KIPER says Raji at #12

by GJcontingent-rAd on Jan 21, 2009 7:55 PM MST

Below is Mel Kiper's 1st round Mock Draft. He has us taking Raji and Maualuga falling to #20 to Detroit. I feel Raji is the right guy to facilitate our transition to the 3-4. He is big - 6'1" 323, physical and a plugger. Chung would be my guy in the second round.

Needs: NT, DE (at least 1), S (at least 1) - could use a corner and or another LB like L.English. We should also look at a C and a RB (Brown or Green).

Our D Next Year Theoretically (3-4 fits, quesiton marks are trouble spots)

OLB - Doom, Woodyard (maybe take L.English in the 3rd), work Boss in there?

ILB - Larsen, DJ Williams,

NT - Raji

DEs - ? Thomas maybe, Clemons, ?

S - Chung and ? - I still have questions about Josh Barrett

C - Champ / Jack or Josh

Mel Kiper's first round

Pick	Team	Player	Position	College
1	Detroit	Matthew Stafford	QB	Georgia
2	St. Louis	Andre Smith	OT	Alabama
3	Kansas City	Mark Sanchez	QB	USC
4	Seattle	Michael Crabtree	WR	Texas Tech
5	Cleveland	Aaron Curry	LB	Wake Forest
6	Cincinnati	Jason Smith	OT	Baylor
7	Oakland	Jeremy Maclin	WR	Missouri
8	Jacksonville	Eugene Monroe	OT	Virginia
9	Green Bay	Malcolm Jenkins	CB	Ohio St.
10	San Francisco	Aaron Maybin	DE/OLB	Penn St.
11	Buffalo	Brandon Pettigrew	TE	Oklahoma St.
12	*Denver*	*B.J. Raji*	DT	*Boston College*
13	Washington	Brian Orakpo	DE	Texas
14	New Orleans	Vontae Davis	CB	Illinois
15	Houston	Everette Brown	DE	Florida St.
16	San Diego	Knowshon Moreno	RB	Georgia
17	New York Jets	Percy Harvin	WR	Florida
18	Chicago	Tyson Jackson	DE	LSU
19	Tampa Bay	Josh Freeman	QB	Kansas St.
20	Detroit (from Dallas)	Rey Maualuga	LB	USC
21	Philadelphia	Chris "Beanie" Wells	RB	Ohio St.
22	Minnesota	Hakeem Nicks	WR	North Carolina
23	New England	Brian Cushing	LB	USC
24	Atlanta	Larry English	DE/OLB	No. Illinois
25	Miami	Darrius Heyward-Bey	WR	Mryland
26	Baltimore	D.J. Moore	CB	Vanderbilt
27	Indianapolis	Peria Jerry	DT	Mississippi
28	Philadelphia (from Carolina)	Michael Oher	OT	Mississippi
29	New York Giants	James Laurinaitis	LB	Ohio St.
30	Tennessee	Michael Johnson	DE	Georgia Tech
31	Arizona	LeSean McCoy	RB	Pittsburgh
32	Pittsburgh	Alex Mack	C	California

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

If San Diego gets Knowshon Moreno I will cry outloud for days and days

"I am not trying to start anything I am just saying that i think if you take Knowshon and draft D later you guys will be hella good next year" ...IamtheGreatest - The smartest Chiefs fan I ever had the priviledge of reading!

by Steve O' on Jan 21, 2009 7:58 PM MST reply actions

Whatevs - I like our chances with McHoodie on this

case. Let little noshawn run into the great wall of Raji. Bring on the dolts!

by GJcontingent-rAd on Jan 21, 2009 8:10 PM MST up reply actions

How the hell is SD picking 16th?

Did they acquire that pick somehow?

Thanks to Mike Shanahan, a great coach who will be dearly missed. But...
Let's all get on the Mac Daddy Express!
Hillis for starter next year. He wears special thigh pads so his solid brass balls don't give him repeated thigh contusions.

by 53guys on Jan 22, 2009 3:58 PM MST up reply actions

They aquired the pick

because of their record. The Draft is based by record for all but the 2 teams in the SB. That is why Arizona and Pitt will pick either 31 or 32

by gnarlybroncodude on Jan 22, 2009 5:58 PM MST up reply actions

Raji has actually come into the Senior Bowl at 335lbs.....

and Mike Mayock has him as the best DT in the draft too. Interesting!

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

by boydy2669 on Jan 21, 2009 8:05 PM MST reply actions

The weight news was a slight disappointment...

He had motivation issues early in his BC career, and weight troubles as a result of that. The measure of Raji that I am looking for in the Senior Bowl is how professional his approach to the game is, and this sounds like he might be dealing with those issues again. 320 was an effective weight for him, and I hope he isn’t being advised to add more…

Concision in style, precision in thought, decision in life.

by Jeremy Bolander on Jan 21, 2009 8:45 PM MST up reply actions

Hi Styg, he also measured in as an inch taller at 6'2' and I think most are pleased that he was actually bigger than what was sadi at college.

Reports are he has been the most dominating player and is getting better each day….I like the sounds of that!

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

by boydy2669 on Jan 22, 2009 5:10 AM MST up reply actions

LET'S GET HIM!!!!!!!

GOD, this guy has monster written all over him!!!! Comeon McHoodie, let’s do dis’!

by GJcontingent-rAd on Jan 21, 2009 8:07 PM MST reply actions

Raji may be gone.....

BJ would be our best possible pick at 12. The ideal NT in a 3/4 and a great DT in the 4/3. Read the Senior Bowl blogs where he is being described as the best player on the field. But will he last until12? Green Bay is switching to a 3/4 and they need a NT… And Al is always a threat to stick it to the Broncs. The question may become whether Denver would be willing to trade up….

by PigskinProphet on Jan 21, 2009 8:23 PM MST reply actions

I am really disappointed in the BJ Raji coverage

from the MSM. I don’t have a problem with him and would be happy with him at #12, but I think the MSM is so hungry for a star to emerge from this draft right now that they are jumping Raji way too much.

I’m not a believer of the reports that come out of the senior bowl unless they relate to QBs. I am ESPECIALLY suspicous of DTs and DEs who shoot up the charts at the Senior bowl, because it is an event set up for those positions to succeed. They place them in a lot of one on one situations with o linemen, and the general incohesiveness of the oline puts them at a disadvantage. Please take the Dline reports out of the senior bowl practices with a grain of salt.

Concision in style, precision in thought, decision in life.

by Jeremy Bolander on Jan 21, 2009 8:42 PM MST reply actions

Styg...Parcells favorite line..."when you see a big man who can move, you draft him"

You are spot on regarding the hype and have every right to be suspicious…the bust factor with DT’s is pretty high.

by Steve O' on Jan 21, 2009 8:49 PM MST up reply actions

Agreed...

last year Sedrick Ellis was portrayed as the second coming of Christ.

From there, I'd like to say that the wheels came off, but that wouldn't feel like an accurate description. The wheels didn't just magically come off, the Raiders all got out of the car, shot the wheels off the own car, busted out the taillights, smashed the windshield and poured Splenda in the gas tank. Then they all piled back inside and started screaming, "CAR WON'T MOVE, ME SAD NOW!" - MJD Yahoo Sports

by donbok1 on Jan 21, 2009 8:52 PM MST up reply actions

exactly and what did Dorsey do last year? How about the young kid from Houston, Okoye?

Or Justin Harrell, Broderick Bunkley…the list goes on.

by Steve O' on Jan 21, 2009 9:00 PM MST up reply actions

I watched bunkley closely in this years playoffs he was a force in the middle hes coming on strong now he should make noise next year

by broncosfaninphilly on Jan 21, 2009 9:07 PM MST up reply actions

So we get production in year 3 of a 4 year contract??

by Steve O' on Jan 21, 2009 9:17 PM MST up reply actions

Yeah, Bunkley's playing real well, don't knock the guy

by phantom818 on Jan 21, 2009 10:38 PM MST up reply actions

I'm not knocking him, but rookies usually sign a 4 year deal, so the Birds have to decide to resign him or not...

if they don’t they paid top dollar for two years of production while the first two years were just expensive training. If they do they have invested a lot of cap space and assets in one player.

by Steve O' on Jan 21, 2009 10:53 PM MST up reply actions

Raji/Powell

I am wondering if Carlton Powell, a draft choice last year, but injured in OTA, has any upside in the 3-4? I believe he is listed at 6’3" and 300 pounds.

by J1S on Jan 21, 2009 8:44 PM MST reply actions

Powell run stuffing stats in college are mind numbing...but he wasn't a NT...

HT would be the one to ask that one..

by Steve O' on Jan 21, 2009 8:48 PM MST up reply actions

Not one saftey listed in the 1st round ?

by broncosfaninphilly on Jan 21, 2009 9:00 PM MST reply actions

Kiper is seriously underrating William Moore

but it is understandable. Moore rolled the dice returning for his senior season, and now he is stuck in a mild “what have you done for me lately” rut.

Concision in style, precision in thought, decision in life.

by Jeremy Bolander on Jan 21, 2009 9:19 PM MST up reply actions

He is not underrating William Moore - that guy has bust written all over him -

he doesn’t have good hands, good hips or good speed. He’s not particulary great v. the run despite his size and doesn’t hit all that hard. His ball skills are average and his is not a ballhawk. I live in MO, trust me. I watched him all the time. He had a big junior year – other than that – he’s been very average.

There are no safeties in the 1st round b/c Mays didn’t declare and he was the only solid 1st round S. Chung could go in the first but probably not. I would love for us to get chung in the 2nd as a FS and try Barrett or a bigger guy like Curtis Taylor (LSU – 6’2" 212) at SS in a later round.

by GJcontingent-rAd on Jan 21, 2009 11:46 PM MST up reply actions

Doesn't have good hands?

How did he get 7 picks a year ago?

by SethGrandpa on Jan 22, 2009 12:17 AM MST up reply actions

Sorry, I misspoke -

but if you’re drafting him as a SS, which he would be in our 3-4 he’d be aweful b/c he is average in run support and has an “average” grade in recognition, skills and toughness. NOT THE GUY.

by GJcontingent-rAd on Jan 22, 2009 1:34 AM MST up reply actions

Ok...I disagree...but at least we can agree on the hands.

by SethGrandpa on Jan 22, 2009 2:58 PM MST up reply actions

He is getting beaten consistently in drills, is slow out of his break and is lacking speed to hang....

That sounds a lot like Calvin Lowry to me! I want nothing to do with him!

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

by boydy2669 on Jan 22, 2009 5:13 AM MST up reply actions

And

I think Vontae Davis will get drafted to play safety.

Concision in style, precision in thought, decision in life.

by Jeremy Bolander on Jan 21, 2009 9:20 PM MST up reply actions

That would be very interesting...

He can no doubt bring the big hits, but why safety? Coverage skills lacking?

by donbok1 on Jan 23, 2009 2:30 AM MST up reply actions

I don't see Doom being a starting LB

I love Doom and what he brings but I think next year they will maximize his skills and use him in passing situations and he will actually replace one of the DE to get a better rush. I think in doing so he would stay fresh but could still get around 10 sacks.

I think Boss Bailey actually fits quite well into the 3-4 and would expect to see him at one of the outside linebacker positions. I think Woodyard will again be a situational substitute.

As for a NT, if they play the 1 gap system I see Carlton Powell being able to hold his own. But Raji looks like he would be a great addition but his stock is skyrocketing.

by RockyMountainThunder on Jan 21, 2009 9:38 PM MST reply actions

They said the same thing about James Harrison -

Jim Collier said that Doom would be “hell on wheels” in a 3-4 if he can cover. In fact, Doom is one of the things I am looking forward to the most in the 3-4.

Boss kind of fits – but . . . the guy is never healthy. Powell could fit but aren’t we sick of finding guys that “kind of fit?” I want studs. I want killers. I want orange crush, not orange slush.

by GJcontingent-rAd on Jan 22, 2009 8:23 AM MST up reply actions

So, you're saying

that Woodyard will be in the first game after Boss goes down with an injury?

I could deal with that!

"It's all over Fat Man" - Tom Jackson to John Madden 1977 AFC Championship Game

"tough times don't last, tough people do" - Mike "The Mastermind" Shanahan

by DesertBroncoFan on Jan 22, 2009 12:17 PM MST up reply actions

+1

by ThorpeBroncosfan on Jan 22, 2009 1:31 PM MST up reply actions

No way Maualuga falls that far, if he does then people in the NFL are beyond stupid

Would I be disappointed if we land Raji, no, but I still think Maualuga is a too good to pass up if they are both on the board, Raji may be very good, pro-bowler in a couple of years, but Maualuga would be the heart and soul of the Denver defense for years.

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

by Broncoman on Jan 21, 2009 10:42 PM MST reply actions

What I like

Is that we have three highly desireable, desperately needed players in Moreno (not everyone sees that need, but work with me here), Rey and Raji. The odds are very good that one, at least, comes to us. If we need to pick among a plethora of riches, In Goodman I Trust.

In Goodman We Trust

by Doc Bear on Jan 21, 2009 10:59 PM MST reply actions

WELL Said Broncobear!

Who are we to argue with any of those 3? Maybe Moreno takes us to the SB! Maybe Rey is the next great MLB. Maybe not.

For example, last year, I wanted us to draft Chris Williams desperately (OT, now at Chicago from Vandy). I was mad when we took Clady b/c I thought his strenght issues would stop him from having an immediate impact. DOH!

IN GOODMANS/XANDERS I TRUST!! I’M WITH BRONCOBEAR!

by GJcontingent-rAd on Jan 21, 2009 11:20 PM MST up reply actions

see the Senior Bowl coverage

I find that the one on one drills are invaluable tools for analysis.

Raji isn’t being hyped without reason, he’s been beating his competition in team and individual drills. I don’t take these senior-paloozas as necessarily indicative of how a prospect will turn out but they’re a heck of a lot better than the ubiquitous highlight films.

I’ve been watching Raji climb up the draft charts all though the season and at this point I consider him the best choice for Denver. We still do have some reasonable alternatives but he’s our best choice for several reasons. Until recently I was still looking at him as not being worthy of our pick but he’s continued to rise and our situation is obviously far different now than it was on Dec. 29th.

You can follow the Senior bowl coverage on ESPN or at Scott Wright’s site. He’s been writing up his impressions of what he’s seeing, and you can also see several hours of programming daily on NFL.tv.

http://www.draftcountdown.com/features/SeniorBowl/Senior-Bowl.php

by Colinski on Jan 22, 2009 12:14 AM MST reply actions

The one on one drills don't count a lot for me as far as looking at a DT

Basically a DT needs to be able to be a monster in a phone booth, a lot of DT look good matched up one on one because the C and G they go against are forced to move more laterally than they normally would and get no help, The DT have the advantage in that situation, I rather watch the game and his game film, not saying he isn’t good, just that those drills don’t translate that much to actual play.

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

by Broncoman on Jan 22, 2009 11:36 AM MST up reply actions

whatever

all this speculation from this clown is crap. He also said Leinart was a cant miss justlike VY. The draft is a crap shoot at best. I am so tired of this shit already. I want analysis and fact not kipers crap

somethings wrong, Trying to conquer these fears i thought were gone. And it's been so long, I'm dying to live in a world i don't belong

by broncfanstuckinsd on Jan 22, 2009 12:46 AM MST reply actions

I agree with you on Kiper

I think his analysis is garbage, he said Mike Williams would be a dominate WR, best player in the draft, what a joke, also said Reggie Bush would be dominate at the next level, I actually like Mike Mayock on NFL network, he does his homework and breaks down the game film and doesn’t rely on stats.

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

by Broncoman on Jan 22, 2009 11:40 AM MST up reply actions

+1

Mayock rules, I can’t wait to watch NFLN for the draft again this year. Last year I DVR’d both ESPN and NFLN, but mostly watched the NFLN, especially when the 2nd round comes and E!spn is out of material and Mayock and the NFLN crew are still giving out actual information, video and breakdowns of the 5-7 round players. Plus Schefter is the man.

BTW Mayock was money on Cutler, Kiper was all over Leinart.

Owning the Patriots since September 9, 1960

by Darin H on Jan 22, 2009 12:37 PM MST up reply actions

Was just watching sports center and Todd McShay said something that Raji has made such a splash at the senior bowl he could go as high as the top 5 which i am hoping does not happen

by IamMileHigh on Jan 22, 2009 7:47 AM MST reply actions

Funny thing is............................

These guys are going to jump all over the board and then there will be draft day surprise picks. I am with some of you other guys who say In Goodman/Xanders I trust. We had never even heard of Eddie Royal last year and look what happened. I think Raji would be great but they might have their eye on someone we’ve never heard of too. Man you gotta love the draft, LOL I wonder if Raji is even in the conversation behind closed doors at Broncos HQ? I mean I hope he is but they also probably are looking at people we’ve never heard of. LOL Draftitus has taken hold, may we match the 08 draft!!!!!!

The player who thinks he can and the player who knows he can are two different players, which one are you???

by Broncofan on Jan 22, 2009 8:05 AM MST reply actions

What about Green Bay?

If they’re switching to a 3-4 too then won’t Raji be a likely pick for them as well?

I am the eggman...they are the eggman...I am the Mermaid...Goo Goo Gajoob!!!

by PosterNutbag on Jan 22, 2009 8:41 AM MST reply actions

I think

that we’re trying our darndest to ignore that.

"If you don't know where your going you might find yourself somplace else."

by BroncoJoe87 on Jan 24, 2009 7:19 PM MST up reply actions

Speaking of NT

Fili Moala is getting some good reviews right now. He is 6-5 300 but has the body frame to add 20-25 bounds. I watched a lot of USC games this year and the reason thier LB looked so good is because they had Moala playing NT for them and he demanded the double team. And an interesting fact about his is his cousin is a dominte NT that goes by the name Haloti Ngata. We could most likely get Moala in the 2nd round.

by gnarlybroncodude on Jan 22, 2009 12:42 PM MST reply actions

great observation

Moala, scott and Taylor are all DTs we should be collecting info on.

Concision in style, precision in thought, decision in life.

by Jeremy Bolander on Jan 22, 2009 2:51 PM MST up reply actions

Agree

I had a draft crush on chung from videos that I saw. But when actually watched a game of his he didn’t impress me much. I watched USC a lot this year and Fili is awesome. Rey first then Fili second

by robbo650 on Jan 22, 2009 6:40 PM MST up reply actions