Requiem's Broncos Draft -- Pictures, Analysis, etc.

[Requiem]

The NFL Draft is no exact science, and the Denver Broncos are the epitome of why that statement is true. There may be no other team that's harder to project in the draft than the Denver Broncos. Nobody, not anyone was expecting the Broncos to use their first three selections on cornerbacks in the 2005 NFL Draft, and use their last first day pick on the highly controversial Maurice Clarett. It almost seemed as if the Broncos were laughed out of the draft, but at the end of the season -- it was the Broncos who were laughing. While Maurice Clarett and Paul Ernster disappointed, rookie cornerbacks Domonique Foxworth and Darrent Williams made huge impacts for the Broncos; each also having the opportunity to start aside Champ Bailey. Karl Paymah saw action as well, but most of his time was devoted to special teams. Chris Myers saw action in nine games, and could challenge for a starting position for the Broncos in the near future.

At this point in time, less than a month away from the 2006 NFL Draft, the Broncos currently hold eight draft choices. Two of which are in the first round, a second rounder, three fourth rounders, a fifth and a sixth. Denver's third rounder this year was traded to the Falcons in order to move from #29 to #15 on the draft charts, (along with a 2007 fouth round selection) and by all means was grand larceny for the Broncos. Whether the Broncos will retain all of those picks is uncertain, but there is no doubt that the Broncos are in position to set them up well for the future, and hopefully, add several players this year who can make an impact on the team -- and most of all, push us over the top to our third Super Bowl Victory.

I will be updating this draft whenever I feel it needs to change. These are my thoughts on what I think the Broncos SHOULD do on draft day, not what they WILL do. Each pick will have in-depth reasoning, and you're more than welcome to sling me questions about my selections. Where we all have different views, I think the majority of us have similar opinions on what we need to address. So without further ado, here's my latest projection.



Brodrick Bunkley, DT - Florida State University
Height: 6-2 3/4 | Weight: 306 | 40-Time: 4.94

The Denver Broncos have seen their two best pass-rushing threats off the edge leave via free agency the past few years in Reggie Hayward and Bertrand Berry and desparately need a player who can come in and help out the situation in the pass rush department. At fifteen, there isn't an end value wise worth taking, as Hali and Kiwanuka are expected to be taken later in the first round. If Bunkley makes it to fifteen, the Broncos will be extremely fortunate. In a recent press conference, Shanahan stated that there are several positions where rookies drafted in the first round wouldn't challenge for a starting spot, and the defensive line was an area that was left out in the open. After losing Pope to the Jets in Free Agency, and the uncertainty whether or not Demetrin Veal will be back on the squad, along with the departure of Trevor Pryce, the Broncos could certainly use Bunkley on their defensive line. While Mike Myers had a nice campaign for the Broncos last season, he can certainly be upgraded.

Bunkley would work extremely well underneath Gerard Warren, and has all the ability in the world to emerge as one of the NFL's top tier pass rushing defensive tackles. Even with this pick, the Broncos still need help at the edge position, as most of the players at the position are average rotational players at best. So don't be surprised if the Broncos choose to go defensive end early with one of their other two picks on the first day of the draft.




Leonard Pope, TE - University of Georgia
Height: 6-7 3/4 | Weight: 258 | 40-Time: 4.62

With the departure of Jeb Putzier to the Houston Texans via free agency, the Broncos could stand to use an early selection on a receiving threat in this years draft. At #22, it's unlikely that Chad Jackson, Vernon Davis or Santonio Holmes will be on the board, so value wise Leonad Pope is the best option available. Stephen Alexander isn't a receiving threat, and we can only be hopeful that Wesley Duke can emerge in ways similar to Antonio Gates, but as of now -- the jury is still out on him and TE is one of the few positions in which the Broncos could draft a player, and give the rookie a chance to compete in camp to start for the 06-07 season.

Pope is a mammoth target at 6'7 - 260 pounds and could be the cure to the Broncos woes in the red zone, and would be a player the Broncos could utilize in many different ways at the position; which the Broncos haven't had the luxury of since the Shannon Sharpe years. For his size, Pope is deceptively fast and you won't find many guys with his combination of speed and size, which makes him even more valuable at a position which is becoming ever so increasingly important.

At his size, Pope could encounter leverage problems as a blocker at the next level, but what's more important than that is his ability to create mismatches on the field. With his size and athleticism, Pope is just the kind of player coaches and teams are looking for at the positions these days which make him a fine selection and addition the Denver Broncos at #22 overall this year.



Maurice Stovall, WR - Notre Dame
Height: 6-4 3/8 | Weight: 217 | 40-Time: 4.61

Rod Smith is an ageless wonder, and Ashley Lelie has yet to emerge as the #1 option the Broncos had hoped he would be -- and behind those two, the Broncos have little quality depth at the position. The worst thing of all is that Smith at best has a few more years in him and that Lelie is a free agent at the end of the season. The jury is still out on Darius Watts, but many have a feeling he'll get a "guilty" verdict by seasons end and there is a lot to be desired from David Terrell, Todd Devoe and Charlie Adams. With that said, the second round would be a nice place to start planning for the future at this position.

Maurice Stovall sticks out here. No pun intended. At almost 6'5 -- 220 pounds, Stovall has great size and like Leonard Pope, is an absolute terror to defend against in the red zone. Where Ashley Lelie is hesitant to go over the middle, Stovall is not. He uses his size to his advantage and adjusts well to the ball. He's a solid leaper, deceptively fast, physical and is a tremendous blocker, which is something Broncos receivers are expected to do well.

Under Charlie Weis, Stovall emerged with a breakout senior season. He may never become a #1 option at the pro level, but very well could - and at the very least, he'd be a great second option for any team to have. If the Broncos were to select Stovall at #61, it'd give them great insurance at the receiving department, and you'd have a player who could immediately contest for the slot receiving spot on the team. In a weak receiver class such as this, Stovall is worth the selection at #61 and could become one of the best receivers to come out of it when looking back a few years down the road.



Ray Edwards, DE - Purdue University
Height: 6-4 3/4 | Weight: 273 | 40-Time: 4.79

While the Broncos updgraded the defensive tackle spot earlier in the draft with the selection of Brodrick Bunkley, there is still a need at the end position. Some may be surprised that Ray Edwards is out of the day one mix, however I believe with the emergence of several other DL at the combine, he could very well be pushed into day two for coming out early. Another factor in Edwards falling down to the middle of round four is character concerns, especially in regards to the coaching staff at Purdue.

Edwards is one of the best sized lineman in this draft. He posses very good size and solid speed of the edge and would be a solid contributor his first year with the Broncos at the RE position. Edwards looked like a top prospect his sophomore year, but slumped this past year, which could be attributed by being benched by his head coach for a few games.

Regardless of the latter which could cause him to fall, he has first day talent, and had he stayed for his senior year, he could have possibly been a late-first rounder in the 2007 NFL Draft. There are classic examples of players coming out early and slipping on draft day and I feel that Edwards is one of them. However, Edwards is a solid selection for the Broncos, and would be for any team who is looking to shore up their RE spot.



Rashad Butler, OT - The University (Miami)
Height: 6-4 5/8 | Weight: 293 | 40-Time: 5.30

Although Matt Lepsis was re-signed, there is nobody that can deny his age, and there is nobody who can deny the lack of depth at the OT position. Currently, Cornell is the back-up tackle at both of the tackle spots on the Broncos depth chart. That's not a knock on Cornell Green, but I feel there is a big need for depth at this position in the draft, as well as other places on the line.

Rashad Butler has good size, long arms and is very quick. He displays good footwoork and plays with great leverage. He's a mobile tackle who would fit very well into a scheme like Denver's, his best characteristics fit those of Denver lineman past and present. He's a player with a lot of experience and a lot of upside. I believe Butler's best football is ahead of him.

He could project to LT at the pros, but would also do a fine job playing right tackle. It never hurts to have a guy with experience at multiple positions like Butler, and would be a nice addition to the team. Current OL Chris Myers is also a product of the Hurricanes, who is thought of highly by the coaching staff here in Denver. In a few years, Butler is a guy who could develop into a solid starter in the NFL, and at the very least an great back up option.



Mike Bell, RB - University of Arizona
Height: 6-0 1/4 | Weight: 221 | 40-Time: 4.56

The Denver Broncos running back situation isn't bad, with Tatum Bell who showed flashes of brilliance last season and Ron Dayne, who is best remembered last year for his long run last year against Dallas on Thanksgiving -- but it's far from settled. The Broncos seem to make it an annual tradition fo selection a back in the NFL draft, and I don't see that tradition stopping this year or any time soon.

With Mike Anderson flocking to the Ravens this off-season, the Broncos could use a bruising North-South runner. Mike Bell is the latter. He's patient and has good instincts, and the best part about him is the fact that he is a physical runner who has enough power to gain tough yads in key situations. There are few backs who come out of college who have solid receiving and pass blocking skills, and Bell is one of them. He's a true football player through and through. He is one of those guys who does everything well, but nothing great.

There's a chance that Bell could go before this in the 2006 NFL Draft, however there are quite a few more backs who are more established and proven ahead of him. However, he's just the kind of guy the Broncos could use on their team, and public and open interest in the Denver Broncos certainly doesn't hurt. A guy with an attitude like his is something any team could value.



Jon Alston, OLB - Stanford University
Height: 6-0 ^3/4 | Weight: 223 | 40-Time: 4.40

Denver has a fine set of starting linebackers, possibly the best in the league, but there's virtually no depth behind them. I'm still curious as to whether the Nate Webster signing went through or not, but we did get Ian Gold back. Chukwurrah is expected to make a decision by Monday, so this pick could actually change and probably will change if he is back, and whenever I can confirm the Webster signing.

Alston is a guy who has risen, but probably won't be taken as high as he should becase A) this class is extremely deep and B) he's very undersized. He sizes up similar to Ian Gold, and is a possibly S/LB tweener at the next level. Athletic, quick, good instincts, aggressive -- that sums up Alston, which is pretty much the 'pedigree' for the linebackers we have here. He hits big, tackles well and fairs well in coverage.

Despite his positives, his size is a big concern. However, Ian Gold has had a lot of success here and by all means, Alston is a guy who should be able to succeed here. At any case, Alston is great value here because he could project to either safety or OLB. Which is essentially killing two birds with one stone, since we could use depth at both positions. Alston is a solid selection here. Remember, this pick SHOULD and probably WILL change when we get word on what Pat intends to do, and whether Webster is back.



Developmental Player, QB - Anywhere
Height: Whatever | You | Want

I know this is sort of shafting you guys on a true sixth pick, but I think it's somewhere that we can look towards a developmental quarterback. DJ Shockley, Brad Smith or Michael Robinson. Pick your poison. After hearing Shanahan say how it's likely they could draft a QB later, and how there will be some guys back there, I can see this happening. Us giving up our third rounder hurt what I wanted to do with this draft, I had a quarterback pegged in the 3rd-4th round range and I thought there was better value at other positions. I was looking at guys like Croyle, Jacobs and Whitehurst in that area, perhaps even a guy like Reggie McNeal who has really impressed me.
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That's all, and I hope you enjoyed it!

[Liquid Courage]

I could live with this. Our DEs would improve w/ an ever-collapsing pocket and lack of double-teaming that the DTs would create; making our DE-by-committee more than adequate given current personnel.

And better yet, we FINALLY get a real solution to our 3rd and short and red-zone difficulties (our achilles heal since Sharpe left) versus the patchwork solution we've had in place with Putz and "your name here", multi-WR sets.

My only concern remaining would be a fast, hard-hitting safety (yes, both) to replace the gray-hairs in the defensive backfield shortly and a backup QB that breeds more confidence as an NFL-QB than an Option-QB.

I can't wait 'til the draft is here!

[NFLBRONCO]

I have a comment to make

VERY NICE JOB

[Man-Goblin]

Good analysis.

[Play2win]

I could definitely live with this.

Awesome Job.

Supported really well and some great "info tid-bits"

Nice job, man!!

[SouthStndJunkie]

Solid effort.

[The Big E]

Next time try to put a little effort into it when you start a thread. j/k. Very nice job.

I think that'd be a pretty nice haul. Bell may very well surprise on the upside.

[Rascal]

I'd piss my pants if that was our draft.

[SoCalBronco]

That would be a very good draft, excellent breakdown and analysis Requiem although I dont like Butler and I dont think Alston will last that long.

I really like your analysis though.

[JCMElway]

Very well done. However, there is no way Bunkley makes it past 12 and the Browns.

[UltimateHoboW/Shotgun]

The Best post on the draft I've read this year!!!

[Clockwork Orange]

Originally Posted by JCMElway

Very well done. However, there is no way Bunkley makes it past 12 and the Browns.

I have to agree. I like it, but can't see it happening.

[Rohirrim]

Very good work.

[Requiem]

Thanks guys. About Bunkley, I cannot see him playing NT in the Browns three four, he's not big enough. You should be able to take up two-gaps doing so, and he just cannot do it. I don't see him being a legit 3-4 end either. If the Bills do not take Haloti Ngata, perhaps they'll go elsewhere (on the defensive side of the ball) and the Browns would more than likely take him at #12. I don't think the Eagles go DL, I think they could take a look at Justice. With the Ravens thinking Pryce can play inside, I'm not sure if they need another DT. But, who knows.

It's wishful thinking to a certain degree, but isn't unrealistic.

[Requiem]

Thanks for the comments, just keep putting in suggestions and I'll try and change 'em up.

[ludo21]

Originally Posted by Requiem

Thanks guys. About Bunkley, I cannot see him playing NT in the Browns three four, he's not big enough. You should be able to take up two-gaps doing so, and he just cannot do it. I don't see him being a legit 3-4 end either. If the Bills do not take Haloti Ngata, perhaps they'll go elsewhere (on the defensive side of the ball) and the Browns would more than likely take him at #12. I don't think the Eagles go DL, I think they could take a look at Justice. With the Ravens thinking Pryce can play inside, I'm not sure if they need another DT. But, who knows.

It's wishful thinking to a certain degree, but isn't unrealistic.

Ive heard Bills are looking at Justice. Browns could move BB to DE in the 3-4 easily ala Marcus Spears last year. Eagles may go WR , who knows.

IMO we will HAVE to mive up for Bunkley, i think trading with the Bills is a very good possibility.

[meangene]

That pretty much equals my fantasy first day draft! Great job!

[RocBronc]

Actually I think Bunkley would fill in nicely as a 3-4 DE... He's a little undersized for a DT and quick which is basically what a 3-4 DE is. I also don't see Denver taking a LB in their first 6 picks... I'd look at available C/G or even a safety at Alston's spot. All in all a solid post though.

[bpc]

I would really like this draft... I can't picture it but I would love it. Stovall and Pope would be my favorite picks.