Broncos 2010 Mock Draft

Now that my bracket is completely busted, it is time to get into draft mode.  I have put together what I think would be a very solid draft for the future.  I think the Broncos benefited greatly from the uncapped year in that they weren't in the final 8 and could keep many of their prize free agents for one more year without giving away the farm.  After watching a few games from last year during the past week, Brandon Marshall is truly a beast on the field however I believe we have to create a culture on this team where the name on the front of the jersey means more than the name on the back and I just don't trust Marshall anymore.  The same goes with Scheffler.  Maybe I am naive, but in my business, you have to want to be at work to be effective.  Those that aren't, simply don't make it throughout the long haul of a career.  I believe the long term potential of a Marshall trade outweighs the short term glory of keeping him for next year.  While that thought may be unpopular, I believe it is sound judgment for building an organization.  Follow the draft after the jump....

*** Trade *** Brandon Marshall and #11 to the Seahawks for #6 and #14

*** Trade *** Tony Scheffler to the Cardinals for # 24 in 3rd Round

*** Trade *** Ronald Fields to the Dolphins for #12 in 4th Round

*** Trade *** 2011 2nd Round Pick to Patriots for WR R. Moss - Patriots get value the Patriot Way by trading a player who may leave next year for a quality draft pick.  (hopefully at the end of Rnd 2)

1st Round:

#6:  N Suh - DL - Nebraska

I have seen very likely scenerios where Suh may fall.  If the Rams take Bradford and the Lions take Okung, this could become a very real possibility at #6.  I believe Suh would fit well at the RDE position vacated by Kenny Peterson.  Many believe Jarvis Green will be a starter but as his agent has come out and said, he is looking for a specialty role on 3rd down where he can get after the quarterback.  Suh, who many believe is the best in this draft, would be the Haloti Ngata of this defense for many years to come.

#14:  J Haden - CB - Florida

With such a strong focus on measurables from the the combine, Haden may take a tumble from where he was originally projected.  While I am not a huge believer in measurables (see Raiders drafts for the last 10 years) I believe Haden plays much faster than his 40 time suggests.  He would get the opportunity to learn behind a Hall of Famer for next year.  While I love Champ, being a CB in his 30's and making tons of money causes me heartburn.  I believe we would be willing to let Champ walk to free up money to pay Dumervil next year and maybe Orton and Kuper depending on how they perform in 2010.  Having Haden ready to start next year will provide the security blanket to feel good about that decision.  In addition, if A Smith develops, we would have a young CB core for the next few years.

2nd Round:

#13:  V Ducasse - OT - UMass

We all admit we need an offensive line especially on the interior.  It seems from the experts at MHR that Seth Olsen is slotted to start at Center so I am making the assumption that is true.  Ducasse fits the mold of what McD wants in his line.  HUGE.  He will provide an anchor for the interior of the line and will start from day 1.  If Harris is unable to come back at the beginning of the year, he  has the potential to step in at RT until he returns.

3rd Round:

#16:  T Cody - DT - Alabama

This may be a dream as he might go at the end of round 2, but if this big guy falls, we have to jump on it.  He would get the opportunity to watch behind J Williams this year and possibly step in if he gets injured.  This move along with Suh also allows us to trade Fields for picks in the future.  While Cody may only be a 2 down player, he would be the anchor to stop the run and would eat up space to allow our LB's to dominate.

#24:  D Butler - ILB - Washington

Butler has been shooting up draft boards lately and may not make it this far.  With Spikes dropping, he may become a possibility with this pick.  Whether it be Butler or Spikes, we have our ILB for the future.  I believe Hagan is more than capable to handle the inside duties this year, but we can groom a young stud by using a hard hitter on special teams.  Depth is what the draft is to provide us, and we need depth at many positions.  This move sends Spencer Larson to the offense where he can focus on being FB and continue being special teams ace.

Round 4:

#12:  JD Walton - C - Baylor

JD would provide insurance in case Olsen cant handle the C duties.  Either way, this provides depth to the interior of the line and provides coverage if we want to let Kuper go next year.

#16:  Mardy Gilyard - WR - Cincinnati

Look, we need a WR if we get rid of Marshall and while Gilyard won't be anywhere near what Marshall will provide, we can get good value for a potential #2 or #3 receiver in the future.   I believe Gilyard will provide a similar role that McKinley played this year and that is learning the ropes on special teams.

Round 5:

No Pick

Round 6:

#14:  A Tracy - OLB - William and Mary

I am taking the opinion of Sayre on this one but feel that we will draft an OLB.  We are rather thin at the position with Hagan moving inside and need some depth in case of injuries.  We need someone who can step in at either OLB position and also provide a consistent rush on 3rd downs.  We will test Martindale's coaching ability with this one.  Here is to hoping he can get on the field.

Round 7:

#13:  T Holliday - KR - LSU

Again, I am stealing this from Sayre but love the pick if he falls to us.  With Marshall gone, Royal has to step up and we must provide a breather in the form of Holliday.  Holliday can also provide a change of pace to Moreno in the form of a role Darren Sproles plays.  He won't see very many snaps on O but when he does he will capitalize.

Draft Recap:

N Suh - DL - Nebraska (#1 nfldraftscout.com)

J Haden - CB - Florida (#9 nfldraftscout.com)

V Ducasse - OL - UMass (#60 nfldraftscout.com)

T Cody - DT - Alabama (#44 nfldraftscout.com)

D Butler - ILB - Washington (#101 nfldraftscout.com)

JD Walton - C - Baylor (#113 nfldraftscout.com)

M Gilyard - WR - Cincinnati (#109 nfldraftscout.com)

A Tracy - OLB - W&M (#220 nfldraftscout.com)

T Holliday - KR - LSU (#340 nfldraftscout.com)

While this draft is heavy on the Defensive side of the ball, I think McD knows that you win championships with Defense.  By adding Randy Moss to a depleted WR corps, we gain a deep threat who knows the system.  K Orton or B Quinn will have to learn to throw the deep ball as we have to stretch the field out more than last year.  I believe McD and Wink would have a potential defense mirroring some of the great Ravens defenses of the past (Wink is a disciple of the Ryans).  This draft, while some appear to be stretches, provides depth to areas where we have aging veterans and adds to the talent from some of the more recent drafts.  The addition of these players pushes us into the playoffs!

GO BRONCOS!!!