NFL Draft Needs: Broncos
Evan Silva (@EvanSilva) is the Senior Football Editor for Rotoworld's NFL Page, and Josh Norris (@JoshNorris) leads Rotoworld's college football and NFL draft coverage. Together, they're breaking down every team's biggest needs and offering potential solutions in May's draft.
For a breakdown on every team, check out the team-by-team draft preview schedule.
No. 1 Team Need: Linebacker
Silva's analysis
The Broncos struck gold when they drafted weak-side linebacker Danny Trevathan in the 2012 sixth round out of Kentucky, and Sam 'backer Von Miller is arguably the league's most dominant pass rusher when available for games. Miller underwent ACL surgery on January 9, however, and Denver lacks a stable middle linebacker. Defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio has worked with Mike 'backers of all shapes and skill sets. I tend to believe he would prefer one with sideline-to-sideline range and coverage skills, perhaps coming at the expense of some run-stuffing ability.
Norris' options
First day option: CJ Mosley, Alabama - John Fox has a long history with talented inside linebackers. With Miller playing a hybrid spot, the Broncos have focused on speed and range at the other two linebacker spots. Mosley started his career as a coverage linebacker and has progressed into a complete player. That ability to be comfortable in space will allow him to play early in his career.
Second day possibility: Telvin Smith, FSU - There’s a movement to project Smith at safety. Why? Just because of his 220 lbs frame? Listen, Smith has tons of speed and a naturally physical style to his game. Do you think offensive linemen are worried if a linebacker is 250 lbs compared to 220 lbs? I don’t. In fact, I think they are more worried about speed and whiffing against more agile linebackers. Allow Smith to play a nickel 'backer role early if there is not an opening on the weakside.
Third day flier: Avery Williamson, Kentucky - Williamson is not as athletic as other Kentucky linebackers in recent years, all of which have seemingly landed in Denver. He does have some range and played a variety of linebacker spots. I would suggest Iowa's Christian Kirksey here, but I doubt he makes it out of the third-round.
No. 2 Team Need: Cornerback
Silva's analysis
GM John Elway has put together an awfully good roster, so we have to stretch and take a glass-half-empty approach just to identify potentially needy areas. New top corner Aqib Talib is prone to injury, having never lasted a full 16-game season. Would-be No. 2 CB Chris Harris tore his ACL in January. 2013 third-round pick Kayvon Webster was very inconsistent as a rookie. No. 4 corner Tony Carter is best suited to special teams. This would be an above-average position group on most teams, but the Broncos have annual Super Bowl intentions. They can afford to upgrade.
Norris' options
First day option: Darqueze Dennard, Michigan State - The buzz is pointing to Dennard dropping compared to other corners frequently mentioned in the first-round. The Broncos brought in Talib, and Dennard’s press style would fit right in. He can be a bit grabby, as he obviously took advantage of the lack of illegal contact at the college level, but Dennard knows how he wins and forces opponents to play at his speed.
Second day possibility: Keith McGill, Utah - Stanley Jean-Baptiste received some attention during the process, but McGill is the better prospect. The Utes set McGill up to fail on a regular basis, asking him to play off rather than press. Teams will attempt to mimic the Seahawks, and McGill should be a beneficiary.
Third day flier: Nevin Lawson, Utah State - Lawson does not wow you in any area, but he is consistent. He did not necessarily press, instead backing off a few yards, yet Lawson was able to sit on certain curl routes and be close to his opponent at the catch point. He also has slot experience.
No. 3 Team Need: Offensive Line
Silva's analysis
Again, I think the Broncos could enter the season with this position group as is, and be just fine. Incumbent RT Orlando Franklin could kick to left guard, replacing departed Zane Beadles, and 2013 LT Chris Clark could man right tackle. Getting Ryan Clady back gives this unit a huge boost. But Clady has now undergone two major surgeries (Lisfranc, shoulder) in the past 15 months, and Franklin is untested as an NFL guard. Denver may begin looking at more powerful offensive linemen in preparation for an increasingly run-based offense in the post-Peyton Manning era.
Norris' options
First day option: C Weston Richburg, Colorado State - The Broncos offensive line was shuffled last year, and will go through more changes this offseason. Richburg might not start right away, but both Manny Ramirez’s and Louis Vasquez’s cap savings increase after next season. Richburg is the top center in this class, a position that lacks depth and talent in the NFL. It could be viewed as the offensive counterpart to safety.
Second day possibility: G Trai Turner, LSU - Orlando Franklin, who is making the move inside, is a free agent after the season. Turner needs plenty of development in terms of not overextending, but he has so much natural ability. Turner is so good when asked to trap or pull. He is very agile for such a strong blocker.
Third day flier: T Garrett Scott, Marshall - Scott is one of my favorite sleeper prospects. He played left tackle at Marshall but might make a move inside. In a straight-line, he can be very powerful, and even flashed mirror skills on the edge. I do worry about him catching rather than delivering when blocking in pass protection.
Video: Norris on Denver's top need
Broncos 2014 Draft Picks (7)
First Round (No. 31)
Second Round (No. 63)
Third Round (No. 95)
Fourth Round (No. 131)
Fifth Round (No. 171)
Sixth Round (No. 207)
Seventh Round (No. 246)
Current Broncos First-Team Offense
QB: Peyton Manning
RB: Montee Ball
WR: Demaryius Thomas
WR: Wes Welker
WR: Emmanuel Sanders
TE: Julius Thomas
LT: Ryan Clady
LG: Orlando Franklin
C: Manuel Ramirez
RG: Louis Vasquez
RT: Chris Clark
Current Broncos First-Team Defense
LE: Derek Wolfe
RE: DeMarcus Ware
DT: Sylvester Williams
NT: Terrance Knighton
MLB: Nate Irving
WLB: Danny Trevathan
SLB: Von Miller
LCB: Chris Harris
RCB: Aqib Talib
FS: Rahim Moore
SS: T.J. Ward
