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The modern NFL Draft history goes back to 1967, when the AFL and the NFL merged in order to form a more perfect union, I mean sport for the masses. In 1970, interleague play was adapted with the forming of the AFC and NFC with 13 teams in each conference. 1976 brought about the addition of franchises in Tampa Bay and Seattle, bringing the NFL to a 28-team format.
Since that 1976 expansion, 32 players have been selected with the No.28 overall pick. One ended up in the Hall of Fame (Darrell Green, Washington).
The Broncos have only drafted in the 28th position once before this year. They selected Trevor Pryce in the 1997 NFL Draft.
By position, the 28th pick in the history of the Draft has favored the Defensive side of the ball. It breaks down like this:
OFFENSE -13 players
- Centers - 2
- Guard - 0
- Tackles - 2
- Tight Ends - 3
- Wide Receiver - 1
- Running Backs - 3
- Full Back - 1
- Quarterback - 1
DEFENSE - 19 players
- Defensive Ends - 5
- Defensive Tackles - 2
- Linebackers - 4
- Defensive Backs - 8
The game has altered quite a bit since 1976, due to changes in coaching philosophies and the rulebook. Examples of this include Pass Interference and the importance of the Left Tackle in the modern Offense. To adjust for those numbers, I offer another sample:
Since the Broncos chose Trevor Pryce in the 1997 NFL Draft, the 28th pick has been made up of
- Linebackers - 2
- Defensive Backs - 4
- Defensive End's - 4
- Tight End's - 2
- Tackle - 1
- Center - 1
- Running Back - 1
Still decidedly Defensive heavy.
Perhaps that is why many of the pundits currently have the Broncos drafting on that side of the ball with their first Draft pick this April.
| PUNDIT | PLAYER | POS. | SCHOOL |
| Bucky Brooks | *Sharrif Floyd | DT | Florida |
| Daniel Jeremiah | Ezekiel Ansah | DE | BYU |
| Charles Davis | *Zach Ertz | TE | Stanford |
| Gil Brandt | Johnthan Banks | CB | Mississippi St. |
| Albert Breer | John Jenkins | DT | Georgia |
| Josh Norris | Sylvester Williams | DT | No. Carolina |
| Dan Kadar | Johnthan Banks | CB | Mississippi St. |
| Rob Rang | *Sharrif Floyd | DT | Florida |
| Dane Brugler | *Tyler Eifert | TE | Notre Dame |
| Walter Cherebinsky | *Bennie Logan | DT | LSU |
| Mel Kiper | *Xavier Rhodes | CB | Florida St. |
There are a lot of Underclassmen in that group. From what I've read about Xavier Rhodes, I think he projects more to the Safety position. He doesn't have blazing speed, but positions well and is a good tackler.
If the Broncos choose to go the Cornerback route, I would like to see them take Johnthan Banks if both players are on the board.
Of course I would be just as happy with a Defensive Tackle or a Middle Linebacker.
But it's still early and we are just beginning this quest of new talent for our favorite team.
Go Broncos!
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