broncofan7
04-27-2008, 07:27 PM
The pick: Ryan Clady, OT, Boise State | Video
What he brings: This pick comes as somewhat of a surprise because Virginia's Branden Albert and Vanderbilt's Chris Williams are still on the board. That said, Clady has the potential to develop into an outstanding starter in Denver's scheme; he moves extremely well for his size, so he's an ideal player for a zone-blocking system. Also, he should develop into a good run-blocker. The one concern is that he's raw and needs to work on playing with a wider base.
How he fits: The Broncos love athletic offensive linemen, which makes Clady a solid pick. He has excellent initial quickness and overall ability for his size. Clady will seal off the back side, create space on the front side and be very effective blocking on the second level when zone-blocking. This will help the run game with combo of Travis Henry and Selvin Young. We expect him to compete for the left tackle spot with Ryan Harris, which could push Harris to the right side to compete with Erik Pears.
Strengths: Displays excellent initial quickness and overall agility for his size. Very effective pulling and getting out on second-level as a run blocker. Gets adequate hand placement and has above-average balance. Can seal the edge when asked to reach defenders lined up over outside shoulder. Gets set quickly in pass pro. Has very little trouble with speed rushers. Can mirror and slide versus double moves. A natural knee bender. Extends long arms once in position and can ride edge rushers past the pocket when he gets his hands on them. Plays under control and appears comfortable when left on an island. Gets into defenders legs when goes low and is an effective cut blocker. Works from the snap until the whistle and looks to throw blocks downfield.
Weaknesses: Does not show great lower body strength and is going to have problems driving defenders off the ball in short-yardage situations. Lacks ideal explosiveness, hasn't learned how to roll hips into blocks and fails to knock many defenders back at the point of attack. Occasionally will get beat by inside quickness. Needs to learn to set while staying more balanced. Can be overaggressive, lunges a little too much and is vulnerable to push-pull moves. While shows adequate awareness in pass protection and helps out when nothing comes to him, over commits at times and has some problems picking up delayed blitzes. Big enough to hold ground but bends at the waist rather than the knees and is going to have some problems holding ground working against NFL caliber bull rushers. Can get jumpy when defenders start jumping around before the snap and he's vulnerable to false starts.
Overall: Clady redshirted in 2004. In his first active season at Boise State (2005), he made 11 starts at right tackle. In 2006 he moved to left tackle, where he was the starter in all 26 games over the next two seasons. He was a second team All-America selection in 2007. Like a lot of young offensive linemen, Clady needs to get stronger and sharpen his technique. However, he clearly has the frame, quickness, agility and work ethic to quickly develop into a quality starter at left tackle in the NFL. Clady projects as a mid-first round pick, as a result
42. Denver Broncos
The pick: Eddie Royal, WR, Virginia Tech
What he brings: Royal has had some problems staying healthy, and the fact that he doesn't have great size only accentuates concerns about his durability. He has to improve his route running, but he has the quickness and athletic ability to separate from coverage once that happens. He's fast enough to stretch the field and make an impact as a punt returner.
How he fits: The Broncos aggressively addressed their receiving corps this offseason with the additions of Samie Parker and Keary Colbert to play opposite No. 1 WR Brandon Marshall. Royal gives Mike Shanahan a slot receiver who can be effective in their multiple-spread sets. He gives Cutler another explosive weapon who can play in the slot. He also adds value as a punt returner.
Strengths: Explodes off the ball, creates space by driving corners back and can get open quickly. Changes directions quickly, runs adequate routes and can separate from man coverage. Can make the first defender miss, shows a second gear when gets a seam and can turn a catch underneath into a long gain. Reads blocks fairly well and runs screens well. Runs hard, is a balanced runner that can bounce of arm tackles and flashes the ability to pick up yards after contact. Shows a second gear when tracking the ball downfield and flashes the ability to make over-the-shoulder catches. Doesn't always make sound decisions with the ball but has adequate arm strength and can throw the ball downfield. Is a dangerous kickoff as well as punt return man and can make an immediate impact on special teams. Gives a solid effort as a stalk blocker. Feisty and physical; won't back down from a challenge.
Weaknesses: Is short, doesn't have great bulk and can get pushed around by bigger corners. Rounds cuts off at times and isn't a precise route-runner at this point. Sustained a slight concussion in 2004, missed 2005 spring practices with compartment syndrome in left leg, slowed by a sprained toe in 2006 and durability is a concern.
Overall: Royal appeared in 38 games in his first three seasons (2004-'06) hauling in 86 passes for 1,282 yards (14.9 average) and eight touchdowns. As a senior, he appeared in 13 games (11 starts) and finished the season with 33 receptions for 496 yards (15.0 average) and four touchdowns. Royal proved his versatility with the Hokies, rushing for a career 226 yards and two scores on 51 carries (9.4 average) and throwing a 53-yard touchdown pass on offense. On special teams, he had 59 kickoff returns for 1,386 yards (23.5 average), 111 punt returns for 1,296 yards (11.7 average) and three TDs, and four tackles during his four-year career. Royal missed one game in 2004 (illness); sat out spring practice in 2005 (left leg compartment syndrome); was knocked out of one game in 2005 by a hamstring injury; and missed a game in 2007 because of a calf injury. Royal's lack of size and injury history should raise some red flags. However, he has the speed, elusiveness and athletic ability to develop into a dangerous No. 3 or No. 4 slot-receiver in the NFL and he has added value in the return game. Royal should come off the board in the third-to-fourth round range of the 2008 draft.
108. Denver Broncos
The pick: Kory Lichtensteiger, C, Bowling Green
Lichtensteiger can play center or guard and plays with a mean streak, but he lacks athletic ability and struggles in pass protection. He will provide depth on the offensive line, however.
Strengths: Delivers a violent punch, gets adequate hand placement and locks on once in position. Gets under defenders pads, drives legs and shows decent lower body strength as a run blocker. Has a mean streak, works from snap until whistle and can put defenders on their backs. Shows adequate footwork as a run blocker and flashes the ability to reach defenders lined over outside shoulder. Takes sound angles to blocks and can get into position at the second level. Shows decent range, is always looking to hit someone downfield and flashes the ability to pull effectively. Gets adequate not great zip on shotgun snaps and is fairly accurate when asked to shotgun snap. Reads defenses well, makes sound line calls and is a leader. Played with a torn labrun during the 2006 season and is a team player with great toughness.
Weaknesses: Doesn't have an explosive first step and is going to have problems keeping upper echelon one-gap defenders out of the backfield. Bends at the waist rather than the knees, plays too high when pass blocking and can get pushed back into the quarterback. Can slide with defenders and ride them down the line but doesn't maintain a wide base, struggles to change directions quickly and is vulnerable to double moves. Over commits at times and lacks the foot speed to recover so has some problems picking up line stunts and blitzes. Tore labrum in left shoulder in 2006 and underwent shoulder surgery during the 2007 off-season.
Overall: Lichtensteiger was redshirted in 2003, but he was in the Falcons' lineup for the season opener a year later and went on to play and start in every game over the next four seasons (2004-'07). He began his college career as a left guard, eventually moving to center as a junior (2006). That season Lichensteiger tore the labrum in his left shoulder but played through the injury, which required offseason surgery. Lichensteiger's lack of burst prevents him from being an elite center prospect but he has the tenacity, power and smart to develop into a quality starter so he projects as a fifth-round pick.
119. Denver Broncos
The pick: Jack Williams, CB, Kent
Williams has the instincts and athletic ability to become an effective No. 2 corner. He's also an excellent player on special teams. Still, he doesn't have great size, so he's going to have problems slowing receivers down at the line of scrimmage
Strengths: Reads quarterback's eyes, shows good awareness and can cover a lot of ground when asked to drop into zone coverage. Changes directions very well and can mirror most receivers underneath. Aggressive and jumps routes. Has adequate ball skills, can make plays in coverage and is dangerous after the catch. Times blitzes well and shows great closing speed. Tough for his size and fills hard when reads run. Has active hands, plays with a motor and flashes the ability to shed blocks despite size. Plays with a mean streak, flashes the ability to deliver the big hit and forces fumbles. Has some problems bringing bigger backs to the ground but generally wraps up upon contact and is a reliable open field tackler. Has experience returning kickoffs as well as punts, blocked a punt in 2004 and was named Kent State's Special teams Player of the Year in 2006.
Weaknesses: Shows adequate upper body strength and delivers a solid punch when jamming receivers but lacks ideal size and gets pushed around by bigger receivers. Shows good burst coming out of backpedal but can give receivers too big a cushion and step late getting to the ball at times. Isn't going to win many jump balls and is going to have a hard time matching up in the red zone. Doesn't show a variety of pass rush moves and isn't strong enough to run over blockers in the backfield when blitzing. Slowed by ankle as well as shoulder injuries during 2007 season and durability is a concern.
Overall: Williams arrived at Kent State in 2003 and redshirted the year. In his first three seasons (2004-'06), he appeared in 33 games (26 starts) and amassed 152 tackles (eight for losses), three sacks, six forced fumbles and 10 interceptions (two of which he returned for touchdowns) and 17 pass breakups. As a senior in 2007, Williams played in 11 games (all starts) and had 93 tackles (6.5 for losses), one forced fumble, three interceptions and eight pass breakups. He also had 12 career kickoff returns for 252 yards (21.0 average). He missed one game last season because of a shoulder injury. Williams' size and inability to match up with bigger receivers one-on-one are reasons for concern. However, he was never at full strength as a senior and is very much an underrated prospect as a result. Williams, when healthy, possesses the speed and quickness of a NFL starting corner. He also shows good instincts and toughness both in coverage and versus the run. Williams could emerge as a No. 2 corner a year or two down the road. Meanwhile, he can contribute in the sub-package early in his career and provide excellent special teams' production. With that in mind, Williams projects as a third round pick.
148. Denver Broncos
The pick: Carlton Powell, DT, Virginia Tech
Powell lacks the closing speed to develop into an effective pass-rusher. He misses the occasional open-field tackle, but plays with good leverage and has the upper-body strength to shed blocks. He is a better run-stopper than his size would suggest
Strengths: Gets under blockers pads, plays with a wide base and can hold ground when teams run at him. Delivers a powerful punch, extends arms once in position and flashes the ability to shed blocks quickly. Reads keys and can locate the ball carrier quickly. Gets good forward lean in stance, is aggressive and flashes the ability to make plays in the backfield. Has a mean streak and flashes the ability to jar the ball loose. Never stops working, takes adequate angles to the ball and makes some plays in pursuit. Drives legs once in position and is a relentless pass rusher that flashes the ability to collapse the pocket. Durable and has excellent experience.
Weaknesses: Doesn't always fight pressure coming from sides and can get ridden down the line of scrimmage. Lacks elite range and isn't a sideline-to-sideline player. Doesn't always wrap up upon contact, doesn't show great body control in space and is an inconsistent open field tackler. Isn't explosive enough to consistently get into the backfield when rushing the passer and doesn't show great closing speed when gets a clear path to the quarterback. Lacks elite lateral mobility, doesn't run line stunts all that well and doesn't show a variety of pass rush moves. Occasionally takes wide path to the quarterback and opens up running lane in the process.
Overall: Powell arrived at Virginia Tech in 2003 and redshirted the year. In the next three seasons (2004-'06), he appeared in 38 games (18 starts) and recorded 68 tackles (14 for losses) and three sacks. As a senior, he started played all 13 games at left defensive tackle, starting all but one, and turned in 36 tackles (six for losses) and 2.5 sacks. He sat out one game in 2005 after suffering a right ankle sprain. Powell lacks the closing speed of a productive NFL pass rusher but he can occasionally collapse the pocket with power moves and he is stout against the run. He projects as a fifth round pick.
139. Denver Broncos
The pick: Ryan Torain, RB, Arizona State
Torain was slowed by ankle, knee and foot injuries last year. To make matters worse, he isn't very elusive and runs high, so he takes big hits. On the flip side, he's a no-nonsense north-south runner who excels at getting yards after contact.
Strengths: Reads blocks well and makes sharp first cut. Runs north-south and hits the hole hard. Drives though arm tacklers, keeps driving legs and picks up yards after contact. Keeps head up, has adequate foot speed and exploits cutback lanes. Has adequate initial burst and is quick enough to turn the corner. Runs adequate routes, catches the ball well and can produce after the catch. Lacks elite bulk for a power back but s big enough and has the frame to add even more weight.
Weaknesses: Takes the occasional false step and could be more efficient. Runs a little high when gets to the second level and takes some big hits. Isn't going to make multiple defenders miss, doesn't have the second gear to outrun defenses when gets a seam and isn't much of a threat to break long runs. Keeps head up in pass protection and can pick up the blitz but doesn't attack assignments and can get run over in the backfield. While keeps ball close to frame, doesn't always cover up when gets into traffic and can put the ball on the ground. Missed four games of the 2005 season with an injury, missed 2007 San Diego State game with an ankle injury, sustained a season-ending toe injury October 13, 2007 and durability is a concern.
Overall: Torain began his career at Butler CC, where he spent two years (2004-05) and ran for 800-plus yards and 12 touchdowns as a sophomore, despite missing four games. In 2006, he played in 13 games (eight starts) and finished with 1,229 yards and seven touchdowns on 223 carries (5.5 average). In six games as a senior, he ran for 553 yards and five TDs on 110 carries (5.0 average) before being knocked out of the Sun Devils' final seven games by ankle, knee and foot injuries. In two years at Tempe, Torain also had 25 receptions for 305 yards (11.4 average) and five touchdowns. Torain is an efficient between-the-tacklers runner and a reliable receiver out of the backfield but he isn't as physical as his size would suggest, he isn't much of a big-play threat and he's coming off a season-ending foot injury. He projects as a seventh round pick or rookie free agent consequently
What he brings: This pick comes as somewhat of a surprise because Virginia's Branden Albert and Vanderbilt's Chris Williams are still on the board. That said, Clady has the potential to develop into an outstanding starter in Denver's scheme; he moves extremely well for his size, so he's an ideal player for a zone-blocking system. Also, he should develop into a good run-blocker. The one concern is that he's raw and needs to work on playing with a wider base.
How he fits: The Broncos love athletic offensive linemen, which makes Clady a solid pick. He has excellent initial quickness and overall ability for his size. Clady will seal off the back side, create space on the front side and be very effective blocking on the second level when zone-blocking. This will help the run game with combo of Travis Henry and Selvin Young. We expect him to compete for the left tackle spot with Ryan Harris, which could push Harris to the right side to compete with Erik Pears.
Strengths: Displays excellent initial quickness and overall agility for his size. Very effective pulling and getting out on second-level as a run blocker. Gets adequate hand placement and has above-average balance. Can seal the edge when asked to reach defenders lined up over outside shoulder. Gets set quickly in pass pro. Has very little trouble with speed rushers. Can mirror and slide versus double moves. A natural knee bender. Extends long arms once in position and can ride edge rushers past the pocket when he gets his hands on them. Plays under control and appears comfortable when left on an island. Gets into defenders legs when goes low and is an effective cut blocker. Works from the snap until the whistle and looks to throw blocks downfield.
Weaknesses: Does not show great lower body strength and is going to have problems driving defenders off the ball in short-yardage situations. Lacks ideal explosiveness, hasn't learned how to roll hips into blocks and fails to knock many defenders back at the point of attack. Occasionally will get beat by inside quickness. Needs to learn to set while staying more balanced. Can be overaggressive, lunges a little too much and is vulnerable to push-pull moves. While shows adequate awareness in pass protection and helps out when nothing comes to him, over commits at times and has some problems picking up delayed blitzes. Big enough to hold ground but bends at the waist rather than the knees and is going to have some problems holding ground working against NFL caliber bull rushers. Can get jumpy when defenders start jumping around before the snap and he's vulnerable to false starts.
Overall: Clady redshirted in 2004. In his first active season at Boise State (2005), he made 11 starts at right tackle. In 2006 he moved to left tackle, where he was the starter in all 26 games over the next two seasons. He was a second team All-America selection in 2007. Like a lot of young offensive linemen, Clady needs to get stronger and sharpen his technique. However, he clearly has the frame, quickness, agility and work ethic to quickly develop into a quality starter at left tackle in the NFL. Clady projects as a mid-first round pick, as a result
42. Denver Broncos
The pick: Eddie Royal, WR, Virginia Tech
What he brings: Royal has had some problems staying healthy, and the fact that he doesn't have great size only accentuates concerns about his durability. He has to improve his route running, but he has the quickness and athletic ability to separate from coverage once that happens. He's fast enough to stretch the field and make an impact as a punt returner.
How he fits: The Broncos aggressively addressed their receiving corps this offseason with the additions of Samie Parker and Keary Colbert to play opposite No. 1 WR Brandon Marshall. Royal gives Mike Shanahan a slot receiver who can be effective in their multiple-spread sets. He gives Cutler another explosive weapon who can play in the slot. He also adds value as a punt returner.
Strengths: Explodes off the ball, creates space by driving corners back and can get open quickly. Changes directions quickly, runs adequate routes and can separate from man coverage. Can make the first defender miss, shows a second gear when gets a seam and can turn a catch underneath into a long gain. Reads blocks fairly well and runs screens well. Runs hard, is a balanced runner that can bounce of arm tackles and flashes the ability to pick up yards after contact. Shows a second gear when tracking the ball downfield and flashes the ability to make over-the-shoulder catches. Doesn't always make sound decisions with the ball but has adequate arm strength and can throw the ball downfield. Is a dangerous kickoff as well as punt return man and can make an immediate impact on special teams. Gives a solid effort as a stalk blocker. Feisty and physical; won't back down from a challenge.
Weaknesses: Is short, doesn't have great bulk and can get pushed around by bigger corners. Rounds cuts off at times and isn't a precise route-runner at this point. Sustained a slight concussion in 2004, missed 2005 spring practices with compartment syndrome in left leg, slowed by a sprained toe in 2006 and durability is a concern.
Overall: Royal appeared in 38 games in his first three seasons (2004-'06) hauling in 86 passes for 1,282 yards (14.9 average) and eight touchdowns. As a senior, he appeared in 13 games (11 starts) and finished the season with 33 receptions for 496 yards (15.0 average) and four touchdowns. Royal proved his versatility with the Hokies, rushing for a career 226 yards and two scores on 51 carries (9.4 average) and throwing a 53-yard touchdown pass on offense. On special teams, he had 59 kickoff returns for 1,386 yards (23.5 average), 111 punt returns for 1,296 yards (11.7 average) and three TDs, and four tackles during his four-year career. Royal missed one game in 2004 (illness); sat out spring practice in 2005 (left leg compartment syndrome); was knocked out of one game in 2005 by a hamstring injury; and missed a game in 2007 because of a calf injury. Royal's lack of size and injury history should raise some red flags. However, he has the speed, elusiveness and athletic ability to develop into a dangerous No. 3 or No. 4 slot-receiver in the NFL and he has added value in the return game. Royal should come off the board in the third-to-fourth round range of the 2008 draft.
108. Denver Broncos
The pick: Kory Lichtensteiger, C, Bowling Green
Lichtensteiger can play center or guard and plays with a mean streak, but he lacks athletic ability and struggles in pass protection. He will provide depth on the offensive line, however.
Strengths: Delivers a violent punch, gets adequate hand placement and locks on once in position. Gets under defenders pads, drives legs and shows decent lower body strength as a run blocker. Has a mean streak, works from snap until whistle and can put defenders on their backs. Shows adequate footwork as a run blocker and flashes the ability to reach defenders lined over outside shoulder. Takes sound angles to blocks and can get into position at the second level. Shows decent range, is always looking to hit someone downfield and flashes the ability to pull effectively. Gets adequate not great zip on shotgun snaps and is fairly accurate when asked to shotgun snap. Reads defenses well, makes sound line calls and is a leader. Played with a torn labrun during the 2006 season and is a team player with great toughness.
Weaknesses: Doesn't have an explosive first step and is going to have problems keeping upper echelon one-gap defenders out of the backfield. Bends at the waist rather than the knees, plays too high when pass blocking and can get pushed back into the quarterback. Can slide with defenders and ride them down the line but doesn't maintain a wide base, struggles to change directions quickly and is vulnerable to double moves. Over commits at times and lacks the foot speed to recover so has some problems picking up line stunts and blitzes. Tore labrum in left shoulder in 2006 and underwent shoulder surgery during the 2007 off-season.
Overall: Lichtensteiger was redshirted in 2003, but he was in the Falcons' lineup for the season opener a year later and went on to play and start in every game over the next four seasons (2004-'07). He began his college career as a left guard, eventually moving to center as a junior (2006). That season Lichensteiger tore the labrum in his left shoulder but played through the injury, which required offseason surgery. Lichensteiger's lack of burst prevents him from being an elite center prospect but he has the tenacity, power and smart to develop into a quality starter so he projects as a fifth-round pick.
119. Denver Broncos
The pick: Jack Williams, CB, Kent
Williams has the instincts and athletic ability to become an effective No. 2 corner. He's also an excellent player on special teams. Still, he doesn't have great size, so he's going to have problems slowing receivers down at the line of scrimmage
Strengths: Reads quarterback's eyes, shows good awareness and can cover a lot of ground when asked to drop into zone coverage. Changes directions very well and can mirror most receivers underneath. Aggressive and jumps routes. Has adequate ball skills, can make plays in coverage and is dangerous after the catch. Times blitzes well and shows great closing speed. Tough for his size and fills hard when reads run. Has active hands, plays with a motor and flashes the ability to shed blocks despite size. Plays with a mean streak, flashes the ability to deliver the big hit and forces fumbles. Has some problems bringing bigger backs to the ground but generally wraps up upon contact and is a reliable open field tackler. Has experience returning kickoffs as well as punts, blocked a punt in 2004 and was named Kent State's Special teams Player of the Year in 2006.
Weaknesses: Shows adequate upper body strength and delivers a solid punch when jamming receivers but lacks ideal size and gets pushed around by bigger receivers. Shows good burst coming out of backpedal but can give receivers too big a cushion and step late getting to the ball at times. Isn't going to win many jump balls and is going to have a hard time matching up in the red zone. Doesn't show a variety of pass rush moves and isn't strong enough to run over blockers in the backfield when blitzing. Slowed by ankle as well as shoulder injuries during 2007 season and durability is a concern.
Overall: Williams arrived at Kent State in 2003 and redshirted the year. In his first three seasons (2004-'06), he appeared in 33 games (26 starts) and amassed 152 tackles (eight for losses), three sacks, six forced fumbles and 10 interceptions (two of which he returned for touchdowns) and 17 pass breakups. As a senior in 2007, Williams played in 11 games (all starts) and had 93 tackles (6.5 for losses), one forced fumble, three interceptions and eight pass breakups. He also had 12 career kickoff returns for 252 yards (21.0 average). He missed one game last season because of a shoulder injury. Williams' size and inability to match up with bigger receivers one-on-one are reasons for concern. However, he was never at full strength as a senior and is very much an underrated prospect as a result. Williams, when healthy, possesses the speed and quickness of a NFL starting corner. He also shows good instincts and toughness both in coverage and versus the run. Williams could emerge as a No. 2 corner a year or two down the road. Meanwhile, he can contribute in the sub-package early in his career and provide excellent special teams' production. With that in mind, Williams projects as a third round pick.
148. Denver Broncos
The pick: Carlton Powell, DT, Virginia Tech
Powell lacks the closing speed to develop into an effective pass-rusher. He misses the occasional open-field tackle, but plays with good leverage and has the upper-body strength to shed blocks. He is a better run-stopper than his size would suggest
Strengths: Gets under blockers pads, plays with a wide base and can hold ground when teams run at him. Delivers a powerful punch, extends arms once in position and flashes the ability to shed blocks quickly. Reads keys and can locate the ball carrier quickly. Gets good forward lean in stance, is aggressive and flashes the ability to make plays in the backfield. Has a mean streak and flashes the ability to jar the ball loose. Never stops working, takes adequate angles to the ball and makes some plays in pursuit. Drives legs once in position and is a relentless pass rusher that flashes the ability to collapse the pocket. Durable and has excellent experience.
Weaknesses: Doesn't always fight pressure coming from sides and can get ridden down the line of scrimmage. Lacks elite range and isn't a sideline-to-sideline player. Doesn't always wrap up upon contact, doesn't show great body control in space and is an inconsistent open field tackler. Isn't explosive enough to consistently get into the backfield when rushing the passer and doesn't show great closing speed when gets a clear path to the quarterback. Lacks elite lateral mobility, doesn't run line stunts all that well and doesn't show a variety of pass rush moves. Occasionally takes wide path to the quarterback and opens up running lane in the process.
Overall: Powell arrived at Virginia Tech in 2003 and redshirted the year. In the next three seasons (2004-'06), he appeared in 38 games (18 starts) and recorded 68 tackles (14 for losses) and three sacks. As a senior, he started played all 13 games at left defensive tackle, starting all but one, and turned in 36 tackles (six for losses) and 2.5 sacks. He sat out one game in 2005 after suffering a right ankle sprain. Powell lacks the closing speed of a productive NFL pass rusher but he can occasionally collapse the pocket with power moves and he is stout against the run. He projects as a fifth round pick.
139. Denver Broncos
The pick: Ryan Torain, RB, Arizona State
Torain was slowed by ankle, knee and foot injuries last year. To make matters worse, he isn't very elusive and runs high, so he takes big hits. On the flip side, he's a no-nonsense north-south runner who excels at getting yards after contact.
Strengths: Reads blocks well and makes sharp first cut. Runs north-south and hits the hole hard. Drives though arm tacklers, keeps driving legs and picks up yards after contact. Keeps head up, has adequate foot speed and exploits cutback lanes. Has adequate initial burst and is quick enough to turn the corner. Runs adequate routes, catches the ball well and can produce after the catch. Lacks elite bulk for a power back but s big enough and has the frame to add even more weight.
Weaknesses: Takes the occasional false step and could be more efficient. Runs a little high when gets to the second level and takes some big hits. Isn't going to make multiple defenders miss, doesn't have the second gear to outrun defenses when gets a seam and isn't much of a threat to break long runs. Keeps head up in pass protection and can pick up the blitz but doesn't attack assignments and can get run over in the backfield. While keeps ball close to frame, doesn't always cover up when gets into traffic and can put the ball on the ground. Missed four games of the 2005 season with an injury, missed 2007 San Diego State game with an ankle injury, sustained a season-ending toe injury October 13, 2007 and durability is a concern.
Overall: Torain began his career at Butler CC, where he spent two years (2004-05) and ran for 800-plus yards and 12 touchdowns as a sophomore, despite missing four games. In 2006, he played in 13 games (eight starts) and finished with 1,229 yards and seven touchdowns on 223 carries (5.5 average). In six games as a senior, he ran for 553 yards and five TDs on 110 carries (5.0 average) before being knocked out of the Sun Devils' final seven games by ankle, knee and foot injuries. In two years at Tempe, Torain also had 25 receptions for 305 yards (11.4 average) and five touchdowns. Torain is an efficient between-the-tacklers runner and a reliable receiver out of the backfield but he isn't as physical as his size would suggest, he isn't much of a big-play threat and he's coming off a season-ending foot injury. He projects as a seventh round pick or rookie free agent consequently