Requiem's "Everyone Will Hate It" Mock Draft. LOLZ.

[Requiem]

Disclaimer: This is just a rough estimate. I don't expect this to happen. This is something I'd sort of like to see happen. I'm open to a myriad of ideas. I agree with a lot of you guys on a lot of things. I just decided to do this because I wanted to. I'm not here to argue pointlessly or hear how this sucks without backing it up. (Constructive criticism is welcome.) I put a lot of effort into it, and I hope you do enjoy it.

Round One: Tyson Jackson, DE – LSU

The selection of a defensive end early in the 2009 NFL Draft is probably the last thing Broncos fans want to see after Denver traded a myriad of picks for Jarvis Moss in 2007 and additionally selected Tim Crowder in round two. However, it’s apparent to anyone who has watched their games this year that the defensive line is simply not getting it done in the trenches and their run and pass defenses are suffering subsequently.

It’s unknown whether third-year player Elvis Dumervil will be given (or for that matter deserves) an extension in the near future. His sack totals have went down this year and teams are finding out ways to exploit is lack of size in both aspects of the game. While Jarvis Moss still flashes potential, he is no doubt inconsistent and after a solid rookie campaign, Tim Crowder has fallen off the face of the Earth and played in only five games all season.

While Ebenezer Ekuban has shown he has gas left in the tank after being out all of 2007 with an Achilles injury; he is 32 years old and his defensive end counterpart John Engleberger is no spring chicken either. In summation, the Broncos defensive end position is very ambiguous and doesn’t offer any honest long-term potential.

Pass defense, rush defense – heck the whole overall defense has struggled for the Broncos throughout the season, even the past several years. While Denver’s young offensive line is shining bright and looks to be one of the league’s premiere units, the same cannot be said for their defensive front.

With the selection of Tyson Jackson, you get a player who has the ability to rush the passer on occasion and anchor down the run from the left side of the line. On top of that, you can kick him inside on third down. Broncos fans might see some similarities between him and Trevor Pryce (but Pryce was a much better pass rusher) – but I think a more apt comparison is Richard Seymour of the New England Patriots. Like Seymour, Jackson demands double-attention on the field and must be accounted for at all costs.

Jackson won’t be a ten sack a year guy in the NFL, but he will command respect from opposing offensive lines for his ability to disrupt the backfield on both pass and rush plays. In short, the stats shown on Jackson’s pro press clippings at the end of his career won’t due him the kind of justice I believe he’ll ultimately deserve. With that in mind, he is still a wise selection for any team who is hoping to shore up their strong-side on the defensive line for the next decade.

Round Two: Patrick Chung, S – Oregon

One of the biggest holes on the Denver Broncos roster comes from the safety position where the team lacks quality depth and has absolutely no difference makers. In fact, one might have to wonder if John Lynch (whom the Broncos parted ways with this training camp) would have been more serviceable than the rag tag band of guys who have played the position this year. [Five bucks to the guy who can name them all!]
However, seventh-round pick from 2008 Josh Barrett was recently promoted from the practice squad and has the size and speed to dominate at the position in the NFL, but even if he pans out the Broncos still would need another long-term option at safety. That’s where we arrive at the Chung Factor.

In my honest opinion, Patrick Chung (who plays rover for the Ducks) is one of the most underrated playmakers in the draft. He has a nasty playing demeanor and is absolutely relentless against the run; and to top it off he can blitz the quarterback. Also, for a prospect that projects to strong safety – he is surprisingly good in pass defense and rarely gets beaten over the top. His pass defense skills will only get better facing the potent receiving options the Broncos have in camps and practices on a daily basis.

Chung is a perfect solution for the Broncos who desperately need help when stacking 8 in the box, and could use a smart player who will understand his coverage assignments in the defensive backfield. On top of that, Chung is also a fantastic special team’s player and can return kick-offs as well.

With the selection of Chung in the second round, the Broncos will have a legitimate prospect to play along side seasoned vets Champ Bailey and Dre Bly. Chung may never grow into the player that can replicate the wonders of Dennis Smith and Steve Atwater, but he certainly has the ability to make a name for himself and visit Honolulu in the NFL.


Round Three: Terrence Taylor, DT – Michigan

The Broncos have decent starting options with Marcus Thomas and Dewayne Robertson and a serviceable role player in Kenny Peterson and 2008 rookie DT Carlton Powell has been on the PUP List all season and still is an unknown. Perhaps what is most easy to admit is that the Broncos have no clear difference maker on the inside either; and haven’t had one since they selected Trevor Pryce a decade ago. Enter another piece to the Broncos defensive line puzzle: Terrence Taylor.

Taylor is a stout run defender and plays with a nasty demeanor on the defensive front. On top of being solid against the run, Taylor displays average pass-rushing ability. His technique could be refined, but he gets a nice burst off the line which helps him be disruptive in the backfield. Conditioning might be his only large issue, but can be hidden in our heavy rotation system and with proper dedication to an NFL Workout regimen. To end on a positive note, Taylor has been healthy throughout his time in Ann Arbor.

Some might be wondering how a player described in such a positive light would be available in round three. However, with the Wolverines poor showing in 2008 along with his statistical regression from his junior season – it’s plausible to believe a first day like Taylor might slip through the cracks, and I imagine he will.

On a lighter note, if you’re into NFL Draft conspiracy theories like “Florida State defensive ends don’t project well to the NFL! – Avoid Florida wide receivers at all costs! – and Michigan defensive tackles don’t make it in the NFL!” – You may want to avoid taking Taylor. But if you’re interested in taking a prospect who can offer immediate run support help and be a building block to future success on the defensive front four – give him a try.

Round Four: Worrell Williams, LB – California

It’s sheer coincidence that I have California linebacker Worrell Williams reuniting with his big brother DJ Williams in Denver – but I think considering the needs the Broncos have and the talent available at this point in the draft at MIKE that Worrell would be a fitting option for Denver. (So now, which brother tandem is better – the Williams’ or Bailey’s?)

Williams has played all the linebacker spots for the Golden Bears in his time at Berkley, and recently has excelled in his transition to MLB from the 2007 season through this year. In fact, Williams has been a staple on a defense that has had primarily a 3-4 look this past season. (For reference, Williams had over 100 tackles his junior season as a MIKE in a traditional 4-3 defense.)

He has solid size for the position 6’1 – 250 pounds and above-average speed to boot. Worrell is not near as athletic or near the level of prospect his brother DJ is, but deserves second-day consideration based on his own merits. Worrell is a fundamental football player and a sound tackler, but struggles in pass coverage and like DJ – suffers from mental lapses on the field and has questionable instincts.

Regardless, Worrell is a quality talent and a better prospect than anyone else Denver has available at the position. With the addition of W.W. to the squad, he and Spencer Larsen could battle for future MIKE supremacy in the Broncos LB corps. [On a side note, I sincerely hope Denver addresses this position earlier than round four.]

Round Five: Javarris Williams, RB – Tennessee State

I’d like Denver to draft a running back high almost more than anyone, but given the success of rookie utility man Peyton Hillis as of late and the tradition for Denver to use mid-to-late round talent and still yield positive results, I don’t see an overturn of such tactics in the near future. Even with that said there are still quality options for the Broncos to pursue on Day 2 of the NFL Draft to shore up their stable that has been obliterated by injuries. With that said, consider Javarris Williams.

I’ll be blunt and honest here. I have never seen Williams play in any live footage, only replays and highlight videos found on the internet, but then again it is hard to argue against a guy who rushed for over 4,300 yards and 40 touchdowns in 4 years at Tennessee State. To top that off, Williams had 57 catches for almost 800 yards during his time with the Tigers. Folks, those are first-round production numbers.

In an analysis of his measurables, you see a back with good height 5’10 and a nice compact build at 218 pounds; with estimated 4.5 speed; lacking that ideal top-gear. In viewing his highlight reels, you can see a player who has good vision and follows his blockers well. I certainly believe that he would succeed in Denver’s ZBS. Williams has remained healthy throughout college until the last two games of this year where he had to sit out due to a sprained knee; so durability isn’t a concern.

Critics will argue his small-ball competition, but there is no denying his superb production during his four year career at Tennessee State. If Williams performs well during his campus agility tests and the combine, he might end up crackin’ the top three rounds come April. The NFL potential is definitely there – and it never hurts to add weapons on the offensive side of the ball. If Williams is anywhere near the Broncos on Day 2, I’d strong advise considering him.

Round Five: Eric Wood, C/OG – Louisville

If the Broncos were to grab Wood somewhere in the 2009 NFL Draft, they might have a big ugly to rival the hideousness of third-year offensive guard Chris Kuper. But seriously, Denver investing in another offensive line option certainly couldn’t hurt.

It looks like the Broncos are set at the tackle positions with R&R (Clady and Harris) and have one of the offensive guard positions settled with the aforementioned Kuper. Rookie Kory Lichtensteiger has also seen playing time this season, and could be poised to take over for either Ben, Tom or Casey whenever they depart from the Broncos.

Plug in a well-rounded and versatile Wood into the mix and you have the potential for Denver to have all five offensive line positions set for the future from left tackle all the way over to the right side. That’s a great position to be in and a great thing to look forward to.

At the very least, Denver needs another young prospect on the interior to be ready for whenever Ben, Tom and Casey call it quits – and heading in Wood’s direction would be absolutely solid.

[Requiem]

Round Five: Tiquan Underwood, WR – Rutgers

I realize that the Broncos have options with Marshall, Royal and friends – but we can’t assume that Brandon Stokley will be around forever, hope Chad Jackson pans out or assume Darrell Jackson will be here much longer than a seasonal stint. It’s also never a bad idea to surround a young quarterback with the weapons he needs to ascend to the next level.

Underwood took the college football world by surprise in 2007 when he caught 65 balls for over 1,100 yards for the Scarlet Knights and became one of the most noticeable contributors in the Big East from an offensive stand point. Underwood also doubles as a return specialist, and has had some success in that area in college as well.

I don’t see Underwood becoming a top one or two option at the NFL level. He’s very skinny for his size and doesn’t have the moves or route running ability to achieve such status, but would be an excellent complimentary weapon in sub-packages as a third or fourth wide receiver who can use his speed to burn the defense deep.

Round Six: Greg Carr, WR – Florida State

This is my homer selection as many of you know I’m a Seminoles fan. A few years ago it seemed that Carr was poised for college football stardom, and as a likely first-round selection in the NFL Draft. However, the mighty do fall and it’s safe to say the quarterback carousel in Tallahassee and the offensive inconsistencies over the past three years greatly inhibited his ability to succeed at Florida State.

I don’t like Carr as a top option at wide out in the NFL. His ability to get off the line is just average in comparison to other top prospects, and he doesn’t have the quickness desired to be a consistent producer at WR in the NFL. However, I do think he would translate into a good option here in Denver as a possible tight end. At 6’6 – Carr is already a huge target in the red zone and has exceptional leaping abilities and good hands. He won’t run better than a 4.5 (I’d be surprised if he ran sub 4.6) – but has the frame to pack on an extra 15 pounds or so and be a solid player in a limited role as a spell tight end in the pros.

Carr is undoubtedly an ambiguous NFL prospect, but one worth taking a flyer on this late in the draft because he has a lot of potential. Considering the injury history of Nate Jackson and Tony Scheffler’s constant battles with minor injuries – getting a prospect like Carr should be right in order for Denver this off-season.

Round Seven: Mark Parson, CB – Ohio

Parson is a solid player out of the MAC conference who has good measurables, a solid build and has extensive college experience. It’s likely he will never be a starter in the NFL, but he has return ability and it would make sense for the Broncos to add another option to their secondary with Bly and Bailey going up in age. One must also mention that Denver has had rookies Josh Bell out of Baylor (UDFA) and Jack Williams see significant playing time in Bailey’s absence, but could use a fifth option at the position considering Karl Paymah is a UFA at the end of the season and could end up elsewhere.

Round Seven: Joe Mortenson, OLB – Kansas

I thought farmer Joe would be a good compliment to the Stormin’ Mormon Spencer Larsen. His beard alone makes him worth a seventh round selection.

[BroncoMan4ever]

I hate it aside from Chung in the 2nd.....lol

[Requiem]

I'm sorry.

[BroncoMan4ever]

Originally Posted by Requiem

I'm sorry.

i was just playing around. it is a decent draft, but i am not high on Williams, i just prefer us to get Spikes, Chung and somehow get back into the 2nd so we can also get Shonn Greene. We do get adequate output from lower round RB's, but imagine a really good RB in our system. Currently our late round picks can get us around 1200yards and 6TD's. but a truly talented runner would get us 1600 and 12TD's as well as open up our passing game as teams could no longer drop 8 into coverage. we would become a balanced offense that could bring opposing defenses to their knees.

[Broncos_OTM]

Jackson - With Crowder and Moss entering there third ear i just think we need one more ear on these guys. and if we have to start EE again for one more ear. and get a bigger impact and need in MLB and S in the first. there are a couple of strong side ends that could be had alter in The draft

Chung - I think until Barrett can prove he can cover the back half of the field it would be easier to get him on the field as a SS. i would still consider FS a bigger need.

Taylor - Yikes consider me one of the guys that does not like Michigan DT's i would much rather have Brace. if DT is the selection here. although taylor can play 3-4 and 4-3

I hav never heard much about your RB so you might have more insight on him but i really like the running back from LSU whose name escapes me right now.l

Anyhow not my favorite draft but something i could see the coaching staff do.. thanks for the work ya put into this

[Schism]

I love the day one picks. Safety and DE are by far the biggest needs we have, so what's not to like?

Jackson looks a great all-round DE prospect, would really improve us against the run no end. I think Moss is going to be a decent RDE by this time next year, and Elvis can be a passing down specialist like he should be.

But Crowder appears to be a certifiable bust at this point, which is strange because he looked OK last year and now can't even get active on gameday. Ekuban is a nice rotational guy, but we need someone to share time with him and ultimately take over from him as the guy at LDE.

Day 2 seems OK, but I'd rather we get a speed back to form a 1-2 punch with Hillis, who I really like as a bruiser at RB. With plenty of late round picks to play with, I'd be happy to see us get back into the latter part of Round 2 and get someone like CJ Spiller in to complete a nice first day.

[theAPAOps5]

I don't expect to have that many 5ths. Either a trade back into the first or a package to move up. I agree on the first day picks they are nice.

[gyldenlove]

I like most of it. I don't know much about Taylor, so I can't really comment on him much.

I do think this mock is too light on defensive backs, a S in round 2 and CB in round 7 is too little. I would like to go CB instead of OL in round 5 at the latest. I would probably have swapped Rashad Johnson for Chung, but that is a minor thing, I am happy with Chung.

I am not sure about your RB, I can't decide what to do at that position. Part of my wants Alridge, Torain and Hillis to form a 3 headed monster with Hillis getting most of the carries, Torain getting some change of pace stuff and Alridge getting Darren Sproles like workload, with some screens and swing passes.

I would probably wait until round 4 or 5 with a DT and go CB or S in round 3 to really load up on the secondary.

[Inkana7]

No William Moore = Phail. I'm not a fan of Chung at all. He kind of vanished this year.

[Northman]

Its meh, although i hate the seminoles i expect Carr to actually go higher than the 6th round. I like the first pick and think that We really dont have to worry about another DT right now so taking one in the third probably would be better suited for a LB or RB. IMO

[Elway777]

I only want Jackson with the first pick if the Broncos trade down to get him .If a team like Pittsburgh wants to trade up for a left tackle then Broncos trade down with Pittsburgh for a extra second rounder. 1.Jackson 2a Shonn Green 2b Rashard Johnson. 3 Terrence Taylor. 4 James Carey

[eddie mac]

Originally Posted by Elway777

I only want Jackson with the first pick if the Broncos trade down to get him .If a team like Pittsburgh wants to trade up for a left tackle then Broncos trade down with Pittsburgh for a extra second rounder. 1.Jackson 2a Shonn Green 2b Rashard Johnson. 3 Terrence Taylor. 4 James Carey

Unless you feel Denver will be picking in the first 20 picks, (which they wont if they win one more game), Jackson will be long gone. He's a top 20 player in this draft.