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. . .

Robertson a Bronco.

After weeks and weeks of speculation, Dewayne Robertson is now a Bronco. The Broncos will send the New York Jets a conditional 2009 draft selection. If Robertson’s knee does not hold up, the Broncos owe him nothing.

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.

Visit BroncoTalk!

I just thought I’d give a shout out to my friends at BroncoTalk, who have been doing a great job keeping us all up to date with draft information and doing their own creative analysis and debates regarding arguments for and against drafting at certain positions.   With the draft coming around the corner, I assume that their quality coverage of all things Broncos will continue.   Check them out!

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.