Dream's Second-to-Last Broncos Mock Draft. (All rounds!)

[Requiem]

I'd figure since the draft is a little more than two weeks away, I'd do my second to last installment right now, and do the real deal the day or so before the draft and submit it into the contest. This is not what I want the Broncos to do, but it's what I feel the Broncos to do. If it were what I'd want, I think it'd be totally different, but here's the draft.

Keep in mind, I will not include any trades now or in the future unless they happen before the draft. Predicting draft day trades is next to impossible.

First Round Selection, #21 - Jarvis Moss, DE - Florida

I've calmed myself on taking Moss at #21, but there's no doubt that he's a superb fit for the kind of player Bates wants at defensive end. I think that Moss is far from a finished prospect, but has the ability to come in right away and be a dynamic pass rushing threat we need off of the edge. Anthony Spencer will probably be considered here as well, and I think he's a better overall player because he is solid in run support as well - but his potential is probably not as high as Moss'. So, Jarvis is the pick.


Second Round Selection, #56 - Paul Soliai, DT - Utah

This is not a pick based on the SCOUT.COM report that says Soliai could be rising and is having a visit with Denver, but for the fact that Jim Bates wants big men like Soliai in the middle, and that his upside is so tremendous that in a year or so he could eventually be a dominant two-gap player on the defensive front. I have not seen much of Soliai myself, so there's not much I can state, other than he's an impressive physical specimen with limited playing time at the D-I collegiate level.

I think this pick is a reach, in fact I think it's at least a full-round reach on Soliai if this was anybody elses draft outside the Broncos. I do not believe Soliai coming to Denver is just for giggles, and I believe there is serious interest in him as a player. Unless Denver plans to make a move for Shaun Rogers or perhaps Kris Jenkins, he's a logical pick here in the second-round, but let it be known on my behalf, I think it's a reach - but it's not like the Broncos haven't done that in the past.

Third Round Selection, #70 - Sabby Piscitelli, S - Oregon State

I think Sabby is overrated, but I think he's a good value selection at a position of need for the Broncos and I do not believe it's a reach. Physically impressive, (good triangulars) and top not intangibles and can play either position. I think Mat'hir said that he's John Lynch with better coverage skills and more speed, and I think it's a good comparison, and with that said, he's the pick here.

Third Round Selection, #86 - Doug Free, OT - Northern Illinois

Denver wants to get bigger on the line, and Free would be a start. Free has the ability to play either tackle position, and has the mobility and demeanor to become a successful tackle at the NFL level. He has the ability to go higher than this, but the tackle class this year is ambiguous as far as grades go so it'll really depend on how badly a team needs a tackle. I think it's a strong possibility he's around at #86. We need a tackle, and although some people don't believe we'll invest a first day pick in one because we've had success getting lineman on Day Two, you don't protect a franchise quarterback with Day 2 and undrafted players. With what Denver wants to do on the offensive line, I think you'll see more players drafted early if we're going to upgrade in the near future, as Denver has gotten by with steals in the late rounds because in short, they're too small to fit in anywhere else.

So that does end Day One, and the only thing I'm frustrated about is not being able to add a linebacker in anywhere. If Wilson is moved or released, we'll draft one, but this class is lacking as far as SLB goes, and I'm not sure if Quincy Black or Antwan Barnes can play that at the next level - they seem to be more natural WILL fits and I'd be more sold on Barnes than Black in that regard, however they do fit the mold as short, speedy linebackers that are the norm in Bates' defense, so don't be surprised if one of their names are called either.


Sixth Round Selection, #176 - Ahmad Bradshaw, RB - Marshall

Not a whole lot of upside, but a good college back who can run and catch well has has the vision to succeed at the next level. Character concerns, pretty much a dump of a human being and possibly is a better fit for a jail cell than a football team. Still compelled by the little fella, and I wouldn't doubt the Broncos interest and possibly upgrading the offense just a wee bit more.

Sixth Round Selection, #198 - Ryne Robinson, WR/KR - Miami (OHIO)

Personally, I think Ryne is talented enough to be a first-day selection, but mid-major competition and lack of size probably will hurt him. A good receiver in college, and would make a nice #3 or #4 option for the team who has been known for being a good returner as well. Not much value anywhere else at this point in time, so it makes sense to try and upgrade the special teams, and with O'Brien on board, that's almost a given.

Seventh Round Selection, #233 - Walter Thomas, DT - NW Mississippi C.C.

First off I'm going to admit I didn't hear of the kid until I was sent an e-mail from a friend who titled the post, "Bates likes fatties, I think this one is fat enough." and then numerous reports were being flung around the internet on him.

Kicked out of Oklahoma State, (poor grades) but he's 6'5 and 370 pounds. That's huge, and he has upside that is basically limitless. Denver has never been shy about drafting someone with character concerns, and this kid is a whole lot of man. This guy is almost three Yamon Figurs in size. It's ridiculous. Let him try and compete, if he doesn't even make the team, no harm done. Just an intriguing prospect.

[Requiem]

Not a huge fan of this, but they seem like logical selections at the places we're picking.

Don't think that Soliai will last until our pick in the third, even though it's possible. Scared that the Browns would take him before our selection at #70.

Had to put in my own criticism, some of the other picks (Thomas, Bradshaw) are questionable.

I'd be somewhat pleased with this.

[Kaylore]

It's not a very sexy draft. Doug Free seems like someone we'd pick up, though. I lose interest every time I see Jarvis Moss on someone's mock draft. Everyone is so we're taking Moss. It reminds me of last year when everyone was sure we were taking Chad Jackson.

[chaz]

Originally Posted by Kaylore

It's not a very sexy draft. Doug Free seems like someone we'd pick up, though. I lose interest every time I see Jarvis Moss on someone's mock draft. Everyone is so we're taking Moss. It reminds me of last year when everyone was sure we were taking Chad Jackson.

it just makes too much sense...something is bound to happen between now and then that will change the entire landscape of our draft.

would rather see LB on day one than S just because safety is a down-the-road need but LB is a NOW need if wilson is as far gone as many say. other than that, nothing would make me too excited about this draft but it does a nice job filling in holes.

[Great13]

What about Jamaal Anderson? Why is his stock dropping? If he falls to the mid teens I think we would trade up and grab him. He's bigger than a typical Bates end, but I hear he moves exceptionally well. If we draft anyone from Florida in the first round, it better be Reggie Nelson.

[Barry Ramey]

I think I'd rather they went with a WR at some point in the draft instead of a RB. The WR spot is deep this year. The RB spot is deep next year, so take one next year would be the better idea I think.

[Great13]

Originally Posted by Barry Ramey

I think I'd rather they went with a WR at some point in the draft instead of a RB. The WR spot is deep this year. The RB spot is deep next year, so take one next year would be the better idea I think.

I'd have to agree here.

[chaz]

Originally Posted by Barry Ramey

I think I'd rather they went with a WR at some point in the draft instead of a RB. The WR spot is deep this year. The RB spot is deep next year, so take one next year would be the better idea I think.

i have to agree as well....especially since the proposed pick is "a better fit for a jail cell"?!?!? come on!! why the hell would we want that especially since the new code of conduct is stricter than ever on thugs getting in trouble.

[Billy Clyde Puckett]

Req. - I somehow missed that Ahmed Bradshw declared for the draft. I saw him play a couple times and thought he might make a decent 3rd RB with his quickness and receiving skills and mentioned that on another thread. However, I did not know about any character issues. since I am a hard azz on character issues, I don't want him if he is that bad.

Other than that, I think your draft is very reasonable. Not my wish list, but reasonable.

[JCMElway]

This mock is solid. I am on board with the first four picks, very nice. I don't like the RB at 176. I think something is going to be done to address the LB position now that there is uncertainty there. We may go RB, but I don't think it'll be that guy.

Also, witht that upside there is no way Walter Thomas lasts until the seventh round. If Denver wants him they better grab him at #176 or forget about it. They may even have to move up in the 5th to snag him.

[JCMElway]

I think that Shanny will nab Matt Trannon in the 6th. He's 6'6", and Shanny love those tall rangy receivers. I wouldn't be surprised if he took Ryne Robinson and Trannon.

[Requiem]

I like Trannon and I think he can be found on Day Two.

I'm not sure if Jamaal Anderson can fall to us.

I'm not a huge fan of Moss either. . .

[Mediator12]

As for Jamaal Anderson, People have broken down the tape on Arkansas DL play this year. Arkansas ran some very unconventional DL schemes including going to a 5-2 scheme in their bowl game against Wisconsin isolating Anderson one on one against Thomas and the RT Eric VandenHeuvel. They are concerned he is a product of the system and that he only has one year dominating the position going for 19-36 games as a starter.

I think he is a hell of player and the most physically gifted DE in the draft. What he is not, is the dominating edge rusher that Adams and Moss are.

Adams and Moss turn the corner with unreal agility and its a sack, pressure, or a hold when they get there. Anderson made most of his plays out of scheme stunts and not beating a OL with his abilities. The concern is that he is not a natural pass rusher, but scheme made one with one year of production. I think he is a hell of a pass Rusher and he plays Hard every down. That is three times better than what we have at DE right now and I think he is a top 15 pick that PIT will take if Carriker is off the board before then.

[SonOfLe-loLang]

i was reading about Walter Thomas yesterday. Apparently he dominated at some texas all star week and runs like a 5.1...for his size, thats pretty good. I like risks like this, hope they take him

[U4EA]

More cowbell!! Er, that is, more Safety!

[Dukes]

I'm warming up to Moss at #21, but only if Carriker and Willis are already off the board (also assuming Branch and Anderson are off considering their stock is falling). I'm also hoping we can get Wendling or Weddle. Weddle with #56 or Wendling at #70 or even #86

[Arkie]

I guarantee that we'll draft a RB. We drafted Mike Anderson, Olandis Gary, and Clinton Portis while we had TD. We drafted Quentin Griffin and Tatum Bell while we had Portis. We drafted Clarett with a crowded backfield. It's a sure thing we will draft another back to go with Henry, Mike Bell, and Cobbs.

[Elway777]

I think Spencer could be a sleeper pick for the Broncos in the first round. I also like Jason Hill or Tony Ugoh in the second.Mebane or Thomas in the third round.

[MechanicalBull]

Originally Posted by chaz

it just makes too much sense...something is bound to happen between now and then that will change the entire landscape of our draft.

I agree. It's not a bad draft and does fill needs but it does make too much sense and we know how Shanahan likes keeping those close to the vest so who knows what can happen. I just don't see him saying these are the positions we have needs at and just go down the line selecting guys at those positions.

[-Slap-]

Originally Posted by JCMElway

Also, with that upside there is no way Walter Thomas lasts until the seventh round. If Denver wants him they better grab him at #176 or forget about it. They may even have to move up in the 5th to snag him.

He'll go in the fourth round at the latest.

[Requiem]

Just another name to throw around there. Marshawn Lynch.

Sort of falling on the boards, but the value may be too good to pass up at #21 even with the signing of Henry.

Just a thought. Henry's one J away from a year gone-bye-bye.

I don't think drafting an "insurance" back in the first is a wise idea, but the value for DE at 21 and 56 are pretty similar in my opinion.

Lynch could be a sleeper selection for the Broncs if he's still there at #21.

[goldengopher1976]

Originally Posted by Requiem

Just another name to throw around there. Marshawn Lynch.

Sort of falling on the boards, but the value may be too good to pass up at #21 even with the signing of Henry.

Just a thought. Henry's one J away from a year gone-bye-bye.

I don't think drafting an "insurance" back in the first is a wise idea, but the value for DE at 21 and 56 are pretty similar in my opinion.

Lynch could be a sleeper selection for the Broncs if he's still there at #21.

I like the thinking. Increasingly the two-back system is working in the NFL, and the more we can do to provide Jay with a solid ground game, the more the passing game will open up. At this point, there is probably very little the Broncos could do to disappoint me in the first round (besides reaching for a player that would have been available with a trade down...).

[mattob14]

Originally Posted by -Slap-

He'll go in the fourth round at the latest.

I'd hate to be the GM that took him in round 4. I'd love to take a shot on his potential with a 6th, but a 4th for a guy who played 2 games of JC ball? I don't care what his size/speed is, that's a horrible reach.

[SonOfLe-loLang]

Originally Posted by goldengopher1976

I like the thinking. Increasingly the two-back system is working in the NFL, and the more we can do to provide Jay with a solid ground game, the more the passing game will open up. At this point, there is probably very little the Broncos could do to disappoint me in the first round (besides reaching for a player that would have been available with a trade down...).

We have that guy, his name is Mike Bell. He rushed for about 700 yards last season and was clearly our best back at the end of the year. If he wasnt splitting time with tatum, hes a 1,200-1,300 yard back. We dont need to draft ANOTHER runner in the first round...come on

[goldengopher1976]

Originally Posted by SonOfLe-loLang

We have that guy, his name is Mike Bell. He rushed for about 700 yards last season and was clearly our best back at the end of the year. If he wasnt splitting time with tatum, hes a 1,200-1,300 yard back. We dont need to draft ANOTHER runner in the first round...come on

I hear you. But I'm not sold on Mike Bell as the 2-punch compliment to Henry. Also, though I doubt you intended your sentence to read this way, we haven't drafted a runner in the first round, and this might just be the time to do it. The part of my response I want to reiterate is this: it would be hard at this point for the Broncos to disappoint me, there is justification for going any number of different ways in the first round (which, it seems to me, is a testament to our FA acquisitions).