Well, here we are again...preparing for the NFL Draft and analyzing the tapes, the scouting reports and the other mock drafts in hopes of finding that overlooked diamond in the roof. Last year I had us drafting Derek Wolfe in the 3rd round...and picking up Doug Martin in the first. I have to say, I still wish we had picked up Martin in the first. Be that as it may, its a new draft, and a new opportunity to see how the Dove Valley Brain Trust evaluates the talent available in this years glorious NFL Draft. Here's my attempt at projecting where I would like my beloved Denver Broncos to go in the 2013NFL Draft...
Round 1 - Pick #28
Margus Hunt, DE, SMU
There are a number of great DEs in this year's draft. I don't see Werner, Moore, Jones or Mingo being available at 28. This could come down to Okafor or Hunt and for my money, I like Hunt. Quite frankly, he's a freak...6'8", 277lbs, runs a 4.6 40 and benched 225 38 times. He's got an 82 inch wingspan. He blocked 10 field goals in college. He's from Estonia...a track and field star... (ie shot putter) and still raw....and his stock is seriously on the rise. His upside is incredible...and with Del Rio coaching him up...could be a ProBowl caliber player.
Round 2 - Pick #58
David Amerson, CB, NC State
With the NFL's new trend to get bigger and bigger at WR, the Corners have to follow suit. Amerson is 6'1" 205lbs and runs a 4.44 40yrd dash. He had 23 INTs as a Soph but only 5 as a Jr. He's aggressive and has experience at both CB and Safety. We clearly saw in the playoffs that we need to shore up the secondary...and Amerson would provide that immediate shot in the arm that we need.
Round 3 - Pick #90
Montee Ball, RB, Wisconsin
Is there any doubt that we need help at RB? Ball is a bruiser...and one of the most complete backs in the draft (second to Lacy of course). He can catch, block and get us that short yardage we've had difficulty getting in crucial situations. Ball is exactly the kind of back that John, John and PFM need in Denver.
Round 4 - Pick #125
Jon Bostic, ILB, Florida
Denver again looks to address the lack of depth on the Defensive side of the ball with their 4th round selection. Bostic is a solid, instinctive middle linebacker who can grow into a solid NFL starter.
Round 5 - Pick #161
Hugh Thornton, OG, Illinois
Thornton isn't a sexy pick...but he'll give Denver depth on the OL and will allow us to finally get rid of ManRam.
Round 7 - Pick #234
Eric Martin, OLB, Nebraska
Martin played DE for the Cornhuskers in 2012 although he was only 6'1" and 237lbs. He previously played OLB. He posted a very impressive 4.53 40yrd dash at his pro day as well as a 3.97 20 yrd shuttle. He could immediately add some toughness to special teams...which is really all you are looking for in the 7th round. Certainly worth a flyer...
Thoughts?