The Denver Broncos have built a team now that is set up for immediate success. But a big question does not lie in this year, but in the future. Denver may have built an offensive powerhouse but its defense needs adjusting. The team lets up the third-most yards per game through the air and the eighth-most points. This year’s draft could be used to fix these problems.
First Round: Bradley Roby, Cornerback, Ohio State
The Broncos need to clean up the cornerback position and fast. If the Broncos lose in the post season this year, it will be because a team threw the ball all over them. The Broncos offense can keep up with any other offense in the NFL; the problem is, they are forced to “keep up” with EVERY offense they face. Luckily the Broncos will be able to find a strong talent late in the first round.
Roby has been moving up and down draft boards the last two years but he is going to be too good of a potential talent for the Broncos to pass up. He is one of the most talented defensive play-makers in the NCAA with the ball in his hands. He is also the best corner in the Draft in terms of play or route recognition. A smart athlete on the field but off the field, he has had some issues. He is still worth the pick here because if an NFL locker room can straighten him out, he could develop into a premier NFL cornerback.
Second Round: Trey DePreist, Inside Linebacker, Alabama
Starting linebacker Wesley Woodyard’s contract expires this year and, despite being a good tackler, is not worth pulling out another contract for.
Paris Lenon is the only other inside linebacker on the team and his contract is expiring as well. If Woodyard re-signs the team could have bigger needs but with a lack of depth at the position on the Broncos and in the draft, it would be better to add one of these kids early.
Trey DePriest is one of the more raw talents eligible for this year’s draft. He will take a little bit of time to develop but the coaches at Alabama love him and he is a smart football player.
His most noticeable attribute is his initial strength, DePreist is strong and has produces great impact on linemen as well as the ball-carrier.
Third Round: Aaron Murray, Quarterback, Georgia
So the defense is full of positions of need right now, but the Broncos do not need THAT much help right now.
Peyton Manning will realistically play another two to three years and then call it a career. In the meantime, you have Brock Osweiler sitting in the wings waiting.
Waiting for an opportunity that will never come because he is not the guy.
Aaron Murray has demonstrated for years that he is capable of making NFL throws but has not been able to get his reads down, which is his biggest flaw. What quarterback, in NFL history, can you think of, would be better to learn from than Peyton Manning when your one major flaw is exactly what he has made his career doing? Murray to the broncos is a match made in heaven, and if the Broncos want to win, post-Manning, they better start praying.
Fourth Round: Beau Allen, Defensive Tackle, Wisconsin
Although the combination of Kevin Vickerson and Terrance Knighton has proven good against the run, the position group has been disappointing so far. The team expected to see more out of rookie Sylvester Williams so do not be surprised when the team takes another stab at the position in this year’s draft.
Allen may seem like a surprising selection for a team that needs help covering the pass. Allen has never excelled as a pass rusher and it appears to be his biggest weakness. But even with sacks being as significant as they are, pocket disruption is just as important. Beau Allen is big, strong, and has great work ethic. Those are three traits in a defensive tackle that spell pocket disruption.
Fifth Round: Wesley Johnson, Offensive Tackle, Vanderbilt
With Ryan Clady coming back from his injury next year, this group should be able to hold up for Peyton another season, but they need to add depth for future years. This is a player with some of the best intangibles in this year’s draft. He is a tough, smart player who has NFL team captain leadership abilities. Why is he a fifth round prospect you may wonder? Well he does not block the run very well because he has trouble driving defensive lineman. He has good initial quickness however and would be a good talent to develop with the Broncos next quarterback.
Sixth Round: TJ Jones, Wide Receiver, Notre Dame
Again I will remind you, when drafting defense this team will be thinking, “What will help win us the 2015 Super Bowl.” When they draft offense they will be thinking, “What will help us win three years from now.”
Wes Welker has been a great luxury for the Broncos this season but I am not sure that he will last with the team any longer than Peyton will so they need to find their inside receiver. TJ Jones can become that guy. Like Welker, Jones is a great route runner and fairly quick.
He could still use some development but people seem to forget that that is the role of a rookie. A rookie should in the NFL should not be expected to come in changing a franchise, teams should simply hope that after a few seasons of development they become a polished NFL contributor.
Seventh Round: Timothy Flanders, Running Back, Sam Houston State
I am not sure how long Knowshon Moreno can keep up the production he has had this season but I do not trust it. Montee Ball has been a disappointment as well so bringing in a running back late in the draft would not be a surprise. Flanders is a strange running back to evaluate and I almost like that about him. I have tried to compare him to a player in the NFL and I came up with a combination of Ray Rice and Darren Sproles. Now before you get excited, it is not as good as it sounds. He is Ray Rice’s build, but with Darren Sproles skill set. He has big legs and looks like he would be tough but he does not exert much power. He is quick however and is a solid pass catcher. He would be a very good fit in the Broncos offense.