What to Expect from this Year's Draft

[WalkerBoh]

Found this to be a rather interesting read from The Mile High Report on Elway's draft tendencies so far, and how it could project into this year's draft:

Elway's Tendencies In the Draft With a Sprinkle of a Mock Draft - Mile High Report


The writer even includes a mock of sorts:

Round 1: LB Ryan Shazier- OSU
Round 2: OG David Yankey- Stanford
Round 3: CB Pierre Desir- Lindenwood

The mock could use some improvement, but it's interesting in that it uses what Elway looks for at least. I only posted the top three picks, but the mock goes through round 7.

 

[MrDoc420]

Whoa! Definitely had to do some digging on Pierre Desir, but I kind of like what I saw. Big and fast.

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=owEWRiI49pE]LUTV - Pierre Desir Highlights - YouTube[/ame]

 

[randymon]

Yeah I hope everybody reads that write up. I`ve been on board with Shazier since day one and have also heard guys on this board and another bring up Yankey also. Desir was also mentioned as a player Broncos were looking at also. Would love the top 3, no doubt. 4-7 seems a tad off to me except surprisingly, Wyoming qb in 7th. Don`t like the rbs he mentioned and think a couple guys I really like, Jerrick McKinnon ( Geo Southern or Kapri Bibbs ( Colo St ) would be there in 4th rd. Didn`t see wr in there and it could be Broncos like what they have depth wise ( after Sanders signing) in Norwood,Palmer and Wilson??,but I have feeling with this deep of wr class this yr,they take one in rd 3-7. If Richardson was there in 3rd rd, they should grab him right up. good job doc!

 

[MrDoc420]

Uhh....so now what? I can't see how we don't target a back within' the first 3 rounds now.

And I hear there is talk of maybe bringing Michael Bush in? Has anybody heard anything about that?

Better not be for anywhere near $3 million per. That's for damn sure.

 

[Broncosr0k]

Uhh....so now what? I can't see how we don't target a back within' the first 3 rounds now

Depends on how one evaluates talent and needs. I can't see how we do address RB in the first 3 rounds. We are missing a starting guard. We have 4 CBs, Tony Carter is our backup, a second year player is a starter, an injury prone player is another starter, and Harris is coming back from injury. Our MLBs are Nate Irving and Steve Johnson.

I do not know why we are freaking out about Moreno leaving and clamoring for a 3rd early round RB in as many years. The plan all along was for Montee Ball to become the workhorse, that is why we let Moreno walk. RBs are not what they used to be. Decent ones can be grabbed in late rounds of the draft. If we are targeting our 3rd RB in the first 3 rounds in as many years I think that means Elway has no idea what makes a good RB and should stop picking them.

 

[randymon]

Depends on how one evaluates talent and needs. I can't see how we do address RB in the first 3 rounds. We are missing a starting guard. We have 4 CBs, Tony Carter is our backup, a second year player is a starter, an injury prone player is another starter, and Harris is coming back from injury. Our MLBs are Nate Irving and Steve Johnson.

I do not know why we are freaking out about Moreno leaving and clamoring for a 3rd early round RB in as many years. The plan all along was for Montee Ball to become the workhorse, that is why we let Moreno walk. RBs are not what they used to be. Decent ones can be grabbed in late rounds of the draft. If we are targeting our 3rd RB in the first 3 rounds in as many years I think that means Elway has no idea what makes a good RB and should stop picking them.

I think you misunderstand why many have concerns about rb. With Moreno gone and if Ball ( god forbid, but happens all the time) were to be injured and out for significant time, would you be comfortable with CJ and Hilman as lead backs??? I think not. That`s why its pretty damn important to address a rb in draft or FA. I don`t think 3rd rd would be too early for a rb if he`s a guy they really feel could come in and contribute right away and add that depth they deperately need at that position. If you have no threat of a running game, I don`t care if your Peyton or whoever, that team will struggle immensely. I agree that rds 1-2 should def address other positions esp in this draft than rb but like I said,I def don`t think rd 3 is too soon for rb at all. IMO of course Broncosrok

 

[WalkerBoh]

I think you misunderstand why many have concerns about rb. With Moreno gone and if Ball ( god forbid, but happens all the time) were to be injured and out for significant time, would you be comfortable with CJ and Hilman as lead backs??? I think not. That`s why its pretty damn important to address a rb in draft or FA. I don`t think 3rd rd would be too early for a rb if he`s a guy they really feel could come in and contribute right away and add that depth they deperately need at that position. If you have no threat of a running game, I don`t care if your Peyton or whoever, that team will struggle immensely. I agree that rds 1-2 should def address other positions esp in this draft than rb but like I said,I def don`t think rd 3 is too soon for rb at all. IMO of course Broncosrok

Mike Anderson, Olandis Gary, Reuben Droughns, Tatum Bell, Quentin Griffin, Mike Bell, KaRon Coleman, Peyton Hillis.....

The real key to a successful running game isn't the quality of the back, but the quality of the run blocking. The list above became servicable or better not because Denver suddenly had a habit of uncovering gems, but because our O-line excelled at run blocking. Backs like Davis merely took that to a higher level. If you want a strong, and consistent running game, address it at the line, not with the back. I'd argue it's far more important to address O-Line than it will be addressing RB.

 

[Broncosr0k]

I think you misunderstand why many have concerns about rb. With Moreno gone and if Ball ( god forbid, but happens all the time) were to be injured and out for significant time, would you be comfortable with CJ and Hilman as lead backs??? I think not. That`s why its pretty damn important to address a rb in draft or FA. I don`t think 3rd rd would be too early for a rb if he`s a guy they really feel could come in and contribute right away and add that depth they deperately need at that position. If you have no threat of a running game, I don`t care if your Peyton or whoever, that team will struggle immensely. I agree that rds 1-2 should def address other positions esp in this draft than rb but like I said,I def don`t think rd 3 is too soon for rb at all. IMO of course Broncosrok

So if you are worried about an injury to Ball and Hillman or CJ coming in, how do you feel if Harris or Talib get injured at corner? You like your odds at CB when Tony Carter is starting? How about MLB? How about guard/center? What if Manning goes down? You can play the injury game but no one cna protect against all injuries.

What I believe is that in this day and age it is much easier to grab a RB near the end of the draft and have him contribute. That is why I don't feel a great need to grab one in the first couple of rounds. For some teams RB is all they have and yet we don't see them scooping up RBs in the first couple of rounds every year. If AP goes down the vikings win maybe 2-3 games.

I am not saying we don't need RB depth and I am not saying reach for a CB or MLB. What I am saying is that if we have the option to draft a RB or trade down or draft a CB/MLB/G (that is valued at that pick) I would take a the latter two options over a RB in the 1st or 2nd rounds.

 

[randymon]

@ Walker and Broncosok

First off you both make great points and it was perfect timing for my next post actually. Don`t be surprised if Elway goes with C Weston Richburg ( Colo St ) with pick 31. He has been solid center and been compared by some as a Jeff Saturday type player. So,as to your points as to bolstering the O-line, I believe he just might be on their radar also. I know a C isn`t the most popular pk but I think it would make since @ 31 esp if both Shazier and Mosley are gone. Then like you say, grab some rb depth/talent in later rds. Just another crazy speculation by yours truly. Good posts Gents

 

[cdumler7]

That might be a bit high for richburg. I think he will be there in the 2nd for us. Right now I am leaning towards Sua-Filo if we go OL. Or possibly Morgan to play RT and move franklin. Still hoping though one of shazier or fuller falls to us at 31

 

[HuskerinBig10]

I just looked at the draft and without reading this article, the players I rank that Denver might be able to draft. I have no idea what Denver needs, I just know Decker and Moreno are gone.

First Round Material based on Denver's current 31 position

LB Ryan Shazier Ohio State he has a nose for the football. Those kind of linebackers ALWAYS play in the NFL. Zack Thomas, Chris Spielman, Lavonte David. Shazier has it.

DE Jernigan from FSU. Someone needs to convince me he is a slacker. Every game I saw him play, he played well.

OG Yankey Stanford. If you can't get an offensive explosive weapon in the first round, get offensive line help, or defensive line help.

C Marcus Martin USC. As above.

I would love Clowney or Sammy Watkins, but they will be long gone.

Other round material

LB Chris Borland Wisconsin another linebacker that has a nose for the football. I love those linebackers.

LB Max Bullough Michigan State another linebacker that has a nose for the football. I love those linebackers.

LB Shayne Skov Stanford another linebacker that has a nose for the football. I love those linebackers. He is more of a hybrid player. I could see him as a rush end also.

WR Allen Robinson Penn State. That guy made big catches all the time, no matter how bad Penn State was playing or who the QB was.

For me, as a fan, if Denver can get any two of these guys on the first day I would be happy.

I am not thrilled with any of the QBs, RBs, CBs, or safeties this year. Tre Mason is sort of almost there as a RB, but Denver has Montee Ball now.

 

[randymon]

That might be a bit high for richburg. I think he will be there in the 2nd for us. Right now I am leaning towards Sua-Filo if we go OL. Or possibly Morgan to play RT and move franklin. Still hoping though one of shazier or fuller falls to us at 31

Yeah cd, the prob is Denver figures he`ll be a high 2nd rd pk thus if they really like the guy they would have to take him @31. Sure would be nice if Denver worked a miracle and was able to trade out with a top 5 draft team and garnish two 2`s. But, alas.......dream on I know

 

[randymon]

I just looked at the draft and without reading this article, the players I rank that Denver might be able to draft. I have no idea what Denver needs, I just know Decker and Moreno are gone.

First Round Material based on Denver's current 31 position

LB Ryan Shazier Ohio State he has a nose for the football. Those kind of linebackers ALWAYS play in the NFL. Zack Thomas, Chris Spielman, Lavonte David. Shazier has it.

DE Jernigan from FSU. Someone needs to convince me he is a slacker. Every game I saw him play, he played well.

OG Yankey Stanford. If you can't get an offensive explosive weapon in the first round, get offensive line help, or defensive line help.

C Marcus Martin USC. As above.

I would love Clowney or Sammy Watkins, but they will be long gone.

Other round material

LB Chris Borland Wisconsin another linebacker that has a nose for the football. I love those linebackers.

LB Max Bullough Michigan State another linebacker that has a nose for the football. I love those linebackers.

LB Shayne Skov Stanford another linebacker that has a nose for the football. I love those linebackers. He is more of a hybrid player. I could see him as a rush end also.

WR Allen Robinson Penn State. That guy made big catches all the time, no matter how bad Penn State was playing or who the QB was.

For me, as a fan, if Denver can get any two of these guys on the first day I would be happy.

I am not thrilled with any of the QBs, RBs, CBs, or safeties this year. Tre Mason is sort of almost there as a RB, but Denver has Montee Ball now.

Hey Husker. Bet your glad you don`t have to play Colo anymore ( jk ). Anyway,regarding your post..Alot of us here are on board with those lbs,esp Shazier. Boreland and Skov also but haven`t seen much Bullough talk here so far. I`am with you on qbs,rbs as top 2 pks for sure. I think there`s a couple Dbs that fill that slot though. As for Denver drafting a rb later in draft, they need a big ,tough yds guy. Ball is more of a TD kind of back imo. Anyway,good post Husker