Scouts Inc Draft List...

[SoonerBronco]

Here's a little "insider" information for my fellow Broncos...

Much will change in the coming months, as underclassmen officially declare and players take part in postseason all-star games, individual workouts and the scouting combine, but here is our initial first-round mock for the 2007 NFL draft:

x -- Still to be determined by coin flip
y -- Still to be determined by playoffs
+ -- Underclassman



1. Oakland Raiders (2-14)
Projected pick: +JaMarcus Russell, QB, LSU
Russell vs. Brady Quinn? Let the great debate begin. Most teams have Quinn ahead of Russell, but Raiders owner Al Davis could fall in love with Russell's size and deep arm.


2. Detroit (3-13)
Projected pick: Brady Quinn, QB, Notre Dame
The Lions will be stoked if Quinn falls to them at No. 2. Wouldn't it be great, though, if Matt Millen takes another wide receiver (Calvin Johnson) with this pick?


3t. x-Cleveland (4-12)
Projected pick: +Alan Branch, DT, Michigan
The Browns want Russell with this pick, but they'll settle for a 330-pound playmaker to help solidify Romeo Crennel's three-man defensive front.


3t. x-Tampa Bay (4-12)
Projected pick: +Calvin Johnson, WR, Georgia Tech
The Bucs have other more pressing needs, but coach Jon Gruden can't pass on the draft's most dynamic offensive weapon.


5. Arizona (5-11)
Projected pick: Joe Thomas, OT, Wisconsin
As usual, the Cardinals are a prime candidate to trade down. They should get lots of bidders if Thomas -- the only elite offensive lineman in this class -- is still available.


6. Washington (5-11)
Projected pick: Gaines Adams, DE, Clemson
Adams is a no-brainer for a Redskins defense that set a team record for the fewest sacks in a season (19) in 2006.


7. Minnesota (6-10)
Projected pick: +Jamaal Anderson, DE, Arkansas
It's hard to believe the Vikings still need defensive end help, but Erasmus James suffered a season-ending injury in the opener and Kenechi Udeze failed to notch a sack. Anderson is the complete package physically and he should capitalize on 13.5 sacks as a junior in 2006.


8. Houston (6-10)
Projected pick: +Adrian Peterson, RB, Oklahoma
Peterson is expected to make his decision to bolt for the NFL in the next few days. Drafting Peterson here would help to overshadow the Texans' colossal mistake of passing on Reggie Bush with the top overall pick last year.


9. Miami (6-10)
Projected pick: Leon Hall, CB, Michigan
The Dolphins could consider QB Brian Brohm with this pick, but they also could go the free-agency route in order to get short-term relief. Hall would be a good value here and would help upgrade a patchwork secondary.


10. Atlanta (7-9)
Projected pick: LaRon Landry, S, LSU
Landry is a ball-hawk free safety who would instantly upgrade the athleticism of the Falcons secondary.


11. San Francisco (7-9)
Projected pick: +Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU
Dorsey might not fall this far, but the 49ers certainly wouldn't protest such a scenario. Dorsey is a disruptive force as a one-gap penetrating interior lineman.


12. Buffalo (7-9)
Amobi Okoye, DT, Louisville
Projected pick: The Bills have more pressing needs, including cornerback and middle linebacker. However, Okoye is a fast-rising 19-year-old with great potential.


13. St. Louis (8-8)
Projected pick: Adam Carriker, DE, Nebraska
Carriker, a quick and powerful 290-pound defensive end, could be a good complement opposite DE Leonard Little.


14. Carolina (8-8)
Projected pick: +Brian Brohm, QB, Louisville
The Panthers need help at middle linebacker, left tackle, safety and tight end, but it also might be time to address life after QB Jake Delhomme. If Brohm elects to leave school early, he should be taken somewhere between picks No. 10 and 20.


15. Pittsburgh (8-8)
Projected pick: Quentin Moses, DE/OLB, Georgia
Moses' stock is dropping after a subpar senior year, but it will spike once he works out at the combine next month.


16. Green Bay (8-8)
Projected pick: +Marshawn Lynch, RB, Cal
QB Brett Favre could help maximize Lynch's explosiveness and versatility if they're working in the same backfield in 2007.


17. Jacksonville (8-8)
Projected pick: +Ted Ginn Jr., WR/RS, Ohio State
Ginn Jr. has a tough decision to make after injuring his ankle in the first quarter of the BCS title game. Assuming he turns pro, the Jaguars could use his speed. Despite spending first-round picks on the position in 2004 (Reggie Williams) and 2005 (Matt Jones), no Jaguar finished in the NFL's top 50 in catches.


18. Cincinnati (8-8)
Projected pick: Tank Tyler, DT, N.C. State
Tyler had a monster season as a senior, and his combination of power and quickness would help upgrade the Bengals' ailing defensive front.


19. Tennessee (8-8)
Projected pick: +Dwayne Jarrett, WR, USC
Jarrett is a dynamic playmaker with extraordinary hand-eye coordination, but he might not run well enough to land a spot in the top 15. However, the former Trojans receiver could make quite a team with the former Longhorns quarterback (Vince Young) in Tennessee.


20. N.Y. Giants (8-8)
Projected pick: +Darrelle Revis, CB, Pittsburgh
The Giants must upgrade their cover-corner situation, and Revis displays the athleticism and ball skills to fit their needs. Revis will compete for the second cornerback taken behind Hall in this year's class.


21. Denver (9-7)
Projected pick: Daymeion Hughes, CB, Cal
The tragic passing of Darrent Williams will force the Broncos to re-evaluate their personnel needs this offseason.


22. Dallas (9-7)
Projected pick: +Reggie Nelson, S, Florida
Nelson, a speedy center fielder with excellent ball skills, would provide an ideal complement next to hard-hitting S Roy Williams.


23. Kansas City (9-7)
Projected pick: +Sidney Rice, WR, South Carolina
Rice's draft stock could fluctuate greatly depending on his postseason workouts. Assuming he grades out as a late first-round prospect, the Chiefs would welcome his pass-catching services on the perimeter.


24. y-New England (from Seattle)
Projected pick: +Jarvis Moss, DE/OLB, Florida
Moss is an undersized pass-rushing end who would fit well as an outside linebacker in the Patriots' 3-4 defensive scheme. Plus, Bill Belichick obviously has a thing for Gators players.


25. y-N.Y. Jets (10-6)
Projected pick: Kenny Irons, RB, Auburn
Irons' draft stock is plummeting after a disappointing senior campaign. However, don't be surprised if he works his way back into the first round by running well and checking out physically at next month's combine. The Jets might be desperate enough to take a gamble.


26. y-New Orleans (10-6)
Projected pick: Marcus McCauley, CB, Fresno State
The Saints need lots of help on defense, and selecting McCauley would be a step in the right direction. McCauley is raw but he's also a 6-foot-1 cornerback with 4.3-second speed in the 40-yard dash.


27. y-Philadelphia (10-6)
Projected pick: +Lawrence Timmons, OLB, Florida State
Timmons is unpolished, but he's a big hitter with great speed for his size.

28. y-New England (12-4)
Projected pick: Jeff Samardzija, WR, Notre Dame
Samardzija could easily slip out of the first round due to his desire to play both baseball (Cubs) and football professionally. The Patriots should be "in the know" thanks to their old buddy Charlie Weis.


29. y-Indianapolis (12-4)
Projected pick: Patrick Willis, ILB, Ole Miss
The Colts' run defense was abysmal during the regular season, so drafting a one-man wrecking crew like Willis makes a lot of sense with this pick. Willis notched 265 tackles during his final three seasons at Ole Miss.


30. y-Chicago (13-3)
Projected pick: Levi Brown, OT, Penn State
Brown could slip after a disappointing senior season, but it's still tough to find a tackle with his combination of size and agility.


31. y-Baltimore (13-3)
Projected pick: LaMarr Woodley, DE/OLB, Michigan
The Ravens could use a youth influx at linebacker, and Woodley would be a good fit thanks to his experience playing in a similar hybrid 3-4/4-3 defensive scheme at Michigan.


32. y-San Diego (14-2)
Projected pick: Dwayne Bowe, WR, LSU
A young weapon like Bowe at wide receiver could take an already-potent Chargers offense to the next level.


What do you think we could trade to the Cards for that pick???

[bloodsunday]

If Denver takes a corner in round 1 I will scream.

Foxworth moves to CB opposite Bailey. Paymah moves to Nickel. We do the right thing and get a decent safety.

[BroncoInferno]

Everyone best bear up and prepare for CB round one with Dwills passing, especially if the guy is a good return man. Shanny has always seemed obsessed with secondary depth.

[elsid13]

I saw this from the inside site too, and laughed. Proving once again that place doesn't really follow the teams they pull stuff out of thier butts.

[Inkana7]

D-Line, Safety or Running Back. You should get a good selection at the 15-29 range of these positions. Corner? Psh.

[OrangeShadow]

Id love to sign either ken hamlin or michael lewis in free agency then draft D line o line and RB

[bpc]

Hughes is good but Nelson projects as another Ed Reed. We would be dumb to pass that up.

IF we draft a CB in the 1st round, it proves that we have no faith in either Fox or Paymah to ever pan out.

I think the staff things more of them than that.

[Billy Clyde Puckett]

What's the over/under on how many of the players on this list fall to the 3rd or lower rounds come April?

[dbfan21]

I would love to see us get Reggie Nelson out of Florida. He could learn a lot from Lynch and Fergy and step in as a full-time starter in '08.

[Clockwork Orange]

Any mock that has the Broncos taking a corner in round one immediatly goes on my mental ignore list along with anyone (and there's at least one every year) who says "Trade our entire draft for (insert player name here)!"

[SoonerBronco]

Any mock that has the Broncos taking a corner in round one immediatly goes on my mental ignore list along with anyone (and there's at least one every year) who says "Trade our entire draft for (insert player name here)!"

What??? you don't think we should "Ditka" our draft? Hilarious!

[Clockwork Orange]

What??? you don't think we should "Ditka" our draft? Hilarious!

It's quite possibly the dumbest idea imaginable, but I'll be damned if Iron Mike didn't give it the ol' college try.

The scary thing is that every year there's someone here who wants the Broncos to make the same mistake.

[crush17]

Anything other than D-line help 1st round is a terrible decision.

[KansasBronco]

Mock drafts this time of the year are a complete JOKE. We haven't even had free agency yet and they're predicting who will go where. It's a waste of time to do these. They have us taking a corner. What if we get a veteran corner in free agency? That would change everything. The scouting combine also is a factor.

[SoonerBronco]

It's quite possibly the dumbest idea imaginable, but I'll be damned if Iron Mike didn't give it the ol' college try.

The scary thing is that every year there's someone here who wants the Broncos to make the same mistake.


Even I would not want the Broncos to Ditka the draft for Peterson...just not a good idea.

[Clockwork Orange]

Even I would not want the Broncos to Ditka the draft for Peterson...just not a good idea.

Peterson would make more sense than some of the others that people have screamed "trade the whole draft" for. I remember people clamoring for the Broncos to blow the whole draft to move up for Alex Smith and Mike Williams.

Oy vey.

[RhymesayersDU]

I can appreciate the fact that whether we want to think about it or not, we need to find a CB... But first round? Yikes...

[SoonerBronco]

Peterson would make more sense than some of the others that people have screamed "trade the whole draft" for. I remember people clamoring for the Broncos to blow the whole draft to move up for Alex Smith and Mike Williams.

Oy vey.

Glad we didn't do that...which illustrates your point quite nicely.

[Ratboy]

If Denver takes a corner in round 1 I will scream.

Foxworth moves to CB opposite Bailey. Paymah moves to Nickel. We do the right thing and get a decent safety.

I honestly believe it will be opposite.

Paymah looked pretty good at the end of the season. Shanahan said in the past he thought Paymah had the best features to become a good corner.

[mattob14]

Anybody else get the feeling were picking about 5 slots too low this year? I just don't see much difference in talent from the guys in the latter third of the first and those that will be available in the second/early-third rounds. There's some exciting players at the top of the draft, though. Oh, and Shanahan should lose his job if he takes Hughes over Nelson.

[Clockwork Orange]

Anybody else get the feeling were picking about 5 slots too low this year? I just don't see much difference in talent from the guys in the latter third of the first and those that will be available in the second/early-third rounds. There's some exciting players at the top of the draft, though. Oh, and Shanahan should lose his job if he takes Hughes over Nelson.

I actually like the spot we're in. There's going to be plenty of talent to be had if they choose to just sit still, but they've got the ammo to move up a few spots should they see someone they just have to have.

[BroncoInferno]

Any mock that has the Broncos taking a corner in round one immediatly goes on my mental ignore list

You might want to prepare yourself for a disappointment. I hate the idea, too, but Darrent's passing coupled with Shanny's obsession with secondary depth, it isn't outside the relm of possibility. Paymah hasn't been on the field a whole lot, and as it stands would presumably be the nickle back if the status quo is maintained. So don't be surprised if that's the direction we go. I hope not, but I'm bracing myself.

[SoCalBronco]

Please Shanny...no corners on Day 1.

[BroncoInferno]

Please Shanny...no corners on Day 1.

Provided the player is also a good return man, I'd be OK with a corner in round 2 or 3. Seriously, is everyone really sold on Paymah at this point? He'd be the third CB if the status quo is maintained.

[Clockwork Orange]

Provided the player is also a good return man, I'd be OK with a corner in round 2 or 3. Seriously, is everyone really sold on Paymah at this point? He'd be the third CB if the status quo is maintained.

A corner any where from round 3 on wouldn't bother me. It's this idea that the Broncos are suddenly desperate for help at that position that does.

[SoCalBronco]

Provided the player is also a good return man, I'd be OK with a corner in round 2 or 3. Seriously, is everyone really sold on Paymah at this point? He'd be the third CB if the status quo is maintained.

That's fine. He's getting better...he isnt there yet, but is starting to play pretty well..he did a fine job in the Cincinnati game in particular. Even if that were not the case, there are too many things we have to do before even looking at that position. We gotta get a young talented DE...we gotta get a young talented DT, we need to address Safety, we have to get a real stud back, we have to take advantage of the deep crop of quality WRs in this year's draft, some folks think OL is a priority, all these issues need to be addressed before even thinking about corner, even if the corner can also return kicks, IMO. There are just too many other issues that need to be addressed, I think a corner at 2, 3a or 3b would be a waste given all these other priorities. Perhaps with our next pick in Round 5.

[BroncoInferno]

That's fine. He's getting better...he isnt there yet, but is starting to play pretty well..he did a fine job in the Cincinnati game in particular. Even if that were not the case, there are too many things we have to do before even looking at that position. We gotta get a young talented DE...we gotta get a young talented DT, we need to address Safety, we have to get a real stud back, we have to take advantage of the deep crop of quality WRs in this year's draft, some folks think OL is a priority, all these issues need to be addressed before even thinking about corner, even if the corner can also return kicks, IMO. There are just too many other issues that need to be addressed, I think a corner at 2, 3a or 3b would be a waste given all these other priorities. Perhaps with our next pick in Round 5.

I tend to agree, but there is also the matter of who is actually available when our various picks come up. There have been drafts past where Shanny had various lineman targeted, but simply didn't have the firepower to get his man. You don't want to grab a perceived position of need simply because you think you need one, you really have to trust your personnel department and their grades. I'd say definately no in terms of my preference for round one, because looking at the available players it would be nearly impossible for a quality player at a position of greater need to not be on the board. But who knows after that. Plus, if they grade a CB significantly higher than the number two guy on their board (for instance maybe a guy they gave a late round one grade to is available at the top of round three with the Skins pick), do you pass on that for need? I don't think so. For one thing, you are never going to address every need in any given draft anyway. Some of the guys won't pan out. So it's best to trust your grades rather than saying 'OK, with the first four picks it HAS to be some combination of a DL, RB, OL, and WR.' That kind of thinking is a recipe for failure, IMHO.

[mattob14]

I actually like the spot we're in. There's going to be plenty of talent to be had if they choose to just sit still, but they've got the ammo to move up a few spots should they see someone they just have to have.

I don't know, I don't think this mock is too bad, the Broncos pick is actually one of the worst, and look at the difference between 16 and 21. At 16, we can choose between Lynch, Jarrett, Rice, Ginn, Tyler and Nelson. There's something for everyone there: RB, WR, S, DT. At 21, it's basically between Nelson and Rice. I'm a big fan of Nelson, so I don't mind that scenario, but I'd really expect him to be gone on draft day, too. If that's the case, I'd rather trade down and get a couple of day one picks. A trade up is also a possibility, but we really need all the picks we can get this year.

[DB84FAN]

Clearly i think this year first pick will be a DT or DE. None other

[ton80]

That's fine. He's getting better...he isnt there yet, but is starting to play pretty well..he did a fine job in the Cincinnati game in particular. Even if that were not the case, there are too many things we have to do before even looking at that position. We gotta get a young talented DE...we gotta get a young talented DT, we need to address Safety, we have to get a real stud back, we have to take advantage of the deep crop of quality WRs in this year's draft, some folks think OL is a priority, all these issues need to be addressed before even thinking about corner, even if the corner can also return kicks, IMO. There are just too many other issues that need to be addressed, I think a corner at 2, 3a or 3b would be a waste given all these other priorities. Perhaps with our next pick in Round 5.

I disagree. I don't think Shanny relies upon rookies to fill immediate needs. He'll do that via free agency. Up until the last 2 years where we have struck gold in the draft, shanny drafted players that would be needed to start their second year, replacing players that have fulfilled their contracts. Look at Bronco players that will become free agents at the end of the 2007-2008 season and that will be the positions that shanny will be drafting this year. If the Broncos are scheduled to lose a S, DT, DE, RB at the end of the 2007-2008 season, then he will be loading up on those positions in this years draft.

My guess is that Shanny will be taking the best player available in the first round with the hope that the player is a S, DT, DE, but not RB. If the Broncos make some moves to move up in the 1st round of the draft, then it would be quite likely that he will be targeting one the positions that you mentioned. If the Broncos stay put at 21, then the Broncos will be taking the best player available.

With so many teams with so much money to spend this year in free agency, I worry about the Broncos having to overpay to land a player that will be filling an immediate need. League wide, free agency is going to be completely nuts and i have no clue what approach the Broncos will be taking. Either jump in there and spend freely on the player they want, or watch their money closely, let other teams overpay, and pick up whatever scraps are leftover.

[chaz]

Anything other than D-line help 1st round is a terrible decision.

see if you're still saying that when someone falls that you didn't expect, whether its at safety running back wide reciever, i dont really know...but you're guaranteed disappointment when you are so narrow-minded

[(Jae)]

Why are the Giants picking before us?

Did they trade with somebody?

[Hercules Rockefeller]

I disagree. I don't think Shanny relies upon rookies to fill immediate needs. He'll do that via free agency. Up until the last 2 years where we have struck gold in the draft, shanny drafted players that would be needed to start their second year, replacing players that have fulfilled their contracts. Look at Bronco players that will become free agents at the end of the 2007-2008 season and that will be the positions that shanny will be drafting this year. If the Broncos are scheduled to lose a S, DT, DE, RB at the end of the 2007-2008 season, then he will be loading up on those positions in this years draft.


This is forgotten every year as people expect immediate impact when Shanahan has never drafted for it.

Said it last year, and I'll say it again becuase nothing has changed- 3 players in the Shanahan era were drafted and immediately made the starter at their respective position: Mobley, Eric Brown, and Nick Harris. Add DJ in as the 4th if you want because it was a mere formality about a day into training camp.

Starters that are FAs after next year: Elam, Foxy and Paymah (RFA), Ekuban, Pears (RFA), Ferguson, and Alexander.

[Clockwork Orange]

Why are the Giants picking before us?

Did they trade with somebody?

They finished 8-8, the Broncos finished 9-7. The playoffs only effect the draft positions of the teams that go to the Super Bowl, who automatically pick 31st & 32nd depending on who wins it.

[Jens1893]

I actually like the spot we're in. There's going to be plenty of talent to be had if they choose to just sit still, but they've got the ammo to move up a few spots should they see someone they just have to have.

If we´re looking at Marshawn Lynch, I think we´d probably have to trade 3a to move up to #15.

[(Jae)]

They finished 8-8, the Broncos finished 9-7. The playoffs only effect the draft positions of the teams that go to the Super Bowl, who automatically pick 31st & 32nd depending on who wins it.

Thanks for the heads up........

[maven]

I hate to say it, but I'm already so tired of these stupid mocks because DWILL passed away, Denver is drafting a CB in the 1st round.

Uggggghhhhhhhhh!!!!!!

I believe Shanny will get his shiny new toy on offense, RB.

Then the rest of the draft is primarily defense.

[epicSocialism4tw]

Any mock that has the Broncos taking a corner in round one immediatly goes on my mental ignore list along with anyone (and there's at least one every year) who says "Trade our entire draft for (insert player name here)!"

There have been a few recent drafts that we couldnt trade for X player because our draft was so unbelievably terrible.

[fontaine]

Id love to sign either ken hamlin or michael lewis in free agency then draft D line o line and RB

There are a ton of upgrades available at the safety spot in FA which typically garners the lowest salaries.

Hamlin and Lewis are ofcourse available but so are:

Deon Grant
Terrence Holt
Gibril Wilson (RFA 5th round)

not to mention that Darren Sharper will likely be cut and Archuletta's position in Washington looks to be very tenuous.

I want Sharper ofcourse but I wouldn't complain with either Terrence Holt or Deon Grant.

[OrangeShadow]

Just remember, a defensive line that gets pressure on a QB makes average corners look great.

[socalorado]

I have yet to see a mock draft other than that one that has MInn taking a defensive player in the 1st, all of the drafts ive seen has them taking Dwayne Jarret.Most mocks have us taking Michael Griffin S Texas or Okoye in the 1st
This is the link where there are a million mock drafts made all day . Some are funny especially the ones that have chokeland making all these blockbuster trades and moves to aquire Jamarcus Russell AND Calvin Johnson and Dwayne Bowe in the 2nd.Oh and they trade for Shaub all in one big trade.
I dont know if you can just click on the link or not sorry....

www.footballsfuture.com/phpBB2/viewforum.php?f=45

[fontaine]

I hate to say it, but I'm already so tired of these stupid mocks because DWILL passed away, Denver is drafting a CB in the 1st round.

Uggggghhhhhhhhh!!!!!!

I believe Shanny will get his shiny new toy on offense, RB.

Then the rest of the draft is primarily defense.

Unless we package one of our 3rd round picks to move up, I think it's a near certainty that we draft another CB in the first day. As much as I don't like it, it's pretty much guaranteed.

[cmhargrove]

With a new Defensive coach coming in, and the focus being put on the D and D-line. I think it would be counter to the thinking of the organization to now pick other than D-line in round 1.

My guess is we package the Redskins pick, and move up for one of the best DE's or DT's.

I think we will get a good back in the second round. Didn't we draft Portis in the second round??? I thought we picked him at almost our identical spot in the second round??? I think there will still be offensive talent in the second round, D-line comes first.

[Rohirrim]

Just remember, a defensive line that gets pressure on a QB makes average corners look great.

And vice versa. Asante Samuels opposite Champ Bailey would give Elvis better sack numbers.

[chrisp]

All of the publications who have been saying we will go TE in the first round every year since Sharpe retired are now saying CB because of the loss of Williams - its just lazy journalism plain and simple. They were wrong then and they'll be wrong again.

I'm probably preaching to the converted here - I don't get the feeling that anybody on this board sees us going CB in Round 1, although I do think we will draft secondary help in the later rounds. I would expect the majority of first-day picks to go on either the D-line or O-line, with the later rounds going more to both backfields (or at least I hope so anyway!).

I AM intrigued by the discussion about Foxworth and Paymah though. My recollection (and I can't be bothered to look it up so someone shout if I'm wrong....) was that Paymah was picked ahead of Foxworth and has better raw athletic talent (speed in particular), but got injured early in camp and fell behind. I actually thought he was a dead man but he hung around and popped up in the nickel late season. It could well be therefore, that he does begin to eclipse Foxworth as he gets his head around the game. I do like Foxworth however, because I seem him as steady of unspectacular - the kind of guy who won't get many INTs but won't give up big plays either.

[Rohirrim]

Not to mention, Brandon and Ferguson are back next year. Cox has played great this year and even Abdullah has made a few big plays. The Broncos are deep at Safety, IMO, even with the prospect of Lynch entering his final year. Since there are so many excellent Dline prospects in this draft, it would be a good year to pick up a CB in FA. (Hint: Asante Samuels)

[socalorado]

Here is a draft i would like to see happen for the 1st and 2nd rounds
http://www.footballsfuture.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=96948

[socalorado]

Here is another great Bronco mock draft that i would like to see happen. Scroll down for rounds 1 through 3
http://www.footballsfuture.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=95685

[fontaine]

Not to mention, Brandon and Ferguson are back next year. Cox has played great this year and even Abdullah has made a few big plays. The Broncos are deep at Safety, IMO, even with the prospect of Lynch entering his final year. Since there are so many excellent Dline prospects in this draft, it would be a good year to pick up a CB in FA. (Hint: Asante Samuels)

I don't share your optimism. Ferguson is 33 this year and didn't have a great season. Brandon is coming off an ACL and is at best a backup.

Cox? After seeing him in action the team promoted 175lb Sam Brandon to safety over him. Abdullah is a good ST player and nothing else.

I'm all for picking up a CB but why spend $10million on Samuels (which is what he'll ask for) when there is huge room for improvement in the safety spot where both of our starters are average in coverage?

[azbroncfan]

Anybody else get the feeling were picking about 5 slots too low this year? I just don't see much difference in talent from the guys in the latter third of the first and those that will be available in the second/early-third rounds. There's some exciting players at the top of the draft, though. Oh, and Shanahan should lose his job if he takes Hughes over Nelson.

I agree.

[Billy Clyde Puckett]

Here is another great Bronco mock draft that i would like to see happen. Scroll down for rounds 1 through 3
http://www.footballsfuture.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=95685

I like that except Merriweather. We don't need the type of distractions he would create, especially in light of DW's murder. Johnson, Smith and Herrell would be a nice haul.

[Rohirrim]

I don't share your optimism. Ferguson is 33 this year and didn't have a great season. Brandon is coming off an ACL and is at best a backup.

Cox? After seeing him in action the team promoted 175lb Sam Brandon to safety over him. Abdullah is a good ST player and nothing else.

I'm all for picking up a CB but why spend $10million on Samuels (which is what he'll ask for) when there is huge room for improvement in the safety spot where both of our starters are average in coverage?

My idea is predicated on drafting top tier Dline help. IMO, we have good players in the secondary who are getting almost no help from the Dline - which makes them look worse than they really are. The fact is, they get hung out to dry way too often. I think Brandon's experience got him the promotion over Cox because the Broncos knew they weren't giving their secondary the Dline help they needed, but I still think Cox will pan out for the Broncos. I also believe that Bates will make a difference on the Dline and will draft better Dline players than the Broncos have drafted in the past. His history shows that he has an eye for the position. I don't know about the cost for Samuels. My guess is that the fight between Samuels and Clements might just split the price. Also, there's some good DBs in this draft which might cool the FA market a bit. The only question is will Asante's ego be secure enough to sign with a team that has Champ on it? The real key, IMO, is upgrading the pass rush. Then, I think we'll see that Foxworth, Paymah, Cox, etc. are even better players than we might think. Samuels would give the Broncos the best secondary in the NFL.

[fontaine]

My idea is predicated on drafting top tier Dline help. IMO, we have good players in the secondary who are getting almost no help from the Dline - which makes them look worse than they really are. The fact is, they get hung out to dry way too often. I think Brandon's experience got him the promotion over Cox because the Broncos knew they weren't giving their secondary the Dline help they needed, but I still think Cox will pan out for the Broncos. I also believe that Bates will make a difference on the Dline and will draft better Dline players than the Broncos have drafted in the past. His history shows that he has an eye for the position. I don't know about the cost for Samuels. My guess is that the fight between Samuels and Clements might just split the price. Also, there's some good DBs in this draft which might cool the FA market a bit. The only question is will Asante's ego be secure enough to sign with a team that has Champ on it? The real key, IMO, is upgrading the pass rush. Then, I think we'll see that Foxworth, Paymah, Cox, etc. are even better players than we might think. Samuels would give the Broncos the best secondary in the NFL.

Bates might make a difference along the DL but that doesn't mean Lynch/Ferguson get any younger. I believe Lynch was contemplating retirement last offseason so there's no guarantee he might come back.

Especially with Dwil gone we need to upgrade the safety position considering Paymah was hit and miss when he got play time. If Sharper springs loose because he's got issues with the Vikings then it's a no brainer for me. He would be an instant upgrade and much cheaper than Samuels/Clements. Going by last year, if a guy like Anthony Henry got $8million to sign then Samuels will no doubt demand at least that and round it up to $10million. Is he worth it? Hell no, considering he's been protected all his career by guys like Seymour/Warren/Wilfork.

By all means go after DL in the draft and FA but I'm tired to watching Al or Gold drop back 15 yards instead of making plays at the line of scrimmage because our LBers as a group are faster and better coverage guys than our safeties.

[socalorado]

I hear ya, BIG GUY. i would like to see Weddle or even Gatis out of Wake Forest there instead, but Gatis would go most likely in the 4th. I just want to address our defense the way these guys are. And Steve Smith would be sweet!

[Dempsey Dog]

I hate to say it, but I'm already so tired of these stupid mocks because DWILL passed away, Denver is drafting a CB in the 1st round.

Uggggghhhhhhhhh!!!!!!

I believe Shanny will get his shiny new toy on offense, RB.

Then the rest of the draft is primarily defense.


I agree. We need to get Cutler all the weapons he can handle. The last thing we want to do it treat him like the Texans' treated Carr. He just got killed and languished for several seasons. We want Jay to come out firing with all the confidence in the world, which great weapons will provide. A young stud running back is the quickest way to make an impact on our team.

Back in the good ole days we would have a lead and just ram it down the opponent's throat. It just drove me crazy this year when we could not do that with a tough rushing attack to move the chains. We would just turn the ball over to the opponents offense, our defense was tired and we would just let them back in the game. If we got a stud running back, that only makes the defense better & dominate time of possession. Really, with a small fast defense like ours, the best thing for them is for our offense to dominate the clock to keep them fresh.

Any other position we draft and we are a year away from them developing. I say we focus on a some key FA for the defense like Justin Smith, a DT, and a safety like Hamlin or Lewis. On offense a FA TE like Graham would be helpful for Jay. Draft a RB in the first round, DL depth in the 2nd, perhaps secondary and maybe a young LB in the 3rd. After that, lets focus on adding some key depth to the line and maybe a QB.

[Rohirrim]

Bates might make a difference along the DL but that doesn't mean Lynch/Ferguson get any younger. I believe Lynch was contemplating retirement last offseason so there's no guarantee he might come back.

Especially with Dwil gone we need to upgrade the safety position considering Paymah was hit and miss when he got play time. If Sharper springs loose because he's got issues with the Vikings then it's a no brainer for me. He would be an instant upgrade and much cheaper than Samuels/Clements. Going by last year, if a guy like Anthony Henry got $8million to sign then Samuels will no doubt demand at least that and round it up to $10million. Is he worth it? Hell no, considering he's been protected all his career by guys like Seymour/Warren/Wilfork.

By all means go after DL in the draft and FA but I'm tired to watching Al or Gold drop back 15 yards instead of making plays at the line of scrimmage because our LBers as a group are faster and better coverage guys than our safeties.

I would imagine if Lynch wasn't coming back, he would have told Mike by now. Of course, with the devastation of Darrent's death, Lynch might not be able to focus in on that stuff quite yet. I don't know. I agree on Sharper. I wouldn't be opposed to Lewis either, although there are still questions about his coverage skills. I always like the idea of bringing Buffs back home. ;D I don't know anything about Hamlin's head injury. Is he fully recovered? Lewis and Hamlin might be better than what we've got now, as far as coverage safeties go, but is that more crucial than Dline?

The question for the Broncos is, FA is for immediate impact. Where do the Broncos want to make that impact? Either the secondary or the Dline are both going to cost some money. There are some good safeties in this draft and one will be there with that first third round pick, no doubt. If we can add punch to the Dline with that first pick, IMO, Lynch and Ferguson (with the return of Brandon and help from Cox) could hang in there one more year while a rookie safety gets his feet wet. The ultimate would be to get Branch, but I'm guessing he's unreachable. The DTs in this FA market aren't much better than what we have and after Freeney, Kerney and Smith (who will all cost a bundle) there's not much on the DE market. That's why my idea is to draft a DE first (I like the idea of an inside power rusher like Carriker), a big, powerful RB in the second who can keep the D fresh by moving the chains (I like using Brian Leonard as a RB - or Mike Bush, if available), and then get Asante for the immediate impact in 2007. 10 ints don't lie, whether or not he benefited from that D line or not. Now you put the shoe on the other foot. He can cover for a not-so-great D line. Having Foxworth and Paymah back up Asante and Champ feels a whole hell of a lot better to me than starting either of those guys opposite Champ next season.

PS: It doesn't hurt that taking Asante also hurts the Pats. ;D

[CHANGSTER]

This is my wish of which positions are addressed in the draft, all logical moves imo even though theirs no way in hell it will even work out close to this. (i hope these are the correct picks we have to work with)

1. DT
2. DE
3a. RB
3b. DT/DE
5. S
6. OL
7. PR specialist/CB

3 DL, better chance of scoring a gem. I think that covers all the need areas but depending on FA it may not be a need come draft time. I hope we pick up a DL and RB in FA as well . Anyone prefer our picks be used like this?