orangeman's take on our draft picks

1. RB Knowshon Moreno 5’11” 207 4.60/40. Moreno is a perfect fit for McDaniels offensive system. Moreno is very athletic with great quickness, agility and balance to change direction quickly, good body control and good coordination to bounce off tacklers. He is fierce competitor who is consistent, giving 100% on every play while being coach able and a good team player. Moreno has great football instincts, recognizing defenses and making needed adjustments in running the ball, pass routes and pass protection (will block anyone). He seldom makes mental errors, has a good feel for finding the hole and knows when to bounce it outside. Moreno is similar to Chris Johnson without the burner speed. He ability to pass protect will allow him to contribute immediately. McDaniels penchant for using a running back committee will keep Moreno fresh, healthy and lengthen his career. His ability to make plays will make him an NFL star.

1. DE/OLB Robert Ayers 6’3” 270 4.90/40. Ayers has great size, a strong lower body, toughness and versatility. His body control and balance, explosion and lateral range make him versatile enough to play in Mike Nolan’s hybrid defense. Ayers needs to improve his technique, add some moves and play more consistently with leverage. He uses his hands well and has great leg drive. He will contribute right away whether plays with his hand on the ground or standing up.

2. CB Alphonso Smith 5’9” 193 4.51/40. Smith is a ball hawk who lacks height, strength, and consistency that the Broncos wanted badly enough to trade a 2010 first round pick to acquire. He is physical, nasty and smart and offers versatility as a return specialist. Smith makes quick reads, jumps routes and has good hands to make interceptions. He has a tendency to gamble too much but he delivers blows to receivers and in run support.

2. FS Darcel McBath 6’ 198 4.53/40 McBath was a slight reach for the Broncos, but he gives them the all important versatility (CB & S & ST), instincts, good hands and size. He leads by example and is a sure tackler but not a big hitter. McBath can jump routes and is quick to support against the run.

2. TE Richard Quinn 6’4” 264 4.77/40. Quinn is big, strong, and excels as a blocker. He has decent hands as a receiver and makes good yards after the catch. Quinn plays with good leverage and can make blocks at the second level of the defense.

4. FS David Bruton 6’2” 217 4.46/40. Burton is a raw athlete that has a good size/speed ratio with good hands, range and ball skills. He is versatile (gunner) with a high motor, work ethic and leadership skills. Burton is an immediate upgrade for the kicking game.

4. G Seth Olsen 6’5” 305 5.23/40. Olsen excels in a zone-blocking scheme with quick feet, is athletic with good hands and technique and an aggressive mean streak. He needs to add bulk and strength but is a Bronco type offensive linemen capable of handling linebackers at the second level.

5. WR Kenney McKinley 6’1” 189 4.44/40. McKinley replaced Sterling Sharpe as the all-time leading receiver for the Gamecocks. He catches the ball away from his body even though he has small hands (8 ¾). McKinley is tough, quick, elusive, versatile, a determined blocker and runs crisp routes. He needs to add strength and bulk for the NFL but isn’t afraid to make the tough catch over the middle.

6. QB Tom Brandstater 6’5” 220 4.95/40. Brandstater has the potential to be a solid NFL backup quarterback with his size, strong-arm, intelligence and short/intermediate accuracy. He is a project player who must increase his consistency, decision-making, and release, which might enable him to be a starter later in his career.

7. C Blake Schlueter 6’2” 290 4.80/40. Schlueter is an undersized center that could excel in a zone-blocking scheme with his intelligence, quickness, toughness and technique. He has a sever lack of bulk and needs to improve his strength and push.