Your Earliest Broncos Draft Preview

by SethGrandpa on Dec 28, 2008 10:14 PM MST

Oh how flawed a team the Broncos are. Between anything the defense does, the dropped passes, and the missed kicks, it's clear that this team cannot wait until Draft Day. As bad as the loss to the Chargers was, let's all be honest, the Broncos can really use the higher draft picks the loss results in.

The question becomes which defensive player will the Broncos take in the 1st round? And yes, they'll draft defense. If you really think Shanny will give up on this whole "slew of productive RBs that are dirt cheap" thing then you're crazy (or he is). That's not to say that they might not pick up a RB in the 2nd or 3rd (which they hopefully won't), but I'd wager anything on defense #1. Below I've provided some possible targets for the Broncos.

1st Round Targets:

S, MLB, DT

Taylor Mays, FS, USC

A great safety on a great defense. Almost a mortal lock to shine at the combine. He's large and quick (try 6-4, 225 who runs a 4.3). Combines the big hitting and the athletic ability to cover guys. Main downside is that he can miss tackles by going for the big play, however figuring the Broncos safteies made a combined total of zero plays this year, anything is an upgrade.

James Laurinaitis, MLB, Ohio St.

A tackling machine who decided to come back for his senior year despite possibly being a Top 10 pick. Since then his stock has slipped a bit due to no fault of his own. Critics will say he's not the most superstar athlete, but if this year's Broncos team has thought us anything it's that the simple plays not being made are the ones that really cost you.

Rey Maualuga, MLB, USC

Another fantastic MLB prospect that flurishes on the tough USC D. He's essentially the inverse of Laurinatis: tremendous upside but misses easy plays at times. Might be better suited as a ILB in a 3-4, but has a tremendous blend of size and agressiveness.

William Moore, S, Missouri

Fantastic cover safety. He can play either saftey postion in the pros. Had 7 INTs his junior year and then had 83 tackles this year. Can really do it all, but lacking the amazing upside of Mays.

SenDerrick Marks, DT, Auburn
Terrence Cody, DT, Alabama
B.J. Raji, DT, Boston College
Peria Jerry, DT, Ole Miss

They're all top notch DTs. The team can't stop the run. You do the math. Maybe the Broncos will even luck into one of these guys in round 2.

Out of all these guys I'm hoping for either Laurinaitis or Mays. Both would be starters from day one and greatly improve the defense's toughness and tackling. That and none of the high ranking DTs wow me.

I'm slightly partial to Laurinaitis just because I believe he'd make a greater impact from the very beginning, similar to how his former teammate A.J. Hawk ignited the Packers defense a few years back. Also, it's easier to be good with a terrible saftey than a terrible MLB.

All that said, the combine changes everything. Interviews change everything. Everything will change. Honestly, I just want to get my mind off the actual team and their play down the stretch for a while. I figured you might need to as well.

This is a Fan-Created Comment on MileHighReport.com. The opinion here is not necessarily shared by the editorial staff of MHR

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Comments

i cant wait for the draft now

anyone that plays defense would be fine with me!

"You play to win the game!"- Herm Edwards

by broncoboy on Dec 28, 2008 10:18 PM MST reply actions

I wish there was a great big fat offensive line eater we could nab...

…Haynesworth anyone?

Jules: Tell 'em, Vincent.
Vincent: A (Eddie) Royale with cheese.
Jules: A (Eddie) Royale with cheese! You know why they call it that?
Brett: Because of the metric system?
Jules: Check out the big brain on Brett! You're a smart mother******. That's right. The metric system.

by Elway4Prez on Dec 28, 2008 10:26 PM MST reply actions

If we have a shot at Maualuga, then that is who we need

He will be an all-pro in two to three years and the face of the defense for 12 years, his size and speed and playmaking ability are the best I have seen since Junior Seau came out.

"Me fail english, that unpossible" - Ralph Wiggum
"Duffman is thrusting in the direction of the problem" - Duffman

by Broncoman on Dec 28, 2008 10:34 PM MST reply actions

Heres my wish list:

FA: Haynesworth (if 4-3) Bets NT if we go 3-4 (which we MAY do). Michale Bush (RB)
1st Round: Taylor Mays. FS
2nd round (or trade back into the 1st): Brian Cushing SLB. (who has had DE rushing experience in 3-4)
2nd Round: CB

After that a DE/DT project considering we have Carlton Powell on IR

Those that cant coach, compete!
Failing to plan is planning to fail.

by boydy2669 on Dec 28, 2008 10:41 PM MST up reply actions

I would love Laurinaitis

i agree we need help in the middle
DT MLB and a FS/SS. I don’t think we will be able to fix it all in one year we need to concentrate on Def player that are good against the run

by mrwhite20 on Dec 28, 2008 10:36 PM MST reply actions

Im anxious for the draft...believe me!

I love the list of potential draftees by SethGrandpa….I just posted to the live blog on Broncos Team Website some of the very players (now that we are just about guaranteed a top 12 draft pick) I also commented that USC’s defense would represent much better than Denver…so maybe we should start drafting them ASAP…

Hogblog...aka KSM

by Hogblog on Dec 28, 2008 10:37 PM MST reply actions

We also need a real RB

I think a real RB will help the Def stay off the field

by mrwhite20 on Dec 28, 2008 10:38 PM MST reply actions

Dont forget the FA market Mike

Hey, there’s a Hayneworth, Suggs, Peppers out there that might just be a good beginning. Add to that…Maualuga, Raji, Mays/Moore and I believe we can make 21 points stand in most games…

Yes…a quality high rd RB would be nice. Tire of retreads. Get a stud or two, condition them approrpriately and then turn them loose to support the passing machine named Cutler. I’d like to see Chad Jackson work more into the WR as well for next year as Stokely’s head condition may be a problem in future.

Hogblog...aka KSM

by Hogblog on Dec 28, 2008 10:42 PM MST reply actions

I would like Lauranaitis or Maualuga in the first round.

Nate Webster made no case to keep a roster spot today, let alone the starting job. He needs to go. I think Haggan and Larsen are great rotational LB’s, but nothing more. Larsen also seems to be hurt often.

I would be positively thrilled if Patrick Chung fell to us in the second round. I wants the Chung.

I would like a DT or a DE in the third round, but if none is available I would look into RB’s Javon Ringer of Michigan State and Shonn Green of Iowa. Both are big power backs and I think they would fit into our system. Green could even last until the fourth round. Of course, the end all solution for running back would be to just sign Derrick Ward. Please?

I also would like to draft a backup QB in the sixth or seventh round. Someone with a cool head that mainain a Gary Kubiak type relationship with Jay Cutler. My favorite prospect is David Johnson of the University of Tulsa.

"During MHR Radio we laugh, sing, listen, shed a few tears, and learn all of Papi's dirty secrets." -TSG 12/7/08

by papigrande on Dec 28, 2008 11:00 PM MST reply actions

A longer list of possible Broncos

Here is a list I compiled from WalterFootball.com. Every draft pick should be on the defense. Denver averaged giving up 28 points a game.

Michael Johnson DE Georgia Tech Height: 6-7 Weight: 257 4.63 1st
William Moore FS/SS Missouri Height: 6-1 Weight: 227 4.45 1st
Rey Maualuga ILB USC Height: 6-3 Weight: 260 4.68 1st
James Laurinaitis ILB Ohio State Height: 6-3 Weight: 243 4.54 1st
Everette Brown* DE Florida State Height: 6-4 Weight: 250 4.6 1st
Greg Hardy* DE Ole Miss Height: 6-5 Weight: 260 4.69 1st
Sen’Derrick Marks* DT Auburn Height: 6-1 Weight: 291 4.89 1st
Brandon Spikes* ILB Florida Height: 6-3 Weight: 244 4.65 1st
Peria Jerry DT Ole Miss Height: 6-2 Weight: 305 4.94 2nd
Patrick Chung SS Oregon Height: 6-0 Weight: 210 4.49 2nd
BJ Raji DT Boston College Height: 6-1 Weight: 325 5.12 2nd
Rashad Johnson FS Alabama Height: 6-0 Weight: 189 4.44 2nd
Sean Smith* CB Utah Height: 6-13 Weight: 214 4.44 3rd
Evander Hood DT Missouri Height: 6-3 Weight: 295 4.94 3rd
Keenan Lewis CB Oregon State Height: 6-1 Weight: 196 4.46 3rd
DeAngelo Smith CB Cincinnati Height: 6-0 Weight: 189 4.48 3rd
Vance Walker DT Georgia Tech Height: 6-2 Weight: 291 4.99 3rd
Michael Hamlin SS Clemson Height: 6-3 Weight: 205 4.51 3rd
Nic Harris SS Oklahoma Height: 6-3 Weight: 225 4.55 3rd

by DBinKC on Dec 28, 2008 11:08 PM MST reply actions

From your list....

Sean Smith* CB Utah Height: 6-13 Weight: 214 4.44 3rd

Wow that is 7’1" however, he is really only 6’3".

My image is the Circa 1960-’61 Broncos home uniform sock. Some what folk lore to me ... but referred to as the clown sock by my Dad.

by YellowStoneBronco on Dec 29, 2008 9:41 AM MST up reply actions

The next Lenny Walls?

"During MHR Radio we laugh, sing, listen, shed a few tears, and learn all of Papi's dirty secrets." -TSG 12/7/08

by papigrande on Dec 29, 2008 11:23 AM MST up reply actions

Priorities

So I’m dismayed by the lack of DEs on this list — and that’s one thing that makes me think it would be OK to break the bank for Peppers.

But in general, I think we need to look at this D as the inverse of the Plummer-era Ds. Those had some studs (Pryce, Wilson, Champ, D.J.) some placeholders, and poor depth (remember Roc Alexander getting abused in Indianapolis?). They’ve got depth now, especially in the secondary. But they’ve only got one playmaker on the front seven. I think the biggest point in this draft is to not make it complicated. They have needs at safety, ILB, and the D-line. Don’t stretch. Get sure-fire prospects. It’s the equivalent of drafting Clady, really. Don’t trade up, don’t trade down, don’t gamble on a project. The horses will be there.

by Chibronx on Dec 29, 2008 9:43 AM MST reply actions