The Denver Broncos did not live up to expectations last year, as they finished the season 7-9 and missed the playoffs. Now, for them to get back on top, they need a good draft to solidify a team with many great players. Here is my mock draft for the Broncos, pick by pick.
1st Round: Pick 12: Chris Williams (OT, Vanderbilt) – Arguably the biggest need for the Broncos in this years draft, Williams would bring great size and quickness to the offensive to help open big holes for the Broncos running backs in the zone-blocking scheme. He also excels in pass protection. Williams is also durable, versatile, and smart.
2nd Round: Pick 42: Pat Sims (DT, Auburn) – Last season, the Broncos defense lacked that great presence in the middle of the D-Line and it cost them throughout the season. Sims would be a steal if he falls to the 42nd pick in my opinion. He is very quick and gets off the ball well. Solid against the run and in pass rush situations. The best part about Sims is tat he still is developing and has great potential.
4th Round: Pick 104: Marcus Griffin (S, Texas) – Even with the recent addition of safeties Marlon McCree and Marquand Manuel, the Broncos could still use a young safety and develop him a season before inserting him as the starter. This will also probably be John Lynch's final season, so a safety here is a good pick. Griffin is a tough player and excellent tackler. He also plays well against the run, which fits Denver well, as they like to put 8 in the box. He is smart and aggressive, and can be a good addition to the Broncos special teams as a rookie.
4th Round: Pick 115: Adarius Bowman (WR, Oklahoma St.) – Bowman would fit the Broncos well, as he has great size for a receiver and he is also very athletic. He is very strong and has decent hands. Also, he is a great blocker, who is also a deep threat. He would be a great fit with similar WR, and current Broncos star Brandon Marshall.
5th Round: Pick 130: Red Keith (ILB, Central Michigan) – A great tackler and leader, Keith would be a decent addition to the Broncos. Though he would not start or see that much playing time as a rookie, he would have a chance to develop throughout the season and contribute to special teams, which the Broncos could use.
5th Round: Pick 140: BenJarvus Green Ellis (RB, Ole Miss) – Green Ellis would help Denver in a great way with special teams. If Denver does draft Green Ellis, he would most likely become the punt and kick returner, something Denver could use to their advantage. More teams are helping themselves out by drafting quick, athletic players that can be an X-Factor, and help give a team great field position.
7th Round: Pick 202: Drew Miller (C, Florida) – With current Broncos center Tom Nalen coming off a season ending injury last year, his years could now be limited. Drew Miller could become a starter on the Broncos line a few years from now if drafted. He can pick up the pass rush well, and would be a good fit in the Broncos zone-blocking scheme.
7th Round: Pick 209: Brian Witherspoon (CB, Stillman) – The Broncos are really good at the cornerback position, with Champ Bailey, Dre Bly, and Dominique Foxworth. Witherspoon would most likely contribute on special teams as a gunner, but if one of these three go down to injury, he could be a decent third corner. The best part about Witherspoon is his speed. He has a 4.25 unofficial 40 time.
1st Round: Pick 12: Chris Williams (OT, Vanderbilt) – Arguably the biggest need for the Broncos in this years draft, Williams would bring great size and quickness to the offensive to help open big holes for the Broncos running backs in the zone-blocking scheme. He also excels in pass protection. Williams is also durable, versatile, and smart.
2nd Round: Pick 42: Pat Sims (DT, Auburn) – Last season, the Broncos defense lacked that great presence in the middle of the D-Line and it cost them throughout the season. Sims would be a steal if he falls to the 42nd pick in my opinion. He is very quick and gets off the ball well. Solid against the run and in pass rush situations. The best part about Sims is tat he still is developing and has great potential.
4th Round: Pick 104: Marcus Griffin (S, Texas) – Even with the recent addition of safeties Marlon McCree and Marquand Manuel, the Broncos could still use a young safety and develop him a season before inserting him as the starter. This will also probably be John Lynch's final season, so a safety here is a good pick. Griffin is a tough player and excellent tackler. He also plays well against the run, which fits Denver well, as they like to put 8 in the box. He is smart and aggressive, and can be a good addition to the Broncos special teams as a rookie.
4th Round: Pick 115: Adarius Bowman (WR, Oklahoma St.) – Bowman would fit the Broncos well, as he has great size for a receiver and he is also very athletic. He is very strong and has decent hands. Also, he is a great blocker, who is also a deep threat. He would be a great fit with similar WR, and current Broncos star Brandon Marshall.
5th Round: Pick 130: Red Keith (ILB, Central Michigan) – A great tackler and leader, Keith would be a decent addition to the Broncos. Though he would not start or see that much playing time as a rookie, he would have a chance to develop throughout the season and contribute to special teams, which the Broncos could use.
5th Round: Pick 140: BenJarvus Green Ellis (RB, Ole Miss) – Green Ellis would help Denver in a great way with special teams. If Denver does draft Green Ellis, he would most likely become the punt and kick returner, something Denver could use to their advantage. More teams are helping themselves out by drafting quick, athletic players that can be an X-Factor, and help give a team great field position.
7th Round: Pick 202: Drew Miller (C, Florida) – With current Broncos center Tom Nalen coming off a season ending injury last year, his years could now be limited. Drew Miller could become a starter on the Broncos line a few years from now if drafted. He can pick up the pass rush well, and would be a good fit in the Broncos zone-blocking scheme.
7th Round: Pick 209: Brian Witherspoon (CB, Stillman) – The Broncos are really good at the cornerback position, with Champ Bailey, Dre Bly, and Dominique Foxworth. Witherspoon would most likely contribute on special teams as a gunner, but if one of these three go down to injury, he could be a decent third corner. The best part about Witherspoon is his speed. He has a 4.25 unofficial 40 time.
