12 when he was a consensus top ten player in the draft; but the trades and movement today certainly helped the Broncos and they’ve landed a potential franchise left tackle in Ryan Clady.

Clady has the best feet and the longest arms of any tackle in the draft and is an experienced player. According to Mike Shanahan, he was their #2 tackle on their board and is expected to play immediately. Those comparing him to George Foster are making an erroneous comparison and clearly don’t understand football.

NFL.com analysis on Ryan Clady’s selection:

Pick Analysis: Clady is an athletic lineman, who fits into Denver’s zone-blocking scheme. He’ll need some time to develop and may start his career off at right tackle. He started 32 games over the past three years, including 26 at left tackle. He has great feet and long arms.

Selection Grade: A – By selecting Ryan Clady, the Broncos have made the effort to protect their franchise quarterback Jay Cutler. He was their second ranked tackle overall, and a consensus top ten player by most experts and media outlets.

Selecting Eddie Royal at #42 might be a little questionable to most fans, but he has legitimate receiving potential as a deep threat and is an absolute terror in the return game. He’s a high quality, high effort player and is a special teams demon. He should be able to help the Broncos right away in both aspects of the game. Some may ask why we didn’t go after DeSean Jackson, but concerns regarding his character and ultimately being 20 pounds lighter than Royal may have factored into the decision making process to pass on him in the second round.

Keep in mind that Denver was high on Hester and Jones-Drew coming out of school as returners, and have been looking for their electric guy for a few years. With Royal on the squad, it’s possible they’ve found their man. Factor in that Denver has several injured wide receivers and new one year rentals, and the selection of Royal makes even more sense. According to PFW’s team grade chart, he was considered a high second rounder by most teams in the NFL.

Paraphrased from an interview at Mobile, Royal talks about his game:

“I know I’m a returner, but I want to show teams than I’m more than that. I can play the slot, I can also go out wide and play the Z. I want to get better as a receiver and become the best overall player I can be.”

Now those are the kinds of players you draft!

NFL.com analysis on Eddie Royal’s selection:

Pick Analysis: Royal has been compared to Carolina wide receiver Steve Smith. The Broncos need a return man and he can fit the bill. He’s incredibly strong for his size and can get behind the defense

Mike Shanahan on Eddie Royal:

Anytime you have a guy who can go the distance, it changes the mindset on special teams. Every time he touches the ball, he thinks he can go all the way. That’s what you’re looking for. We also like him as an inside slot receiver. He’s got the speed and quickness you look for.

Selection Grade: B+ – Royal will provide instant punt and kick return ability and can have an impact stretching the field as a sub package receiver. Where he’s ideal in a slot role, he has the ability to play on the outside in the NFL.

With questions surrounding Ben Hamilton, the age of Tom Nalen and the trading of Chris Myers, the Broncos obviously opted to get a future prospect on the inside of the line for the Broncos with the selection of Kory Lichtensteiger. He had the best blocking percentage rate out of any center in college football with 84.45%. In over 3,200 snaps in college, only allowed one quarterback pressure and was only penalized four times. He’s a tough player with great technique and discipline and should help the Broncos down the road.

NFL.com analysis on Kory Lichtensteigers’s selection:

Pick Analysis: Lichtensteiger has great technique, but short arms. The four-year starter at Bowling Green understands leverage and position. He’s very intelligent and plays with a lot of intensity. The Broncos like to a pick a position and attack it in the draft. The offensive line seems to be a point of emphasis this year.

Selection Grade: B – This selection is an A based on the help it gives the team and the need it fills, but Lichtensteiger is coming off of shoulder surgery and might not be ready at camp. However, he has the ability to be a long-term starter in the NFL.

This is probably one pick that Denver fans really don’t like, but the analysts on NFL Network seem to think he was one of the better players available. He’s a smaller cornerback, but built pretty well and is aggressive against both the run and the pass. Here’s a little tidbit from his profile (since I have not seen much of him) from NFL.com.

In 44 games at Kent State, Williams started 37 contests. He recorded 245 tackles (167 solo), three sacks for minus-26 yards, 14.5 stops for losses of 53 yards and a pair of quarterback pressures. He caused and recovered seven fumbles and also blocked one punt. He deflected 25 passes and gained 209 yards with two touchdowns on 13 pass thefts (16.1-yard average). He also returned twelve kickoffs for 252 yards (21.0-yard average).

According to ESPN Scouts Inc., Williams was rated as a third round prospect with legitimate starting potential in the NFL. With Foxworth and Paymah potentially leaving in 2008, the Broncos made sure to get another youngster at the cornerback position. Williams also has the ability to return punts and kicks.

NFL.com analysis on Jack Williams’ selection:

Pick Analysis: This guy can fly – he has great speed. He ran a 4.32 at his Pro Day and also had very impressive numbers in the cone drill and vertical jump. He’s got good size for a corner. Given his athleticism, he could be underrated as a prospect and is a great value at this point in the draft.

Selection Grade: B+ – With Foxworth and Paymah being free agents at the end of the year, the Broncos needed to get a cornerback to replace them in case they leave. Williams is an interesting physical specimen with a lot of upside and legitimate starting potential. He would serve best as a nickel corner right away, and should bring help to our special teams coverage units.

Torain’s an interesting pick for the Broncos who almost always are interested in upgrading their stable of backs. Torain was on a tear earlier this year for the Sun Devils before suffering a toe injury. When healthy, he played like a top 100 selection and had an early round grade prior to his injury by most draft outlets. Staying healthy is his only weakness, otherwise he has a nice blend of size (6′1, 222) and speed with the proper vision to succeed for the Broncos. Running between the tackles is key here in Denver and Torain can do that. Some believe he compares favorably to former Broncos back, Mike Anderson.

NFL.com analysis on Ryan Torain’s selection:

Pick Analysis:Torain started the season really well, but was derailed by a foot injury midway through the year. He’s a junior college transfer that likes to run between the tackles. Given Denver’s traditional success taking RBs in the middle rounds, the Arizona State product has potential to develop.

Selection Grade: C+ – Torain could be the next in a long line of Broncos backs to have success here in Denver, but considering his injury history and the other players available at this point in the draft, this pick will receive my lowest rating to date.

It seems like teams were awfully disinterested in this years defensive tackle class and it shows. Carlton Powell is regarded as a high effort, high character player who is very solid against the run. In fact, Powell is so good against the run that he held opponents to -13 yards in the 106 plays directed at him. During his career at Virgina Tech, he started 31 games, had 104 tackles with 5 and a half sacks. He also had 30 quarterback pressures and 21 and a half tackles for loss.

NFL.com analysis on Carlton Powell’s selection:

Pick Analysis: Carlton Powell is a little undersized but was productive at Virginia Tech. This far along in the draft, you’re not going to get ideal physical specimens, so the fact he started three years for a strong program makes him a good value.

Selection Grade: A – Powell isn’t the flashiest player, but he’s a solid selection who addresses a need on the interior. It’s likely that Powell will serve as a back-up this year and play in a rotational role. For those clamoring for run support, Powell will do that for the Broncos.

I’m not thrilled with the selection of Larsen at #183 when there are better linebackers on boards with arguably better special teams potential. Larsen’s age (25) is also concerning as well. Larsen left Arizona for several years to do a mission trip in 2003 and 2004, and returned to the Wildcats shortly after and suffered an ACL injury. Despite the aforementioned negatives, he’s a high character person who can come in and help on special teams right away. He’s not the most physically gifted linebacker, but he gets by with his smarts and passion for the game. It’s unlikely that Larsen will be anything more than a back-up in the NFL.

Pick Analysis: Toughness is Larsen’s forte. He’s an inside linebacker and is not overly big or fast, but he’s a good run-stuffer. He can’t play in pass coverage but can come in during early downs. He is older at 25.

Selection Grade: C – It’s hard to complain about sixth rounders, but his value was listed a little better here on several sites and reports. His age is concerning, but he’s a high character player and a leader in the locker room. He seems to be a selection right in line with all the others prior to him so far this draft.

A lot of Broncos fans are excited that Barrett fell to the seventh round, and I’m one of them. At one time he was considered an early third round selection, but never lived up to the billing his senior year and fell down boards due to it. He has the physical tools to be a starter in the NFL, and should do well under the tutelage of solid pros like Marlon McCree and John Lynch.

Pick Analysis: Barrett had a great junior campaign and potentially could’ve been a third-round pick, but he got benched as a senior. He has all the measurables and exceptional speed, 4.36 in the 40. Barrett matured a lot after sitting and demonstrated poise when he came back. His lack of playing time, though, clearly hurt his draft stock.

Selection Grade: A – As a player I wouldn’t give this an A grade, but based on the value it most certainly is deserving. Barrett has legitimate starting potential and brings some youth to a Broncos defensive backfield that definitely needs it.

Hillis is arguably the best fullback in this draft. He should be an interesting weapon to have in Shanahan’s offense considering he can block, run and catch the ball. Denver may have finally found a long-term solution to their recently revolving door at the fullback position which has included names like Cecil Sapp, Kyle Johnson and even Mike Anderson.

Pick Analysis: Hillis is one of the best fullbacks in the draft. Some had him rated higher than Owen Schmitt who was taken earlier. He was one of the main players responsible for opening up holes for first-rounders Felix Jones and Darren McFadden and will have a chance to contribute right away in the NFL as a blocking fullback.

Selection Grade: A – Hillis could start from Day 1 and replace Cecil Sapp as the Broncos fullback. He’s a versatile weapon and at the very least will be a solid special teams player for the Broncos.

For additional analysis, the Denver Post has you covered!

Offensive Tackle likely at #12.

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. . .

Quick Pick Reminder.

Just to remind you all, here are the selections with the rounds and overall number we have going into Saturday and Sunday. Currently, it’s nine picks overall – but Denver almost always makes some sort of trade; so don’t expect these to stay the same as the draft progresses. When trades regarding the Broncos happen, I’ll be here to let you know.

Current Sections in the 2008 NFL Draft

Rd. 1 (12th overall)

Rd. 2 (42nd overall)

Rd. 4 (108th overall)

Rd. 4 (119th overall)

Rd. 5 (139th overall)

Rd. 5 (148th overall)

Rd. 6 (183rd overall)

Rd. 7 (220th overall)

Rd. 7 (227th overall)

Overall, Denver has one of the better hauls available selection wise; – but it does indeed pale in comparison to the Kansas City Chiefs and the Atlanta Falcons who have the most value out of their picks in the entire draft. Don’t be too surprised if the Broncos trade down a bit to pick up a third rounder that they’re missing this year. Sit tight folks, this is going to get interesting.

My guys for #12.

With only four days until the 2008 NFL Draft, I thought I’d speak up about some of my favorite players who I’d be pleased if the Broncos selected at #12 overall. Keep in mind, this is not what I think they’re going to do (although I do believe that OT/RB will be our priority) – but more in line with who I’d like to see us select come Saturday. Enjoy.

1] Jonathan Stewart, RB — Oregon

Hard to think down about a guy whose stock is up even with his turf toe. Extremely tough runner, good in between the tackles and can take it outside. Great vision and always runs hard. Considering his size and his toe, what he ran was incredible. Immediate impact, and a low bust factor. Was regarded as a first-round talent based on his physical attributes before he even started at Oregon and once he got the chance to start, he made sure that the grade stuck with him.

2] Christopher Williams, OL — Vanderbilt

A jack of all trades guy, and a very polished pass protector. Not overpowering in the running game, but does an adequate job. Smart and plays pretty aggressively. I don’t think he has enormous potential but he’s a relatively safe pick and a guy who at the very least will start 10 years on our line and do pretty well. Is a very high character guy and this team needs more natural leaders like him.

3] Ryan Clady, OL – Boise State

High ceiling players usually have high bust rates and I think it’s apt to put such thoughts on Clady. Physically he’s everything you’re looking for but mentally I don’t know if he has it. I like him a lot — but he has the same mental problems I echo on a lot of other players. Denver has a tendency to draft players with extremely blessed physical attributes, but nothing in their noggin’ — I think that’ll change this year — but I still rate Clady high for superb potential.

4] Rashard Mendenhall, RB — Illinois

I don’t think Mendenhall’s #4 rating needs anymore justification besides the fact that he’d be a good fit for our system and would give us a nice receiving option out of the backfield. I agree that protecting Jay is paramount, but I also think that giving him a running back he can actually rely on is equally as important. I’d prefer Stewart, but Mendenhall would be a solid selection too. Both running backs did their damages in spread offenses, so it’ll be interesting to see how they’d adjust to a pro style offense like the Broncos who run the West Coast Offense.

5] Leodis McKelvin, CB – Troy

In the NFL you can never have enough corners; especially in the AFC West, which is starting do breed up some nice young receivers. This pick has the logic of an immediate impact returner; much like O’Neal was for us while he was here — and the potential to be a starting corner in a year or so. I don’t expect Paymah and Foxworth to both be here next year, and they’ve proven that they’re just probably nickel corners at the NFL level. This kid has legitimate #1 potential and would be a fine replacement to either Champ or Dre as they go on and up in years.

ESPN: Broncos to take Williams or Stewart.

According to ESPN Insider and member of Scouts Inc. – Todd McShay is reporting that the chances are “good” that the Denver Broncos will indeed select Jonathan Stewart at #12 if their “favorite” offensive line prospect Christopher Williams is gone by their selection. Keep in mind this is just a rumor, but the Broncos have shown sincere interest in upgrading their offensive tackle position and brought in Rashard Mendenhall for a private workout and meeting last week. It’s unknown whether or not Stewart was given the same reception, but there’s no doubt that the Broncos are sincerely interested in upgrading two positions that have a ton of quality options in this years draft.

So if you were drafting, who would you select? There’s the potential for a Pro-Bowl running back Denver hasn’t had since Clinton Portis or a high-effort, hard working quality left tackle prospect in Christopher Williams who could anchor the left side of the line for a decade. Which does Denver need more? Which would help us out more immediately? Is it possible to go one way in the first round, then find the same compliment at #42?

Keep that in mind as the draft rolls around, and there will certainly be more analysis to come!