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Glutton For Punishment: Quick Second Day Mock.

We've all experienced how futile mocking the draft is (perhaps it's best to say that it mocks us) but it sure is a fun thought experiment and for that I'm going to give it one more shot.  Once again, the Broncos have taken us by surprise on the first day and while that disturbs many of us, I'm just excited to see what our new Broncos will bring to the table.  And so, without further ado:

  • #114 - Zack Follett, OLB, California: worst-case scenario, he provides depth outside in the LB corps and contributes in special teams.  Best-case scenario, he polishes his game and succeeds as a solid starter as an OLB in our new 3-4 scheme.  One of those guys that you shouldn't bet against because they've made a living out of proving people wrong.
  • #132 - Sammie Lee Hill, DE/NT, Stillman: extremely high character guy who is a bit raw, but has all the tools necessary to excel up front in a 3-4.  Some consider him a DE in that scheme, but I think he'd be best suited as an NT.  He'd likely need some time on the bench to develope, but that's why we brought in veteran options at the position to bridge the gap if necessary.
  • #149 - Chris Baker, DE/NT, Hampton: a definite boom or bust prospect, but it's time to start taking those chances.  His off the field troubles seem to have been focused at one time in Penn State and might well be behind him.  If he stays on the straight and narrow, he can be a force, especially as a DE in the 3-4.
  • #185 - Antonio Appleby, ILB, Virginia: a natural fit inside in the 3-4 (where he already has experience) who, if properly motivated and schooled, could be a real asset on the field.  He's certainly a boom or bust type of prospect, but this is when you can afford to take those chances.
  • #225 - Deon Butler, WR, Penn State: a small burner who should excel in the slot in a spread offense.  His lack of height and bulk, along with the limited upside that those attributes indicate, cause him to be available this late despite blazing speed, solid all-around skills and good character. 
  • #235 - Graham Harrell, QB, Texas Tech: would make for an intriguing project signal-caller for McDaniels.  His weaknesses may be limited and his strengths may be magnified in the system that our new head coach seems to be interested in implementing in Denver.

This little exercise has brought a couple of points to my attention: we still have plenty of picks left to make, there is still a ton of talent on the board and we could certainly address our preceived slighted needs to complement our best player available approach early on.  I know I'm likely in the minority in that I actually like our work on the first day (it's not as I would have done it, but I get it) so it's easy for me to be optimistic about all this.

Remember guys, being a fan is supposed to be fun.  Also consider that we have no idea how this will all pan out on the field this fall or over the long haul.  We don't have all the information necessary to make those judgements and the guys making these decisions for our franchise certainly have more of it than we do.  So, let's step back, take a breath and enjoy the ride.  Go Broncos!

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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"being a fan is supposed to be fun"

Nice.

Thanks. Nice mock ejruiz.

I’d probably prefer to see them reach a little for a nose tackle as early as they can even if it means trading away a 7th or 6th to move up. Either an NT or perhaps Brinkley.

As you indicate, speculation is futile. Yet it’s part of the fun of being a fan, huh??

"Space is big. You just won't believe how vastly, hugely, mind- bogglingly big it is. I mean, you may think it's a long way down the road to the chemist's, but that's just peanuts to space."

"It is a mistake to think you can solve any major problems just with potatoes" Douglas Adams

by orange&blue_aussie on Apr 26, 2009 5:15 AM MDT reply actions   0 recs

I could live with those picks

with the exception of Graham Harrell. I have no faith that he’s a NFL caliber QB.

Beware the wrath of a patient adversary.

John C. Calhoun --

by bcfunk on Apr 26, 2009 6:01 AM MDT reply actions   0 recs

Your point is right on

We do still have plenty of picks left, and their is still plenty of big guys to clog up the middle of the 34 defense available.

In addition to Hill and Baker at NT, I wouldn’t be disappointed with Taylor, McKnight, maybe even Roy Miller, all of which will probably be around in the 4th. After Raji, none of the NTs this year were worth a first day pick.

At ILB, there is Brinkley, McRath, McKillop and Ellerbe as well as Appleby. Again, at least some of those guys are still around in the 4th and later rounds.

Frankly, if we go into the season with Thomas, Peterson and Powell as the DEs, I’m okay with that.

All the naysayers and McDaniel’s hater – I know you are among them – need to chill at least until the day is done.

by DCbroncfan on Apr 26, 2009 6:10 AM MDT reply actions   0 recs

Sceptical, maybe?

I don’t hate anybody, much less a young football coach, just color me skeptical about a new coach coming in with a large degree of confidence in self and doing a lot of manipulating around the edges. We are going to have to put up with him for at least two years anyhow, so let’s move on and let him develop things in his image.

My concern at this point is: where’s the beef? We had the picks to grab some meat up front and in the middle of the defense and I don’t see anything yet to help us in that regard.

But, you are right, chilling is good, hey, I am going to go play a hockey game this afternoon.

by Baltimore Bronco on Apr 26, 2009 9:00 AM MDT up reply actions   0 recs

“After Raji, none of the NTs this year were worth a first day pick.”

Sorry, I’ll believe the Pats over you. :) And I know there were more OLBs we could have gone after….

by thedoctor on Apr 26, 2009 9:31 AM MDT up reply actions   0 recs

NTs on the first day

True, Brace went to NE at 40. So he wouldn’t have been available to us in the second unless we traded up to get him. But whereas we got real value trading up to get A Smith, most published boards put Brace mid- to lower-2nd round.

by DCbroncfan on Apr 26, 2009 9:54 AM MDT up reply actions   0 recs

Sorry

Meant to say you are NOT among the naysayers and the flamers.

by DCbroncfan on Apr 26, 2009 9:55 AM MDT up reply actions   0 recs

I want grab Jasper Brinkley

He would be a scary force for Martindale to work with.

by maritimebronco on Apr 26, 2009 6:12 AM MDT reply actions   0 recs

sure would be nice if we had some 3rd rounders to take him! oh wait, we needed a blocking TE… /sigh

by thedoctor on Apr 26, 2009 9:30 AM MDT up reply actions   0 recs

Thanks,

ejruiz, for doing this. I hope we get some of them.

by Baltimore Bronco on Apr 26, 2009 7:41 AM MDT reply actions   0 recs

i had follet in my contest mock. i hope the broncos actually pick a guy i want.

"It means nothing to throw for 4500 yards, 25 touchdowns, and you dont win"-Brandon Marshall

Neckbeard vs The Spleen: How better can this get?!?!

by broncoboy on Apr 26, 2009 8:11 AM MDT reply actions   0 recs

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