For my last few mock drafts there have been some in the comment boards who are not fans of hypothetical situations. I question why they were reading a mock draft, but I understand those who want something more concrete, like if the draft were to happen today.
Normally, I don't do these types of things just to try and please everyone, but for fun and because I love the draft, I've decided to put in three different mocks for this particular version. One mock will have no trades included, one will feature almost every trade imaginable, and the next one will feature the standard Marshall and Scheffler trades.
All of my selections are made based on my own perspective of this team's needs and what positions may not have as pertinent a need, but where an upgrade is needed. There are picks taken simply because of the value of the pick and the player available.
Another twist to part 18 is that I will not include any hypothetical free agent signings or projected depth charts. I think as free agency approaches, that picture will become clearer but I'm going to mock from now on based on what I know and what is concrete (aside from some trades, of course).
My player selections are based off of the most comprehensive player ranking system available on the web at CBSSports.com who has partnered with NFLDraftScout.com. NFL Draft Scout ranks 2,715 players, and I feel they do the best, most in-depth work when it comes to ranking players. Unlike Scout's Inc., NFL Draft Scout ranks players based on a projected round instead of a numerical value. I like that also about them, so if you're questioning why I have a player picked in a certain round, you can reference NFL Draft Scout on CBSSports.com.
The realism of my mocks has been questioned in the past, and I think this is all important to note before you go ahead and check out my picks. For those of you who question whether my picks are a "wish list" or "not realistic", I challenge you to disagree with the most comprehensive ranking system out there. Not that you can't make a strong case against a particular ranking or selection, but these guys have put together a list of nearly 3,000 players, so I'm going to defer to them when it comes to value of picks.
Another thing I've added for those who disagree with the realism of my picks is a reach system based on NFLDS rankings. If a player has a "-" sign before his reach number, it means the Broncos took the player before he was projected to be picked in this particular ranking system. If a player has a "+" sign before his reach, it means I selected him after NFLDS thought he would be off the board.
You might also be surprised to see one particular face on each of my mock drafts. If I'm going with this ranking system, I have no reason not to assume this specific player will not be there. I have also done a few complete NFL mock drafts in the last couple of days, and I think there is a better chance this player will fall than not. If you don't already know who I'm talking about, you haven't been on these threads all that much.
Without further adieu...
Mock With No Trades
First Round, 10th overall: Rolando McClain, ILB, Alabama (NFLDraftScout.com #11) -1 reach
6'4" 256
Many times I have said that McClain will not be available to the Broncos when they pick at 10 or 11, but I would be foolish not to consider it as an option. This is one of the deepest drafts I have seen in recent memory, so it's certainly possible, even probable that the Broncos will be able ot select a top five talent with the 10th/11th pick this year.
McClain is an outstanding talent, plain and simple. He is the best linebacker prospect in this draft, and wouldn't you know it nobody ahead of the Broncos has a real pertinent need for a middle linebacker. McClain has rare size and speed for the position, and was extremely productive his three years at Alabama. Here is a bit from NFLDraftScout.com:
LB Rolando McClain won the Butkus and Jack Lambert awards, was a first-team All-American and the SEC Defensive Player of the Year. McClain took on head coach Nick Saban's persona on the field, constantly coaching and driving his teammates to be in the right position to make the big play. He finished with 101 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, and four sacks.
"He's the old NFL size for a linebacker. Today's linebackers are 6-1 or 6-2 and about 230 pounds, so he's going to be a bigger version of that. He's got (Chicago Bear) Brian Urlacher size, which is a rarity, and he can run. He's smart. "He ran a system (at Alabama) that's tough to run. The fact that he can be a middle linebacker and run the show is impressive. Every defensive coordinator is going to want a player like that." He's versatile. "You can line him up inside or outside, or weakside. He can even be a rusher." The scout said McClain doesn't have any real negatives, though "his speed is OK, not great." If there's a potential weakness, it's in pass coverage. "Can he play man-to-man against an NFL tight end like Antonio Gates?" the scout asked, before offering a probable solution. "He had so many (pre-snap) responsibilities (at Alabama)," the scout said. "He'll have so much more time to study game plans. He won't have to worry about the 20-hour rule anymore. It'll be all football."
http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/140064/rolandomcclain.jpg
Second Round, 45th overall: Jordan Shipley, WR, Texas (NFLDraftScout.com #69)
6'0" 190
Third Round, 80th overall: Cam Thomas, DL, North Carolina (NFLDraftScout.com #76) +4 reach
6'4" 331
Fourth Round: Tony Moeaki, TE, Iowa (NFLDraftScout.com #105) roughly +1 reach
6'4" 255
Sixth Round: E.J. Wilson, DL, North Carolina (NFLDraftScout.com #209) roughly +15 reach
6'3" 289
Seventh Round: Erik Cook, C, New Mexico (NFLDraftScout.com #259) roughly -30 reach
6'6" 320
Mock With Too Many Trades
First Round, 10th overall: Rolando McClain, ILB, Alabama (NFLDraftScout.com #11) -1 reach
6'4" 256
First Round, 12th overall (from Miami for Elvis Dumervil): Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma State (NFLDraftScout.com #9) +3 reach
6'2" 220
First Round, 14th overall (from Seattle for Brandon Marshall): Dan Williams, DL, Tennessee (NFLDraftScout.com #24) -10 reach
6'2" 329
Second Round, 37th overall (from Washington for Chris Kuper): Maurkice Pouncey, G/C, Florida (NFLDraftScout.com #35) +2 reach
6'5" 318
Second Round, 45th overall: Navorro Bowman, OLB, Penn State (NFLDraftScout.com #50) -5 reach
6'2" 235
Third Round, 76th overall (from Miami): Cam Thomas, DL, North Carolina (NFLDraftScout.com #76) +4 reach
6'4" 331
Third Round, 80th overall: Amari Spievey, CB, Iowa (NFLDraftScout.com #93) -13 reach
6'1" 190
Third Round, 84th overall (from Cinncinati for Tony Scheffler): Jacoby Ford, WR, Clemson (NFLDraftScout.com #142) -58 reach
5'9" 185
Fourth Round (from Seattle): Tony Moeaki, TE, Iowa (NFLDraftScout.com #105) roughly no reach
6'4" 255
Fourth Round: John Jerry, OG, Ole Miss (NFLDraftScout.com #126) roughly no reach
6'5" 330
Fifth Round (from Houston for Brandon Stokley): LeGarrette Blount, RB, Oregon (NFLDraftScout.com #164) roughly no reach
6'1" 245
Sixth Round: E.J. Wilson, DL, North Carolina (NFLDraftScout.com #209) roughly +15 reach
6'3" 289
Seventh Round: John Skelton, QB, Fordham (NFLDraftScout.com #216) roughly +20 reach
6'5" 245
(Additional 3rd round pick in 2011 acquired from Seattle in Marshall trade)
Official Predictions as of 2/15/10
**Brandon Marshall traded to Seattle Seahawks for 1st round pick (14th overall), future 3rd round pick (2011), and 4th round pick
**Tony Scheffler traded to Cincinnati Bengals for 3rd round pick (84th overall)
First Round, 10th overall: Rolando McClain, ILB, Alabama (NFLDraftScout.com #11) -1 reach
6'4" 256
McClain, if available, would be the leader of our defense (pending his health) for the next decade plus. He has every tool you look for in a linebacker prospect, and reminds me a lot of a bigger Patrick Willis. A bigger Patrick Willis? Scary. This guy takes over for Andra Davis, and provides the Broncos with the top young ILB duo in the NFL with McClain and D.J. Williams.
http://newsone.com/files/2009/12/rolandomcclain_medium.jpg
First Round, 14th overall (from Seattle): Dan Williams, DL, Tennessee (NFLDraftScout.com #24) -10 reach
6'2" 329
If we have only one first round pick, I'm not sold on taking Williams at 10/11 overall. If we have two first round picks? I love his range as a nose tackle prospect, and I think he can become a starter from day one for us. For those reasons alone, some will question me for not wanting him if we only have one pick, but I just don't see the value with the #10 pick. At 14 and with McClain already on board, I think Williams is the perfect compliment.
http://a.espncdn.com/photo/2009/1106/ncf_u_williams_600.jpg
Second Round, 45th overall: Jordan Shipley, WR, Texas (NFLDraftScout.com #69) -24 reach
6'0" 190
Without another pick until #80 overall, I see Shipley as a bit of a reach here, but a necessary one. He fits everything that is the mold of a McDaniels player from what we've seen in his short time here in Denver. Shipley has great versatility, he is a QB's best friend, and he is very smart. He is not the prototypical #1 receiver we might try and look for, but I seem to remember McDaniels going after a smaller player in the 2nd last year to be an eventual starter.
http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/pt/photos/2008/10/081018_NS_18texaslede01gm.jpg
Third Round, 80th overall: Amari Spievey, CB, Iowa (NFLDraftScout.com #93) -13 reach
6'1" 190
Maybe a bit of homerism here being an Iowa fan, but I really think the Iowa coaching staff teaches the same types of things the Broncos are looking for in players. They take great pride in each and every player displaying some kind of versatility. In addition to shutting down one side of the field this past season, Spievey was a decent return man for the Hawkeyes, though his performance against Indiana almost cost them the game. Spievey is raw, but great value here in the third round. I love his pro potential.
http://marcmwm.files.wordpress.com/2009/03/amari.jpg
Third Round, 84th overall (from Cincinnati): John Jerry, OG, Ole Miss (NFLDraftScout.com #126) -42 reach
6'5" 330
Possibly my biggest reach in the draft, but I think Jerry will climb above a fourth round grade by the time the Scouting Combine has finished (though I'm not sure how much weight the Combine really holds for offensive lineman other than showing up in shape). Jerry is a massive mauler on the interior offensive line, and he would provide excellent depth for us. I could also see him competing with Seth Olsen for the starting left guard spot.
http://cdn1.sbnation.com/entry_photo_images/28652/john_jerry_large.jpg
Fourth Round (from Seattle): Tony Moeaki, TE, Iowa (NFLDraftScout.com #105) roughly no reach
6'4" 255
Another Iowa guy, another very quality player. Moeaki is probably my favorite pro prospect coming out of Iowa this year. His injury history is cause for concern, and quite honestly the only reason he will fall to this round. He is a very capable blocker, and he is an excellent receiver. He has great vision after the catch, though he doesn't have blazing speed. He has reliable hands, but could stand to be a bit more willing going across the middle.
Fourth Round: Dezmon Briscoe, WR, Kansas (NFLDraftScout.com #115) roughly no reach
6'3" 200
Another great value. I could see Briscoe going as high as the third round, but just going with the ranking system I think the Broncos would love to add him here. The second of two Big 12 receivers to come aboard this offseason, I really like Briscoe for his deep play ability, and he deceptive quickness. He is a very solid prospect who will go largely unnoticed in a deep pool of receivers.
Sixth Round: E.J. Wilson, DL, North Carolina (NFLDraftScout.com #209) roughly +15 reach
6'3" 289
Very underrated pass rushing defensive end who has the size and athleticism to play either end position in the 3-4 defense. Known for his pass rush skills and leadership, Wilson brings great depth and value at this point in the draft. This is probably my biggest reach so far assuming he will last to our sixth round pick as a +15, but like I've said before, in such a deep crop of players any can fall.
Seventh Round: Erik Cook, C, New Mexico (NFLDraftScout.com #259) roughly -30 reach
6'6" 320
This guy will be underrated on draft day, and he will stick on our roster. I love Sharpe as a Tack's scouting report on him, which you should all check out as soon as possible in his center prospect rankings. This guy will be a steal. He is one of two center prospects that I could actually see starting for this team, though I wouldn't bank on it in 2010. He will rise up the depth charts quickly.
http://blog.lib.umn.edu/maasx003/Vikings/images/ryan_cook.jpg
