Denver Broncos Mock Draft Part 17

 
 The 2010 NFL offseason will officially be underway on March 5th, so get out and create your player wish lists Broncos fans.  With free agency likely to be relatively boring this year, expect the NFL to be a bit like the NBA in that there will be some serious wheeling and dealing going on.

The Broncos have already been connected to a few trades, but they have shot down the rumors quickly.  I am intrigued to see how McDaniels and Xanders handle this offseason, which could be one of the more active in Broncos history.  Denver has plenty of its own free agents to worry about, and you can see a very detailed post here by our own elvisalex who laid out our financial situation very effectively.

We all have our own views of who the Broncos will be looking to add this offseason, and what positions are going to be of the greatest importance.  I think there is a near consensus that Denver's biggest areas of need lie in the trenches, but we have yet to see every player on the team given a the shot he deserves (i.e. Chris Baker, Seth Olsen). 

Still, it's impossible to believe that every Denver youngster is going to pan out, so you must have a backup plan.  The way I see it, Denver's top needs heading into the offseason are as follows:

1a.  OG

1b.  OC

2.  DL (run stuffing specialists, preferably)

3.  #2 WR

4.  QB of Future (some could argue that it is Brandstater, but let's not beat that horse any more than we have)

5.  ILB

6.  Pass rush help

7.  RB

8.  RS

9.  P  (may already be on roster)

10.  S

So there you have it.  A top ten order of needs heading into the offseason, and you will likely see every single one of them addressed.  Josh McDaniels turned over roughly 60 percent of Denver's roster last season, so the reloading process is likely not finished.

Despite the fact that this year should be relatively quiet in free agency, I think you could see the Broncos make a significant splash with some players due to their needs at certain positions like guard or running back.  Who might the Broncos go after in free agency?  More after the jump...

Free Agency

Re-Sign

1.  Brandon Marshall, WR

2.  Elvis Dumervil, OLB

3.  Kyle Orton, QB

4.  Chris Kuper, G

5.  Matt Prater, K

6.  Ryan McBean, DL

7.  Tony Carter, CB

8.  Russ Hochstein

Cap Casualties

1.  Chris Simms, QB

2.  LaMont Jordan, RB

UFA Open Market

1.  LaDainian Tomlinson, RB, Chargers

2.  Eugene Amano, OG, Titans

3.  Jarvis Green, DL, Patriots

2010 NFL Mock Draft

First Round

1.  St. Louis Rams:  Ndamukong Suh, DL, Nebraska

2.  Detroit Lions:  Russell Okung, OL, Oklahoma State

3.  Tampa Bay Buccaneers:  Gerald McCoy, DL, Oklahoma

4.  Washington Redskins:  Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame

5.  Kansas City Chiefs:  Eric Berry, S, Tennessee

6.  Seattle Seahawks:  Anthony Davis, OL, Rutgers

7.  Cleveland Browns:  Joe Haden, CB, Florida

8.  Oakland Raiders:  Derrick Morgan, DE, Georgia Tech

9.  Buffalo Bills:  Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma State

**Trade Alert**  Broncos trade first round pick (10th overall) to Arizona Cardinals for first round pick (26th overall), second round pick (58th overall), and fifth round pick

10.  Arizona Cardinals:  Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma

11.  Jacksonville Jaguars:  Earl Thomas, DB, Texas

12.  Miami Dolphins:  Rolando McClain, LB, Alabama

13.  San Francisco 49ers:  Mike Iupati, G, Idaho

14.  Seattle Seahawks:  Taylor Mays, S, USC

15.  New York Giants:  Dan Williams, DL, Tennessee

16.  San Francisco 49ers:  Brandon Graham, DE/OLB, Michigan

17.  Tennessee Titans:  Carlos Dunlap, DL, Florida

18.  Pittsburgh Steelers:  Bryan Bulaga, OL, Iowa

19.  Atlanta Falcons:  Everson Griffen, DE, USC

20.  Houston Texans:  Golden Tate, WR, Notre Dame

21.  Cincinnati Bengals:  C.J. Spiller, RB, Clemson

22.  New England Patriots:  Sergio Kindle, OLB, Texas

23.  Green Bay Packers:  Trent Williams, OT, Oklahoma

24.  Philadelphia Eagles:  Sean Weatherspoon, LB, Missouri

25.  Baltimore Ravens:  Brandon LaFell, WR, LSU

26.  Denver Broncos:  Maurkice Pouncey, C, Florida

6'5" 320

At this point, we've all heard a ton about Pouncey.  I think a lot of fans would be disappointed if the Broncos didn't come away from the draft without getting Pouncey, and honestly there are really not many other great alternatives, even in free agency. 

Pouncey is the unquestioned top center prospect available in this draft, and he fits an immediate need for the Broncos.  If Denver can add Eugene Amano and Pouncey to the interior line mix, they will be able to get back to running the ball effectively.  Pouncey would start from day one, and if he stays healthy, he will likely start for the next 10-15 years.

27.  Dallas Cowboys:  Bruce Campbell, OT, Maryland

28.  San Diego Chargers:  Ryan Matthews, RB, Fresno State

29.  New York Jets:  Jared Odrick, DL, Penn State

30.  Minnesota Vikings:  Patrick Robinson, CB, Florida State

31.  Indianapolis Colts:  Brian Price, DL, UCLA

32.  New Orleans Saints:  Jason Pierre-Paul, DE, South Florida

Second Round

33.  St. Louis Rams:  Jermaine Gresham, TE, Oklahoma

34.  Detroit Lions:  Jahvid Best, RB, California

35.  Tampa Bay Buccaneers:  Charles Brown, OT, USC

36.  Kansas City Chiefs:  Arrelious Benn, WR, Illinois

37.  Washington Redskins:  Jonathan Dwyer, RB, Georgia Tech

38.  Cleveland Browns:  Ricky Sapp, OLB, Clemson

39.  Oakland Raiders:  Jared Veldheer, OT, Hillsdale

40.  Seattle Seahawks:  Colt McCoy, QB, Texas

41.  Buffalo Bills:  Tim Tebow, QB, Florida

42.  New England Patriots:  Rob Gronkowski, TE, Arizona

43.  Miami Dolphins:  Aaron Hernandez, TE, Florida

44.  Tampa Bay Buccaneers:  Damian Williams, WR, USC

45.  Denver Broncos:  Brandon Spikes, ILB, Florida

6'3" 256

I think if Spikes is available here, this pick is an absolute no-brainer.  He has ideal size and athleticism for the position, and he is a natural born leader of the defense.  Spikes will eventually take over on our defense for fellow Gator Andra Davis, and his run stopping abilities will be a most welcome addition to this team.

46.  New York Giants:  Chad Jones, S, LSU

47.  Carolina Panthers:  Jerry Hughes, DE, TCU

48.  New England Patriots:  Demaryius Thomas, WR, Georgia Tech

49.  San Francisco 49ers:  Kyle Wilson, CB, Boise State

50.  Kansas City Chiefs:  Vladimir Ducasse, OL, UMass

51.  Houston Texans:  Reshad Jones, S, Georgia

52.  Pittsburgh Steelers:  Donovan Warren, CB, Michigan

53.  New England Patriots:  Jon Asamoah, G, Illinois

54.  Cincinnati Bengals:  Dexter McCluster, RB/WR, Ole Miss

55.  Philadelphia Eagles:  Nate Allen, S, South Florida

56.  Green Bay Packers:  Kareem Jackson, CB, Alabama

57.  Baltimore Ravens:  Dominique Franks, CB, Oklahoma

58.  Denver Broncos:  Navorro Bowman, LB, Penn State

6'2"  235

Size wise, he might remind a lot of folks of Wesley Woodyard, and the fact that we already just drafted Spikes and Robert Ayers a year ago might mean that this pick is superfluous, but I fail to see that at all.  When you are a team running a four linebacker set, you need all the depth you can get, and Bowman will provide our LB core with stellar depth, and he can play all four positions.

Through my last few mock drafts, it may come off as though I'm a Penn State fan, but I couldn't hate the team more being a Hawkeye fan.  It's just that PSU has a lot of great NFL talent coming out this year, and Bowman is an absolute robbery of a selection this late in the second. 

**Trade Alert**  Denver Broncos trade TE Tony Scheffler to Cleveland Browns for 3rd round pick (90th overall)

Third Round, 80th overall:  Dan LeFevour, QB, Central Michigan

6'3" 230

If I could compare LeFevour to a QB already in the NFL, it would be Aaron Rodgers.  He is a dual threat quarterback whose ability to run will completely catch you off guard every time.  He has a supremely strong arm, and is most accurate on the run.  He is said to have a good ability to read defenses, so I think he is a good fit for our system.

A year project, maybe two, but a good selection with our first of two third round picks.

Third Round, 90th overall:  Jacoby Ford, WR/RS, Clemson

5'9" 185

Versatile receiver prospect who can come in immediately and contribute as our primary kick and punt returner.  He could eventually take over as our slot receiver, but for now I think his biggest contributions will come on special teams.  He is lightning fast, and claims he can run a sub 4.2 second 40 yard dash.

Fourth Round:  Chris Cook, CB, Virginia

6'2" 212

Cook really caught the eyes of scouts at the Senior Bowl, and he is certainly a prospect on the rise.  I think the Broncos need to add more length to the cornerback position, and I would not be surprised if Cook is a target of theirs on draft day.  He could contribute immediately as a special teams player, and eventually develop under Champ and Goodman.

Fifth Round:  Marshall Newhouse, OL, TCU

6'3" 326

The Broncos are looking to get bigger this offseason, and Newhouse fits that bill.  A versatile lineman with great bulk, Newhouse would be a solid addition to the Denver offensive line.  He provides depth at both guard and tackle positions. 

Sixth Round:  Myron Rolle, S, Florida State

6'2" 220

I have yet to convince even myself that Rolle will still be available in the sixth round, but the board that I'm going by currently rates him as a sixth round pick, and I can see their reasoning.  Rolle has been out of football for a year, but there is no denying his football talent.  He will be a project, but I could see him as a starting safety in the NFL, and the Broncos would be happy to add him to the roster.

Seventh Round:  Clifton Geathers, DL, South Carolina

6'8" 285

Very athletic defensive line prospect who the Broncos could mold into a great player.  I think Geathers provides excellent depth this late in the draft, and his frame allows for him to gain at least 15 pounds without losing any quickness. He has the potential to be an absolute beast in the NFL if he works hard for it.

Undrafted Free Agents

1.  Travis Ivey, NT, Maryland

6'4" 341

Guy who really carries his weight well, and who impressed scouts with his strength and quickness at the East-West Shrine game.  Very muscular build for his size, and has great potential as a later round guy or free agent acquisition.

2.  Martin Tevaseu, NT, UNLV

6'1" 328

High character guy with a really cool story.  Started off at a community college and became a phenomenal student at UNLV, making the Dean's list.  Massive build, and another guy who carries his weight well.  Worth a look in training camp.

3.  Reggie Stephens, OL, Iowa State

6'3" 322

Versatile offensive lineman that I like.  Good size, good punch off the snap, and a lot of collegiate experience.

4.  Thomas Welch, OL, Vanderbilt

6'6" 312

Give this guy a look in training camp, could be some much needed depth at the tackle position and he will come very cheap.

5.  Stafon Johnson, RB, USC

5'11" 214

One of the more inspiring stories among draft prospects, Johnson has overcome some very significant obstacles to pursue an NFL career, and his hard work will not go unnoticed.  I would not be surprised if he sticks on an NFL roster as he has all the tools to be an NFL back.

6.  Kelton Tindal, WR, Newberry

6'2" 197   4.28

Kid has great size and blazing speed.  Not much out there on him as of now, but he is expected to run in the low 4.2's at his pro day, and looking at his You Tube video, he makes whoever Newberry is playing look like they are running with cement in their shoes.

7.  Crezdon Butler, CB, Clemson

6'0"  185   4.47

Speed, athleticism, and length.  That's what we need to be looking for at the cornerback position this offseason.  I think Butler will get a good look in camp, much like DJ Johnson last year.