Alex Mack

[worm]

After watching Denver's D perform this year, it is hard to argue against selecting a defensive player in the 1st (and 2nd-7th as well).

But more and more I am thinking about investing another high pick in the OL. The only player that would make sense in the 1st, given how Clady and Harris are producing...is Alex Mack.

I like him for these reasons:

1) BAP: He is THE best center prospect in the draft. Probably the best prospect to come along at that position in years. When Denver selects at pick #32 :)...they could get the BAP at that position. Unlike any other position on O or D.

2) DEPTH: Casey is playing great...but how long will that last? This could be it for him and Nails...leaving just Korey in the middle of the line.

3) FLEXIBILITY: Lichtensteiger and Alex can BOTH play guard. So play the better candidate at center and shift the other guy to a starter at guard and 2nd team center.

4) SIZE. The dude is 6-5, 316. Bigger than Gurode. He can take on the nose in the 3-4 without getting manhandled....much better for matching up against SD.

5) INVEST IN OL\CUTLER: The line is playing GREAT right now....but it is paper thin. Ben's concussions, Casey's age, Tom's injuries and age. One more blue chipper capable of playing multiple line positions will ensure that the O can absorb an injury hit without ruining the season.


Watch him play and you will be impressed also. This guy will be in the Pro-Bowl for 10 years +.


Alex Mack's Scouting Report
By Matt McGuire

Strengths: Rare size with great lower body strength, long arms and solid bulk ... Tenacious run blocker and is a finisher ... Consistent motor ... Very smart ... Solid athlete and can get to the second level ... Has the power to anchor against larger nose tackles ... Is the leader and anchor you want for your line ... Makes correct line calls and is a solid communicator ... Gets out of stance quickly ... Uses hands well; can lock on ... Nice awareness in pass protection ... Can play guard.

Weaknesses: Gets too high at times ... Footwork could be improved and he is sluggish here from time to time ... Agility is a bit of a concern ... Cut block technique needs to be refined.

Summary: An outstanding center prospect, and most of his weaknesses are correctable...Will get criticized for not being a great athlete, but what center in the NFL is? ... Best center prospect in a very long time and will carry a higher grade than Nick Mangold ... Lack of value and demand at the center position could drop him to the second round, but he should carry a first-round grade.

Player Comparison: Matt Birk. Yes, Mack is good enough to be compared to Birk, and is going to enter the NFL as possibly the biggest center in football. His intelligence and leadership is very reminiscent of Birk's, and he should be a Week 1 starter at either center or guard.

[bpc]

I love Mack. After watching our defense though, I highly doubt we can go anywhere but there. We are extremely weak up the middle of our defense and are severely lacking team speed on the 2nd level of this unit.

Anyways, Mack is nasty. He'll be a larger Olin Kruetz, probably a multiple pro bowl guy. He's a good leader, great football player and has a huge meanstreak on the field. I watched some Cal film and the extent he works to dominate an opposing player is inspiring.

IF we did draft him, Denver would have the best OL barring injuries within a year or two. No doubt about it.

[Elway777]

I also like Duke Robinson. The could also draft Robinson and move Hamilton to cwenter. Robinson plays in a zone blocking scheme at Oklahoma and would put more size in the Bronco line. I also like Mack and would be a good choice if the Broncos want to keep Hamilton at left guard. If the Broncos sign Vilma in free agency then that would leave door open to take either Robinson or Mack. I read that Vilma wants to play with DJ again.

[Schism]

http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/images/n3/n15626.jpg

Doesn't look so tough to me, quite frankly.

[worm]

I love Mack. After watching our defense though, I highly doubt we can go anywhere but there. We are extremely weak up the middle of our defense and are severely lacking team speed on the 2nd level of this unit.

Anyways, Mack is nasty. He'll be a larger Olin Kruetz, probably a multiple pro bowl guy. He's a good leader, great football player and has a huge meanstreak on the field. I watched some Cal film and the extent he works to dominate an opposing player is inspiring.

IF we did draft him, Denver would have the best OL barring injuries within a year or two. No doubt about it.

I agree. It will be D. However, watching Jax and Indy lines get decimated with injuries and you get a sense that we are only one play away from going from a good\great line to a mediocre at best line.

Watching David Gerrard hit the ground over the last two weeks makes me want to ensure that Jay doesn't suffer a similar fate.

Protect the franchise with the 1st. Spend the rest on D.

[worm]

I also like Duke Robinson. The could also draft Robinson and move Hamilton to cwenter. Robinson plays in a zone blocking scheme at Oklahoma and would put more size in the Bronco line. I also like Mack and would be a good choice if the Broncos want to keep Hamilton at left guard. If the Broncos sign Vilma in free agency then that would leave door open to take either Robinson or Mack. I read that Vilma wants to play with DJ again.

I haven't seen enough of Oklahoma's games to focus on Duke....but the thing I like about Mack over him is his versatility. Mack can play guard or center. Not sure Duke could do that.

I HAVE watched a lot of LSU games....and Herman Johnson is a beast. The dude is 6-7 350. Put him next to Clady as a road grader when Ben retires and you have some serious meat on that side. He might be there in the second.

We will have to see if Denver's line wears down as the season progresses. There is something to be said for as much size as you can get without sacrificing to much speed and fluidity. That is what made Sweet Feet such a great pick.

[lex]

I also like Duke Robinson. The could also draft Robinson and move Hamilton to cwenter. Robinson plays in a zone blocking scheme at Oklahoma and would put more size in the Bronco line. I also like Mack and would be a good choice if the Broncos want to keep Hamilton at left guard. If the Broncos sign Vilma in free agency then that would leave door open to take either Robinson or Mack. I read that Vilma wants to play with DJ again.

Im in the Duke Robinson camp as well. If we pick around 20 something, this pick could go a long way towards running because we decide to and not because the passing game has forced defenses to only play the run, which will make us less vulnerable to weather and teams that sceme well against our pass. I actually, think Duke Robinson is the better pick but Macks not a horrible pick either.