The End of All Things To Come.

This is it folks, the calm before the storm. Germany before Hitler. America before Bush. Here are the players for my mock draft. How about this Broncos bunch? Can you guess who? What round? Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. The names, rounds and placements later. Enjoy the mind tease.

Revealing the players in the picture:

#12 – Ryan Clady, OT – Boise State [If Not Available, Chris Willams]
[Alternate selections: Jonathan Stewart, RB - Rashard Mendenhall, RB]

It’s no surprise that the Broncos need an offensive tackle. With only two tackles on their roster, the Broncos couldn’t fool a retard into believing this isn’t the way they’re going with their first pick. Coach Shanahan says he likes the options in the first and second rounds, but he’s not that dumb to pass up elite talents at the position. From what I hear, the Broncos have Clady ranked higher than both Albert and Williams. If Clady is at #12, the Broncos will take him. That’s a guarantee. If he’s not there, they’ll look to Christoper Williams and possibly Brandon Albert – if neither are there, the darkhorse running back pick comes into mind, but a trade back might be more viable.

Clady is viewed by a lot of teams as the best pure left tackle in this draft class, but has slipped a little in light of his poor Wonderlic score. Broncos fans in general are concerned whether or not that’ll have an impact on him being able to understand our blocking scheme and come in and compete right away. It’s a little alarming, but Clady is the protypical fit for an NFL left tackle and has the size to get even bigger. This might be the only time in the near future that the Broncos have at nabbing a franchise tackle, so it’s best they take it.

#42 – Chris Johnson, RB – Eastern Carolina
[Alternate selections: Ray Rice, RB - Sam Baker, OT - Jamaal Charles, RB]

This might be a surprising pick, but the Broncos do enjoy the crop of running backs they have this year. Johnson’s not going to be the kind of back that’ll carry the rock 30 times a game — but no team in the NFL is expecting that of anyone anymore. Some may question this selection with Selvin Young on board, but Johnson brings unprecedented return potential the Broncos haven’t had since Deltha O’Neal and has had extensive experience as a running back and a wide receiver.

This is just an option the Broncos cannot afford to pass up after missing out on Maurice Jones-Drew and Devin Hester. Cutler gets help in the backfield in a variety of ways and the special teams unit finally as a returner. What’s not to like?

#108 – Jonathan Goff, ILB – Vanderbilt
[Alternate selections: Philip Wheeler, ILB - Geno Hayes, OLB]

Count me in with the crowd that’s not convinced Niko Koutouvides is the long term option at middle linebacker. The Broncos will have an opportunity to get some competition at the position earlier with names like Dan Connor and Curtis Lofton being available at #42, but if they opt for a running back – they can find players like Jonathan Goff in the early fourth round. Goff might have problems being a three down linebacker in the NFL due to some concerns regarding his ability in coverage, but he’s a hard-nosed – two down thumper who lives, eats and breathes football. A team leader and a high character person, Goff is the kind of guy you want leading your team out of the tunnel on Sunday’s.

#119 – DeMario Pressley, DT – North Carolina State
[Alternate selections: Best Available Defensive Tackle]

With the addition of DeWayne Robertson, the Broncos do not need to draft a defensive tackle on the first day. Robertson brings nose-tackle presence, while Thomas and McKinley offer variety at the position. What Denver could use now is a prototypical three technique who can blow through the gaps and disrupt. Pressley never lived up to his recruit press clippings but is a quality prospect in his own right and is good value here in round four if the Broncos are interested in adding another youngster to the inside defensive line mix.

#139 – Lavelle Hawkins, WR/RS – California
[Alternate selections: Best Skill Position Player/Return Specialist]

The Broncos may have added Darrell Jackson, Sammie Parker and Keary Colbert – but they could use another warm body at camp considering Jackson and Parker as of now are one year rentals. Hawkins has legitimate #3 potential in the NFL and doubles as an impressive return specialist. If he’s here in the early fifth round, the Broncos would have a hard time not taking him. Word is that some teams even prefer him over his highly touted teammate DeSean Jackson.

#148 – Jamar Adams, S – Michigan
[Alternate selections: Best Safety Available]

The Broncos talked to Adams at the Senior Bowl in Mobile, but that’s not the reason I have them selecting him. Where the additions of McCree and Manuel undoubtedly helped the defensive back field, McCree, Lynch and Abdullah only have one year contracts. The Broncos would be apt to bring in a young safety who could learn the ropes before ascending to a starting position. Adams won’t offer you much in pass coverage – but as a run defender he’s one of the best safeties in the class; and also one of the hardest hitters. Late fifth round value for Adams is excellent, considering the overall lack of quality options in this years’ safety class.

#183 – Taylor Mehlhaff, K – Wisconsin

The Broncos have been reported to be in love with Wisconsin kicker Taylor Mehlaff because of his big leg and solid accuracy. Mehlhaff should have the one up over other kicking prospects due to the fact that he doubles as a kickoff specialist as well. It’s possible that Mehlhaff, who is ranked on many boards as the #1 kicker in the draft goes earlier — but we can only hope he falls this far. It won’t be easy, but somebody has to fill Jason Elam’s shoes.

#220 – Pedro Sosa, OL – Rutgers

Pedro Sosa is not as quality of a prospect as his teammate Jeremy Zuttah, but deserves to be drafted. Undersized for an NFL offensive tackle, Sosa will likely have to make the move inside if he wants to play in the NFL. That’s the sort of versatility that’s underestimated in the NFL and it’s the sort of versatility the Broncos have shown they love – considering the drafting of prospects like Chris Myers and Chris Kuper in the past.

#227 – Darnell Terrell, CB – Missouri

Terrell certainly has the ability to go much higher than this, but he is not a standout at cornerback in a very deep class and wouldn’t rank very highly amongst the safeties — which is another position he’s being projected at. Terrell has great size at 6′2 – 200 pounds, but struggles in man coverage. He would be a solid pick for the Broncos who have been known for playing zone schemes extensively in the past and would provide versatility in the defensive backfield.

That’s it. . . and we’ll see how it all unfolds tomorrow and Sunday! I’ll be blogging both days, so stick around and enjoy the Draft!

Hart’s Final Mock Draft.

The Denver Broncos are the only team I really care about in the NFL, but upon requests from some friends, viewers and forum die hards, I’ve decided to start doing full mocks again, regardless of how stupid I am regarding their needs.

1 Miami Dolphins — Jake Long, OT
2 St. Louis Rams — Chris Long, DE
3 Atlanta Falcons — Matt Ryan, QB
4 Oakland Raiders — Darren McFadden, RB
5 Kansas City Chiefs — Glenn Dorsey, DT
6 New York Jets — Brandon Albert, OT/OG
7 New England Patriots — Vernon Gholston, DE
8 Baltimore Ravens — Sedrick Ellis, DT
9 Cincinnati Bengals — Keith Rivers, OLB
10 New Orleans Saints — Leodis McKelvin, CB
11 Buffalo Bills — Devin Thomas, WR
12 Denver Broncos — Ryan Clady, OT
13 Carolina Panthers — Jonathan Stewart, RB
14 Chicago Bears — Chris Williams, OT
15 Detroit Lions — Jarod Mayo, LB
16 Arizona Cardinals — Rashard Mendenhall, RB
17 Kansas City — Derrick Harvey, DE
18 Houston Texans — Jeff Otah, OT
19 Philadelphia Eagles — James Hardy, WR
20 Tampa Bay Buccaneers — Michael Jenkins, CB
21 Washington Redskins — Phillip Merling, DE
22 Dallas Cowboys (from Cleveland) — Aqib Talib, CB
23 Pittsburgh Steelers — Gosder Cherilus, OT
24 Tennessee Titans — Limas Sweed, WR
25 Seattle Seahawks — Dustin Keller, TE
26 Jacksonville Jaguars — Kentwan Balmer, DT
27 San Diego Chargers — Calais Campbell, DE
28 Dallas Cowboys — Felix Jones, RB
29 San Francisco 49ers — Cliff Avril, OLB/DE
30 Green Bay Packers — Antoine Cason, CB
— New England Patriots Selection forfeited —
31 New York Giants — Dan Connor, LB

At best I get ten right, but I doubt that will even happen.

Final and full length Broncos mock draft will be up later this evening, the analysis is beginning and the panicking started weeks ago. Sit tight and enjoy!

Two Weeks Out Mock.

With two weeks to go before the 2008 NFL Draft, I thought now would be a proper time to throw out a mock draft for all those interested.

There’s a high possibility that Ryan Clady of Boise State and Christopher Williams of Vanderbilt are ahead of Virginia’s Brandon Albert on the Broncos draft board, but I like the pick of Albert because he has the ability to play on the interior of the offensive line along with both tackle spots. Less than a month ago, Albert was considered an early Day Two selection but after tremendous workouts and a solid interview process has leap-frogged into the first round, and according to several sources – the top fifteen on some teams draft boards. The selection of Albert in the first round would signal a priority being placed on protecting franchise quarterback Jay Cutler; a measure that certainly needs to be taken.

Before the Brandon Marshall incident, wide receiver was a likely candidate for a Day Two selection, but with questions regarding Marshall’s maturity and length of recovery regarding his injury – it’s very likely that the Broncos will jump on a receiver early if given the ample opportunity. Have no fear, James Hardy of Indiana University is here! Hardy compares similarly to New York Giants wideout Plaxico Burress due to his frame and size. [6'6 - 225] One questionmark Hardy had was regarding his speed, but after timing around 4.51 and by some accounts in the 4.4’s – those doubts are starting to be erased. Hardy has some minor character concerns, but there’s no doubt that he has legitimate starting potential at receiver and would be an absolute terror in the endzone. With a healthy Brandon Marshall, teams would have fits trying to cover two massive wide receivers along with the other options Denver has including Daniel Graham, Tony Scheffler, Keary Colbert and Brandon Stokley.

Coach Shanahan had stated that DJ Williams will be moving back to his natural position of weakside linebacker and recent free agent pick-up and career back-up to Lofa Tatupu, Niko Koutouvides would be manning the MIKE position for 2008. Color me unconvinced, but I have a hard time buying that the Broncos won’t try and add another player into their linebacker mix. Jonathan Goff was the leader of the defensive for the Vanderbilt Commodores and is known for having high character off the field. Goff’s biggest addition to the Broncos would be his tenacity on the field and stoutness versus the run. Scouts have questioned Goff’s ability to be more than a two-down thumper in the NFL; but he looked extremely fluid in the coverage drills at the NFL Combine. There’s no doubt that DJ Williams and Boss Bailey will be the starters on the outside in 2008, but as mentioned – I have a hard time believing that the Broncos wouldn’t be interested in adding another linebacker to their mix; preferably one who can play the inside to challenge Koutouvides.

Uncertainty looms at the running back position with the Denver Broncos upon entrance to the 2008 NFL Draft. Travis Henry has character concerns and durability questionmarks, and Coach Shanahan is on record saying that neither Selvin Young or Andre Hall are full-time ball carriers. Due to a jump of juniors into this years running back class, there should be adequate value at the position well into Day Two. Tashard Choice out of Georgia Tech isn’t a back who is going to run away from you, but his vision and cutback ability make him a great fit for the Broncos zone-blocking offense. Couple that in with hard work ethic, good character and solid receiving abilities out of the backfield; Choice seems like a logical choice for a Denver Broncos team who always seems to be interested in finding the next prospect to continue their lineage of 1,000 yard backs.    I completely understand that running back isn’t a “dire” need position on this team, but when you have players like Choice available in the fourth round who have starting potential with a team that has an affinity for half backs; it’s just safe to assume we’ll find one somewhere.

Reports have gone on for well over two months regarding the Broncos interest to acquire New York Jets defensive tackle Dewayne Robertson; and every week it seems some new information regarding the situation pops up. Most recently, it has been discussed via several outlets that the Broncos have a contract in place for Robertson and are likely to send one or two second day selections to the Jets in return for Robertson’s services. One of the hang-ups right now seems to be Robertson’s bone-on-bone knee condition; which was one of the reasons for the nixed trade to Cincinnati. If the Bengals were only going to give up a fifth round selection for Robertson before his failed physical; I cannot imagine the Jets getting much more for a guy who is desperate to get out with an injury concern – and based on the fact that the Jets are desperate to get rid of his enormous salary and roster bonus that’s due in June. Expect one of Denver’s fifth round selections to be sent to New York in exchange for his services.

With the departure of Jason Elam, it’s evident that there is a need for a long-term option at kicker for the Denver Broncos. It’s almost certain that Matt Prater isn’t that guy, and according to NFL Draft Daddy – the Broncos showed extreme interest in Taylor Mehlhaff at the NFL Combine. Mehlhaff, a lefty – displays great leg strength and has the ability to boot it outside 50 and do kick-offs. Mehlhaff’s experience in kicking in poor weather situations may even be another reason that the Broncos would be interested in the Aberdeen Central High School prospect and graduate of the University of Wisconsin. It’s possible that Mehlhaff could be had later on Day Two; but the Broncos shouldn’t risk passing up the opportunity to get a quality kicker – much like they did with Mason Crosby in last years draft, who is much better than Mehlhaff. With Elam out of the fold, Denver can’t afford to “shank” getting a kicker in the draft.

With the aforementioned positions addressed, the Broncos still need some help in their return department. Enter Utah State wide receiver and return specialist Kevin Robinson, who finished this season with a near 30 yards per return average and three touchdowns; with a return long of 100 yards. Robinson also has the ability to contribute as a sub package receiver at the NFL level and would be an excellent selection for the Broncos with their sixth round selection via Houston through the Chris Myers trade.

Even with the likely acquisition of Dewayne Robertson, the Denver Broncos could use another defensive tackle to pair with Robertson, Thomas and McKinley. Enter Carlton Powell out of Virgnia Tech, who might not be the the biggest player, but his a hard working defender who is stout against the run. Folks, it’s the seventh round – so don’t expect much, and it never hurts to add depth to a position to a position on the team that is a huge liability.

With Domonique Foxworth and Karl Paymah being in the final year of their contracts after the 2008 season, the Broncos would be smart to draft a cornerback in preparation for the likely departure of one of the two cornerbacks. Zenon doesn’t have blazing speed; but would work well in a Broncos defense that has played in a lot of zone coverages the past several seasons. Zenon is an underrated prospect due to his lack of speed, but has always been around the ball and has made many quality plays for the Tigers in his career at LSU.

2008 Broncos Draft Recap

#12 – Brandon Albert, OL – Virginia

#42 - James Hardy, WR – Indiana

#108 – Jonathan Goff, ILB – Vanderbilt

#119 - Tashard Choice, RB – Georgia Tech

#139 – Dewayne Robertson (selection traded to NYJ)

#148 – Taylor Mehlhaff, K – Wisconsin

#183 – Kevin Robinson, WR/RS – Utah State

#220 – Carlton Powell, DT – Virgnia Tech

#227 – Jonathan Zenon, CB – LSU

Feel free to comment and of course, this is all speculation!

On the Clock: Ten Weeks In Mock

After a 34-20 win on Monday Night Football, the Broncos have a share of the AFC West lead heading into the final stretch along with rival San Diego. Due to the win, the Broncos moved to #18 overall, and would be selecting there if the draft was today. Through ten games thus far, we’ve been able to see the strengths of this team. We have a young quarterback in Jay Cutler who appears to be a budding star – along with a step up in play from second-year wideout Brandon Marshall. In addition to those two, other youngsters such as Chris Myers, Chris Kuper, Elvis Dumervil, Tim Crowder, Marcus Thomas, Tony Scheffler and Hamza Abdullah are seeing an immense amount of playing time as well. (I’m sure I forgot some names!) Denver has done a relatively solid job at adding talent to this team over the past several years, and I along with the rest of Broncos Nation that this success will continue on over the course of the 2008 NFL Draft.

Everyone is bound to have their own opinion on the draft, who we should draft and what positions we should go after – and that allows for a healthy debate. So before I start my mock draft, I would like to point out my top three areas of need after an analysis of the past ten games to lay out my game plan for attacking the draft. These areas of need would go from the most pertinent to the least, but with all five areas needing improvement. Without further adieu – here are my top three needs heading into the 2008 off-season. Also included will be positions that I believe need enhancement, whether via starting players – or depth that can be useful and beneficial to the team in the future.

DENVER’S TOP THREE NEEDS FOR 2008

Defensive Tackle – I’ve been impressed with the play of Marcus Thomas and Alvin McKinley as of late, and it’s a likely scenario that these two will be the only returners on the roster at the respective next year when training camp rolls around. A lot of people are quick to come to snap judgments about our linebackers, and where I agree improvement is needed – it’s fundamental to understand that when the front four is playing poorly – those behind them are going to suffer. Our run defense is one of the worst in the league, and Denver lacks a game changing force on the interior of the line that can draw double teams and allow for our linebackers to make plays in space and downhill.

This is an area that has the potential to be improved via free agency. Names like Albert Haynesworth and Corey Williams are possibilities in free agency, as well second-tier players like Randy Starks and Isaac Sopoaga could ease the need at the position. However, another young addition to the defensive tackle position couldn’t hurt. If the Broncos were able to land one of the aforementioned players and pair them with a talented defensive tackle from the college ranks, an immediate and long-term solution would be possible.

Offensive Tackle – For what it’s worth and all things considered – our patchwork offensive line has played relatively effective. Young players such as Chris Myers and Chris Kuper seem to be improving on a daily basis, but I have questions regarding the depth and quality at our tackle positions. Is it just me, or does Matt Lepsis appear to be suffering from his microfracture surgery that ended his season last year? On top of that, what the hell is Erik Pears doing out there at right tackle? He couldn’t run block to safe his life. On a side note, Denver paid Graham top dollar to produce in Denver, and where I expect more out of him in the receiving game – it’s hard to get those opportunities when you’re acting as training wheels for a right side of the line that could be seen in the bottom half of football.

Denver took a step in the right direction drafting Ryan Harris out of Notre Dame in the third round last year (who has seen limited action) who has the potential to start for the Broncos at tackle, even perhaps guard next season – but the Broncos could use protection for Cutler and a player who can bring some balance to the right side of the line in the running game as well. With this offensive tackle class one of the deepest in recent memory, it’d be apt for the Broncos to consider protecting their investment with Cutler – and improving the line long-term by adding an early choice into the mix.

Linebacker – Unfortunately for the Broncos, I see them having three first day needs with only two picks on the first day (given the fact that the third round will now be on day two) and the Broncos would do well to add another selection within the first several rounds to improve their pick arsenal. Be that as it may – I have my concerns regarding the linebacker position. As mentioned earlier, I don’t think our linebackers are doing a terrible job given our circumstances on the defensive line. At this point in time, I honestly believe that we lack the quality personnel (especially at defensive tackle) to run Bates’ defense effectively and to allow our athletic linebackers to make plays.

Most of the loyal views and forum readers know that I have been under the impression that Gold would have been gone had it not been for Wilson’s career-ending injury with the Broncos against the Seahawks last season, and to this date believe he will not be on the roster come training camp next year – but all that aside, Denver could use some quality youth at the position. The 2008 NFL Draft is loaded with athletic and talented linebackers inside and out, and there is a possibility that Denver could reap the benefits of a first-day player on the second day due to such enormous depth at the position.

DENVER’S “ENHANCEMENT” NEEDS FOR 2008

Safety – Considering the poor top end talent available in this years safety class, the emergence of Hamza Abdullah and the versatility of third year player Domonique Foxworth – the Broncos aren’t in dire need of an immediate starter at the position for 2008 compared to the aforementioned, but they could use some “enhancement” at the position. Whether it’s a player who has the possibility to start, or someone who can help on the Special Teams unit for a year and then assume that role – Denver should keep their eyes open for second-day talent available at safety in the 2008 NFL Draft.

Running Back – This, along with the next “enhancement” need might be the toughest to justify because they regard scenarios on the team that are still up in the air for this season, and in this instance – for the future. Despite above-average performances by Selvin Young and Andre Hall in the absence of Travis Henry (who is facing a one-year ban for substance abuse), I am not confident that either could be the workhorse back for this squad or be long-term solutions. I do not see much difference between the styles of Young or Hall that would give me the impression that they could be a successful one-two combination, despite their recent success against a Haynes”worthless” Titan defense.

I think adequate arguments can be made to even justify running back being a top three round need if Henry gets suspended, and that’s something I must factor in when evaluating the draft and coming up with the best solutions for the team. Denver has had an exponential amount of success plugging in late-round and undrafted players at the running back position, so just imagine what could happen with quality talent at the position we haven’t had since Clinton Portis.

Wide Receiver - To steal the words away from a friend on the Orange Mane “Surround Cutler with weapons and he will blossom,” and perhaps no truer words have ever been spoken. I think all Broncos fans are pleasantly surprised by the contribution Brandon Stokley has given the team along with the growth of Brandon Marshall. With Walker still sidelined by injury – and the looming paranoia surrounding his knee – I don’t think it’d hurt Denver at all to invest in another young option at wide receiver. Preferably, Denver could get a true speedster with field stretching skill and the ability to return kicks. Where this is not an immediate need for the Broncos, the drafting of a talented receiver who can offer such services would only improve this roster.

With my analysis on our “need” and “enhancement” positions completed, I present to you my most recent 2008 Denver Broncos Mock Draft:

#18 Selection Overall – Frank Okam, Defensive Tackle – Texas

There have been some doubts surrounding Okam’s desire and consistent effort given on the football field, but after watching a majority of the Longhorn’s games this season – I can assure you that any of those questions can be put to rest. Okam is a dedicated student who has already obtained his degree from Texas, and is also a student of the game. Where many believe that Okam suffers from “on the field laziness” – what I believe people are seeing in games is a massive athlete who will get worn down playing a majority of the snaps and taking double teams.

Starting all 11 games, Okam has compiled 43 tackles – including eight for loss, 4.5 sacks, 14 quarterback hurries, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery and four defended passes. On top of astounding on the field achievement, Okam has the size (6′4 1/2 – 325 pounds) that is an added bonus in Bates’ defensive scheme and would offer an immediate improvement in run support, and some additional help at rushing the passer.

With Tim Crowder showing promise over the past two games and Marcus Thomas being a steady contributor as a rookie for the Broncos, an Okam addition to those two (along with a healthy Jarvis Moss) would give the Broncos the potential of something special in the years to come on the defensive line. Call it “Project Gatorhorn” or “Project Longator” – an investment in who I believe has the potential to be the next John Henderson is nothing but a positive for this Broncos franchise who desperately needs help on the interior of their defensive line.

#50 Selection Overall – Philip Wheeler, Linebacker – Georgia Tech

In an ideal world, the Broncos would find a way to add another first-day selection to grab an offensive tackle, but the value at the linebacker position and the probability that the top five or six tackles will be taken before the Broncos pick in the second round made me lean towards the heap of value that will be available all over day one at the linebacker position.

Philip Wheeler is a guy I like for many reasons. He’s a versatile prospect who has the ability to play MIKE or WILL, but due to lack of size – would be best fit for the weakside in the NFL. Where he’s has some consistency issues as a senior, he has great instincts and is a phenomenal blitzer. Wheeler has improved in pass coverage over his junior campaign and ranks third on the Yellow Jackets with 5 pass break ups. He plays with a fire and his on the field leadership is a quality that this team needs in future players coming into the NFL. We need players who will play like they’ve got something to prove, and Wheeler is one of those players, and would be a fantastic value in the middle of round two to round out our first-day efforts.

#114 Selection Overall – John Greco, Offensive Tackle – Toledo

Greco’s an underrated lineman playing in a small conference against ‘lower-level’ competition, but he does a great job manning the left tackle spot for Toledo. Greco has nice size at 6′4 – 320 and could provide flexibility at either tackle position, perhaps even guard. He’s a blue-collar type player, who works hard and gets the best out of his talent. I don’t know of Greco has what it takes to be a top-flight left tackle in the NFL, but he’ll be a serviceable back-up at the very worst, and could challenge for the right tackle spot immediately if drafted.

#116 Selection Overall – Quintin Demps, Safety – Texas-El Paso

With John Lynch aging and suffering from nagging injuries, along with the benching of Nick Ferguson for young up and comer Hamza Abdullah, the Broncos could use another option in the defensive backfield heading into 2008. As mentioned in previous mock drafts, Demps is a quality all-around safety who has a knack for being around the ball. Demps hasn’t had as great of a year as he did as a junior, but has been a consistent performer in all facets of the game and is a special teams ace who carries both kick-off and punt return duties for the squad and has blocked one kick to date. It’s possible that Demps could fill in as a starter right away (pending who is on the roster next season) but would have an immediate impact on special teams on returning and coverage units.

#132 Selection Overall – James McClinton, Defensive Tackle – Kansas

Some say the double-dip at defensive tackle might be unnecessary, but McClinton (depsite being 6′1 – 295) is extremely strong at the point of attack and commands double teams on a consistent basis. Before the season, nobody was even talking about McClinton, but he has worked his way up into being mentioned as a possible late first day pick. I don’t feel he’ll go as high as some others are projecting, mainly due to the big influx of talent that will shake up boards as juniors enter – but he’ll be a player who will be sitting there early in the fourth or fifth round for the Broncos to take an advantage of. Since I’m projecting that only McKinley and Thomas will be defensive tackle rollovers onto the roster next season, it would be in Denver’s best interest to try and add some more youth to the position.

#146 Selection Overall – Darius Reynaud, Wide Receiver – West Virginia

Reynaud doesn’t get a lot of attention because he plays in an option-style offense that allows Pat White and Steve Slaton to do their thing on the ground (along with top prospect Noel Devine) – but Reynaud has been extremely impressive given limited opportunities for the Mountaineers. Reynaud has over 50 catches for around 500 yards this year and ten of them have been for touchdowns. When White throws the ball, Reynaud has clearly been his favorite target. Reynaud is also a very skilled returner and would offer immediate help for the Broncos on special teams as well. If Reynaud played for a different team that emphasized passing the ball more, he’d have a shot at being picked in the second or third round – but given the circumstances – he’ll likely be around this area during the draft. Reynaud is an ideal playmaker for the Broncos in the slot. Where he’s only 5′10 – he has a nice strong frame at 200 pounds and doesn’t shy away from contact – and he also has the speed to stretch the field vertically and give the Broncos another utility to implement into their offense.

#210 Selection Overall – Amir Pinnix, RB – Minnesota

At one point in time I thought Pinnix would be able to challenge for a spot within the first 100 selections, but the Golden Gophers have had an abysmal year and have literally fallen off the scouting map. Pinnix started the season off strong with an average over 5 yards a carry and close to four hundred yards and four total scores in his first three appearances, but nagging injuries and earning himself into the Brewster doghouse hasn’t helped his case at all. On top of Minnesota’s ineptitude overall, freshman running back Duane Bennett is taking carries away from Pinnix and freshman quarterback Adam Weber is a scrambler who likes to take off and run and coincidentally is the teams leading rusher.

All and all, Pinnix plays in a blocking scheme that is ran by Denver and has good vision. It’s surprising how much he’s tailed off this year after such a fantastic junior campaign, but he could be another one of those “diamond in the rough” type players that get overlooked due to team circumstances. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Shanahan give Brewster a call for a little information on him. Pinnix is too good of a fit and has too much talent to pass up at this point in time. It’s likely that he’ll never be a workhorse back in the league, but would be another warm body back there who can work his way into the rotation. With the suspension of Henry looming in the air and with Selvin Young out with a strained knee, it’d never hurt to add another young stallion into the Broncos running back stable.

#215 Selection Overall – Darnell Terrell, DB – Missouri

Darnell offers versatility as a defensive back who has the size to play free safety, but the speed and athleticism to play corner as well. This is not a very strong class at corner, so Terrell’s versatility could help his stock in the long-run, but I feel he’ll be selected late somewhere on Day 2. If Missouri finishes off the season strong, Terrell plays well in the Bowl game and works out great at Indianapolis – he has the ability to rise. It might be wishful thinking he’ll last this long – but who knows. Great players get passed up all the time and Terrell could be another one of those guys.

That’s it! Questions and comments are always welcome. Feel free to post one of them and I’ll do my best to respond.

Modified Mock: Changing Gears

As I mentioned, the pending suspension of Travis Henry which is bound to happen unless a landmark victory is made in the courtroom will have a severe impact on the Broncos off-season this next year. Where Michael Turner is a viable option in free agency, the Broncos could spend their money elsewhere on free agents at other positions who could prove their worth, rather than shelling out top dollar for a talented running back with limited playing time. With the suspension on the horizon, I decided to shake-up the mock draft a little because it’s almost a consensus that Selvin Young isn’t going to be the every down workhorse this team needs going into the future.

First Round Selection: Keith Rivers, LB – Southern Cal

One position almost nobody would have though to be such a major concern until a few years down the road became a concern immediately when Al Wilson was released by the Broncos after failing a physical with the Giants that negated the of an addition of a third round selection in the 2007 NFL Draft. Losing Wilson for the Broncos have proved to be monumental on the defensive side of the Broncos this year. The team desperately misses his on the field tenacity and most importantly the love for the game, and the leadership he displayed on the field. Where DJ Williams is among the leading tacklers at his position this year and done an average job filling in for Wilson, he’s still a work in progress. However, the linebackers that concern me the most out of our group are not named Williams, they’re named Gold and Webster – which leave some questions on the outside linebacker positions for the future.

Where the Broncos coaching staff has invested confidence in all three of the linebackers, the spicing up of the position by releasing D.D. Lewis and adding the oft-injured Jordan Beck to the corps makes be believe that the coaches do understand the poor play at the position, and are already looking for ways to try and fix the problem. Beck is not a long-term solution, and is a likely candidate for special teams – however with a draft so promising at linebacker and with the Broncos having a good track record of finding players who can contribute at the position.

With the Broncos on schedule for a top fifteen selection barring a complete turn around in performance, one player they will definitely have their eye on is senior USC linebacker Keith Rivers. Rivers is what you look for in a weakside prospect at the next level. He has excellent speed, great lateral ability and makes plays in the running game. He makes plays behind the line, against the quarterback and is always around the ball. Where he could show improvement defending against the pass, he has the potential to become one of the better weakside players in the league and is a true blue-chip prospect.

I had mentioned on several forums that with the depth of this linebacker class, the Broncos could afford to wait until round two if they were interested in getting a versatile prospect on the inside or out in the draft – but with the possibility of landing a blue-chip linebacker like Keith Rivers, the Broncos would be wise to consider the prospect of having a long-term force at the position – but should also carefully weigh there other options here early in the first round at such positions as offensive tackle and defensive tackle. Regardless, Rivers provides the Broncos with versatility and a quality college prospect who can come in and contribute as a starter from Day One, which is something the Broncos desperately will need if their trio continues to struggle throughout the year.

Round Two Selection: James Davis, RB – Clemson

With the ambiguity surrounding the Henry situation and the devastating impact it brings to a team who based on his 2007 production – so far had the best running back in Denver since Terrell Davis, the Broncos will be in the market for another running back at the end of the season. It’s extremely disappointing and frustrating on several levels given the fact that Henry professed himself to be clean, and that the possible (but likely) suspension of Henry creates yet another need for the Broncos heading into the draft and off-season. Unfortunately for the Broncos, this senior class of running backs is not strong, and the free agent class is also very weak – outside Charger free agent running back Michael Turner.

However, with the bad there has to be some good – and with underclassmen such as McFadden, Slaton and Stewart set to make the jump to the NFL early, there could be some intriguing value for the Broncos on Day One. However, that’s not the back I am looking at when it comes to early entrants. I’m looking at Clemson Tiger junior James Davis as the Broncos second round selection in the 2008 NFL Draft.

Where it’s a given that Davis isn’t held in the same regard as the aforementioned juniors, he’s a quality prospect in his own right. The former ACC Offensive Rookie of the Year had a great sophomore campaign and has had relative success leading Clemson to an overall record of 4-2. However, there is word coming out of Clemson that Davis is considering leaving school early to enter the draft due to having to split carries with talented sophomore C.J. Spiller and that he feels he’s not being utilized well enough in Bowden’s offense.

Despite his struggle in the last game against Virginia Tech, Davis has had a solid year with the Tigers despite having to split carries. He’s averaging over 6 yards a carry and has four rushing touchdowns and an additional receiving touchdown on the year. Where he’s not the most established pass catcher at the position in college football, he has the ability to be a successful back as a check down option in the NFL and could bring some versatility in that department. Where it’s unsure whether or not Davis is certain to go into the NFL Draft early, he’s a prospect you should start begging to watch and remember. When there’s a prospect playing in a tough conference who is averaging more than 5.5 YPC for his career and has 2,500 yards and thirty touchdowns while splitting carries in two and a half years of college ball, scouts and teams are going to take notice – and the Broncos would be apt to consider a prospect who brings the package to the table and offers a long-term option at a position where the Broncos certainly will have questions at if Henry is indeed suspended.

Fourth Round Selection: Red Bryant, DT – Texas A&M

At one point last season prior to a season ending injury – Bryant was considered one of the top prospects at his position in the country and on pace for a high selection in the 2008 NFL Draft. However, it still seems that his knee injury is having an impact on his play this season with the Aggies. Bryant hasn’t been able to turn on the jets, and has settled for only one sack and getting most of his tackles by assists rather than solo, but is still stout against the run and is an ideal player on the interior in Jim Bates’ defense. His inconsistencies are frustrating, and his knee injury might shy teams away from him due to playing a position that requires and has so much wear and tear in the NFL.

If Bryant can prove to be healthy and work out well after the season, his name could go back into first day consideration, but there are too many question marks surrounding his health and inconsistency this season to allow him to be a first day prospect. However, he would still be an excellent selection for the Broncos in round four because men his size are few and far between, and if healthy – he could prove to be a viable part in the Broncos defense.

Fourth Round Selection: Quintin Demps, S – UTEP

This is one pick, along with another that isn’t going to change in this draft but may in the future. As I mentioned in my previous mock – Demps is one of the better safety prospects available in the 2008 NFL Draft. He wouldn’t start right away, but he would prove to be a valuable player on our return and coverage units on special teams. He has good ball skills in coverage and is feisty in run support. Demps is one player I haven’t been able to see much this year, but hope to see what he can do as the year goes on.

Fifth Round Selection: Lavelle Hawkins, WR – California

Hawkins may be one of the best kept secrets in the NFL Draft right now, but people are starting to catch on and he might not be a secret any longer. He’s a threat in the return game and so far has outplayed fellow teammate DeSean Jackson in the receiving department. As several other members on the Orange Mane have mentioned (BPC, SoCalBronco) Hawkins would bring some much needed speed and the dimension of a vertical threat to our receiving corps, as well as bolstering our return game. After workouts, it’s likely that Hawkins will rise up the draft boards – but right now due to a relatively strong receiving class, it’s possible to think that a guy like Hawkins could be there waiting for us on Day 2.

Fifth Round Selection: Jeremy Zuttah, OL – Rutgers

Once again this is a selection that is not going to change to to the versatility of Zuttah as a player. With Nalen being out for the year in addition to Hamilton, the Broncos are going to need more options on the interior of the offensive line since we have players switching roles just to make the unit function. Zuttah is probably too small to play tackle in the NFL, but could move in on the interior and make a difference for the Broncos. He may not be 300 pounds plus, but he plays like it.

Seventh Round Selection: Wallace Gilberry, DE – Alabama

Gilberry is an undersized defensive end but offers some capability as a pass rusher and excels at stopping the run. He would do well in a rotational system like here and would offer some possibilities on the defensive front four. With Simeon Rice being on a one year contract and John Engleberger being unimpressive this season, it may be worth another shot to get a final installment of young defensive ends into the stable.

Seventh Round Selection: Joe Mays, LB – North Dakota State University

A bit of a homer selection considering I attend North Dakota State, but hear me out. Joe Mays is widely regarded as one of the best D-I AA linebackers in the nation and has been a difference maker since his sophomore season at NDSU. He’s the Bison’s all-time solo leading tackler and plays the run tough and excels in coverage as well. Mays is an inside linebacker at North Dakota State University in a defensive scheme that doesn’t utilize a standard middle linebacker. Where Mays measures in at a bulky 245 (pure muscle) he is only 5′11 so some people question his ability to succeed at the next level. Mays will probably never be a starter, but he’s a fiery player who loves the game and could excel at special teams if given the opportunity.