Had us taking Jenkins because he fell to 12 in our mock. His justification was that a player that talented has to be snatched up at 12. It might not be true, but it’s more realistic than Knowshon at #12 IMO.

Very good analysis; I think this is exactly what we need. The only thing is… You can’t has Rey Rey! I hope he will be a thorn in your side for a very, very long time. :)

For the Raiders… I think they need help on the O-line. They have 3 good running backs, but no one to block for them. I’d look at Oher and Andre Smith first. Also, if WR Crabtree falls to them, I think Al Davis needs to take a long, long look at him.

Yes, you guys are probably in reach of Rey and would hate to see us have him, but SD may take him if we don’t – you may see a lot of him in any scenario. My only issue with Cushing is his injuries. You guys are near the top, though, and could take Curry if you want – we’d certainly hate to see him twice a year.

Recent indications, such as the retention of Dennison & Turner, point towards some continuity in our philosophy towards the running game. What’s interesting — although perhaps not surprising — is that many people view improvements as solely the product of adding a RB rather than an OL.

There is a reasonable argument for helping the running game, even though there was little indication of true problems in that area this season, the problem was injuries and play calling that abandoned the run. Our production was actually quite good, and that’s impressive considering our situation. Adding a one-cut back makes sense but there aren’t any one-cut backs projected that high so advocating for a high pick is tantamount to arguing that we should dump our zone-blocking scheme.

“Helping” the running game could mean adding a RB and an OL in with a ‘boatload’ of defensive picks. And an OL is fairly obvious choice given this draft crop’s strength in that area, and more importantly, our precarious situation at the interior OL. There’s also a good argument for picking an OT, even though nobody seems to be worried about the lack of depth there lately.

Picking a RB high would be foolish at this point. I was tolerant of the idea while Shanahan was still here; I had suggested our first four picks could look like this — LB, S, DT & RB — without having to follow that order religiously, but even that’s in question now that we’re attempting to stock a 3-4. I could still live with a one-cut back around the 4th or later, but I’d far rather see us bring in a nucleus of defensive players and start rebuilding the defense now. Our needs on defense have greatly expanded because of the imminent scheme change. And our thinking has to change to reflect the new priorities.

The Commissioner has stated there won’t be any changes impacting this group. Next year’s group is an open question. The 2010 draft crop is already looking very strong, so impending changes could turn it into an even stronger class, which is a good reason not trade any of next year’s picks. Also, planning this draft class should take next year’s class into mind. I’m still in the very early stages of comparing the two groups.

If I had to draw a preliminary conclusion it would be that the Broncos should look for players who are playmakers at critical positions such as OLB, DL, etc. It’s too early to know how Dumervil, Moss, etc., will fit into a 3-4 scheme so it’s going to require more analysis, but I don’t think they should shy away from picking aggressive players who create matchup problems and can rush the passer. Players such as Sintim, Maybin, Kruger, etc., come to mind. There’s also a chance that an Orakpo or Everette Brown could be our 1st pick now, which may come as a surprise to people. Finding OLB/DE pass rushing hybrids is a good place to start, but DE is another. My guess is that some of the quicker, taller DTs could make the switch to DE in the 3-4. We already know about player like Tyson Jackson, but many of the DTs haven’t been evaluated yet (by us) for this new role.

The tale of the tape said: 6’2, 334lbs.

And yes, he can play NT.

I still have my doubts about him although I’m warming to the prospect of drafting him simply because it’s so difficult to find NTs. On the other hand, I’m beginning to cool on the prospects of implementing the 3-4 this year. I can’t see how we can take off the 4-3 training wheels just yet. Switching to the 3-4 is really a two year project.

could switch to FS as well. What are your thoughts on him, though I highly doubt he’ll be around at 12.