a QB's league. first 3 picks: DE, DE and OT.

I was wondering if SBN was doing this again.  Last years was very fun and insightful.  It also gave me a chance to visit the majority of the team blogs.  Things get a little heated around the Nation this time of year.  Guru represented us well last year, gathering a lot of different opinions from Bronco Country.

For the record Guru, I think drafting best available in the top 15 is a must, despite position.  Even if it means a RB or WR.  Personally, I hope we trade down to about 17.  More familiar drafting territory for our Mastermind.

I think we might end up going o-line.  The Broncos have been pretty successful finding gems in later rounds for the O-line but they have had the benefit of time to develop them to our scheme.  But they don't have that luxury this year.  If Ryan Harris is not ready (I actually loved this pick last year and really hope he is ready), we will see a need pick here.

I think a pick this high demands consideration for talent over need.  This area of the draft typically has elite defensive talent.  2007 - P Willis 11th.  2006 - H Ngata 12th, K. Wimbley 13th.  2005 - D. Ware 11th, S Merriman 12th.  2004 - J Vilma 12th.  Last years 12th pick was no offensive slouch - M. Lynch 12th overall.  So recent history says we could hit a home run with this pick.

Having said that, my list would be:

1. DE D. Harvey - I know we invested two high picks on this position last year.  But Harvey is going to be a freakish talent.  Moss has great talent, but his body cannot hold up to his own quickness.  His injuries, both in college and pros, were examples of a body that is going to continue to be injury prone.  But if I'm wrong, what's wrong with having three solid pass-rushing ends?
2.  RB R. Mendenhall - This would be the shocker of the draft.  Denver has been fortunate the last decade finding backs to fit the system late in the draft or afterwards.  Shanahan stated clearly he would have taken Maroney if he hadn't been able to trade for Cutler in '06.  Last years draft had two elite RB and both were gone by the time we picked.  Denver has gone two consecutive drafts without picking a RB.  Shanahan is on record saying Young is not an every down back.  Do we really want to go into another season with Henry as our only starting caliber talent?  Maybe this pick wouldn't be such a shocker after all.
3.  OT R. Clady - This pick would fill a need and fulfill best available at the position.  I would be surprised if he is even available.  This discussion should be about C. Williams.  But since we are talking about the SBN Mock, Clady it is.
4.  WR - M. Kelly, D. Thomas, D. Jackson - WR is the toughest position to take in the first.  They have a horrible track record.  You are as likely to find a great WR in the 4th round (Marshall) as you are in the 1st.  Having said that, it is hard to argue against the speed of the undersized Jackson (who has great hands and runs precise routes according to his honor Jerry Rice).  The athleticism of Thomas or the intimidating size of Kelly.  One of these guys will probably be gone by 12.  My vote is to wait and take Bennett in the second.  We love our QB, give him his guy.

You'll notice I've ignored our two consensus biggest needs.  At DT, we will not sniff a first round talent with the 12th pick.  There is just a huge gap between the top two and the rest of the field.  If we must pick a DT with a high pick, take Laws or Sims in the second.  My vote is to take Okam in the fourth.  I think he'll be there.  At LB, Rivers could be gone by 12.  He had a great pro day.  However, I truly believe we've addressed this position.  I know K2 is an unknown.  But have you ever heard a discussion about the great MLBs include the name Aldridge?  When you see lists of top ten names of men who typically anchor a defense, does Cadrez appear there?  Yet both sport Championship rings with Thunder on them.  Flanked by Boss and DJ, K2 might very well hold his own.  And finally at safety, there was a clear message sent when we signed two capable players at the position.  If we take a safety, it will be in later rounds.

Ryan Clady is the safe pick and I like it more than most.  That said, if you want to make a splash with a surprise, go with Jonathan Stewart.  We have the depth at RB to survive his bust, but he could well be our AD.  He'd take over as the kick returner right off the bat and could carry a healthy ammount of the load as well.  He comes with considerable risk, but his reward is higher than Mendenhall or any other prospect at a position we've already addressed.  

I don't care if its a Vandy or a Zone Blocker...