Thoughts on the Broncos 2014 Draft

Let me start by saying that this is the best I have felt after any of John Elways drafts. It was clear the Broncos had a solid board of players, and even managed to get lucky a couple times. With Bradley Roby, Denver got lucky. This is a kid who should have been a top 10 pick. He has the athletic ability, ball skills, size, and great speed that any corner would desire. His weakness is his ability to focus. He is a classic example of the guy who could be the best in the game, but will allow himself to become, or at least look unfocused, and that is what he needs to work on. Cody Latimer falling to Denver was a stroke of luck as well. Latimer could become another DT by the middle of next season. He is big 6'5, about 220lbs, runs in the low 4.4's, and catches everything thrown his direction. In fact of all the things I have heard about him the one I hear most is this guy can catch the ball. Michael Schofield was an interesting pick that some in the Denver media, and Denver fans criticized. It makes complete sense to me. Moving Orlando Franklin to left guard was the right idea. With him moving to the middle you could say that Denver has one of the most powerful interior offensive lines in the game. Ryan Clady is coming back, and due to the fact that Chris Clark had an amazing year at LT it isn't hard to believe that he will have just as much success, if not more at right tackles. Schofield fits in because he can play multiple positions, but his main position is right tackles. He is essentially taking a year to "study" under Clark and Clady before he gets his shot (unless someone gets hurt). He could also step in and play both guard positions. Matt Paradis is a center who is going to come in and try to push Manny Ramirez for the starting spot, but I think Manny will win this one for this year. Going forward it would not be surprising at all to see Paradis take over as center. He is fantastic at making line calls, and picking up blitzes. He will be given a shot to start, but I would be very surprised if Paradis was the starter going into the year. Lamin Barrow is a guy who is getting beat up pretty bad in the media here. I have watched film on this guy, and no while he isn't Vontaze Burfict, he can make all the necessary tackles, can get to the ball, and isn't a liability in coverage. I think he will go into next season as the starting middle linebacker for the Broncos next year. Corey Nelson is a linebacker they brought in because he is fast, and very good in coverage. Last year Denver had Trevathan and Woodyard running around on 3rd down, and probably were the best nickel linebacking pair in the league. Nelson should step right into a special teams role, and if he has a great camp and preseason maybe he could be a surprise for the Broncos next season.