Draft Day(s) Analysis

Here is my analysis of the Broncos draft.  Enjoy!

Knowshon Moreno-RB:  At first I was hoping we would take Brian Orakpo, but then I started to warm up to the pick.  This fills a HUGE need at runningback.  None of the guys McDaniels signed in the offseason are true starting runningbacks.  Now we have the position stabilized for many years to come.  This will take the pressure off the passing game, and also open up the passing game.  Defenses will now have to respect the run, so Kyle Orton will not have to worry about the defense always thinking pass, like Cutler.  Sometimes the best defense is a running game. If the Broncos were able to run the ball effectively the Broncos would have been in the playoffs.  This will also improve the red-zone offense now that we have a guy that can pound through the defense.  Oh, and I forgot to mention, he is a good reciever as well.

Grade: A+

Robert Ayers-DE:  I like this pick a lot.  Ayers is very athletic and has the ability to play DE, OLB, and maybe even some DT in 4-3 sets.  He is probably the most veristile defensive lineman in the draft and I think that is why the Broncos chose him.  They are running a 3-4/4-3 hybrid this year, so they are going to need plenty of versitility.

Grade: A

Alphonso Smith-CB:  The pick fills a future need, and that is ok with me.  The Broncos secondary is aging and they will soon need a replacement for Champ Bailey.  The guy is a ballhawk and gets plenty of interceptions.  He can also returns kicks and punts which is also a plus.  This guy would be a first-rounder if he was just a little bit taller.  I don't care about his height.  He can play!  Probably will be the Broncos' nickel guy this season.  But, there was still Ron Brace available who was my top NT on my board. 

Grade:B+

Darcel McBath-S:  Just like the last pick, this pick fills a future need.  Brian Dawkins is getting up there in age.  This guy is the perfect player to learn from Brian Dawkins.  He is a vocal leader who makes plays, just like Smith.  I think he could develop into a great safety a few years down the road.  I see him as the center field type safety.  It was a little bit of a reach, but the Broncos were very high on him, so I am going to trust their decision.

Grade: B

Richard Quinn-TE:  This is a great blocking tight-end with good hands.  UNC did not use the tight-end in the passing game, so he did not have many catches at all.  He showed he can catch at the combine, though.  This pick will definitely help improve our awful red-zone offense from last year.  Another big, strong, receiver and another strong blocker.  This player will give us even more support on the offensive line, and another threat inside the 20.  Love the pick, but it seems to be a a little too high.

Grade: B

David Bruton-S:  Another safety added to the roster.  This guy is kind of a project, but this guy has the potential to turn into a very good football player.  Another ballhawk, just like Smith and McBath, and can also play the center field type role.  McDaniels also mentioned he really liked Bruton because can can come in right away a be on all 4 special teams units as a gunner.  Has good speed, but needs to improve in man coverage.  He is also a team leader! Learning under Brian Dawkins should help this kid out a lot!

Grade:B+

Seth Olsen-OL:  This pick is very interesting.  He is a very versitile lineman.  McDaniels stated in his press conference that he can, and will play gaurd, tackel, and center.  We already have K-Lich, who plays G/C, but ther more versitility the better, in my opinion.  Maybe this guy will be the future replacement for Hamilton.

Grade: A-

Kenny McKinley-WR:  I see McKinley as a slot-type of player.  His playing style kind of reminds me of Eddie Royal.  He ran a 4.37 at the combine, so maybe he can develop into that deep threat the Broncos need.  I wanted Johnny Knox, but the Bears picked him the pick before us.  I'm sure the Broncos had Knox high on their board, and they thought McKinley would be the next best reciever for their system.

Grade: B

Tom Brandstater-QB:  I love the pick!  He is 6 feet and 5 inches, has a good arm, and seems to be pretty mobile.  McDaniels also focused on that he thinks Brandstater is a very smart and bright player.  He is accurate in the short to medium passes, but losses so accuracy on the deep ball.  Kyle Orton had problems with that too his rookie year, but he seems to have improved it.  This is the perfect guy for McDaniels to develop.

Grade: A+

Blake Schlueter-OL:  I like this pick also.  More versitility on the offensive line.  Schlueter can play all three offensive line positions, and plays with a lot of passion.  Good pick.

Grade: A-

Overall, I give the Broncos a grade of A- (well at least until we actually see them play). They didn't adress the front 7 very well, but McDaniels highly stressed that everything is running according to their master plan.  Some of the picks might not be able to come in right away and make an impact, but I can see all of these players starting in the future.  He is drafting players that make plays and I love that.  I also like the fact that McDaniels is drafting players that just want to win and have great character.  If McDaniels and company can make this defense decent this year, then I believe the Broncos will have a very successful season.

GO BRONCOS!!!!