Wednesday, March 19, 2014

After Free Agency What Should Denver Do In The Draft?

After getting major impact players in free agency the Denver Broncos still have the draft to improve as well. After this past year I think it would be fair to rate last years draft as a solid B-. Sylvester Williams was almost a non factor all year until Vickerson went down, and Williams really came in a played solid. Montee Ball had some fumbling problems at the beginning of the year, but he is poised to be the Broncos number 1 back next year. Kayvon Webster showed some flashes of being a solid NFL player, but played like a rookie for much of the playoffs. Quantarus Smith was injured, Tavares King was cut, Vincent Painter was a non factor, and finally Zac Dysert should push Brock Osweiler for the starting spot when Manning retires. So what does Denver this year with the 31st pick? As of today Denver still has a major hole at middle linebacker. With the 31st pick Denver can always "take the best player available" route, but I would like to see them address the needs they still have. To me there are 3 holes that still need to be filled for Denver. The 1st would be drafting another corner who can play in the slot. Chris Harris is moving to the outside to play opposite of Aqib Talib. That leaves Kayvon Webster, who in my opinion is best suited for an outside corner position to try and play the slot. Plus Denver doesn't really have many options at corner. I would look for them to take at least one corner in this draft and if they target anyone I would like to see Jason Verrett from TCU who would immediately be their #3 corner. He does not have the size that every team seems to want in the NFL, but he makes up for it with a absolutely tenacious mentality, speed, and quickness. He is the ideal slot corner. In the 2nd round drafting Chris Boreland out of Wisconsin could be a starter immediately for the Broncos. He has great instincts, and always manages to find his way to the ball. In the 3rd round Denver could address their need for some toughness up front by picking up Gabe Jackson, who is a 330lb guard from Mississippi State. Could he start next year? Maybe. Does he provide some depth and competition for either Orlando Franklin, or Manny Ramirez? Absolutely. For the rest of the draft I think Denver should target the best player available, and keep your eye on them drafting a running back as well.

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