Broncos Six-Pack: Breaking down the Broncos' top draft prospects

MHR's Denver Broncos Mock Draft Database is a ridiculously cool tool -- one I've always wanted to create myself. You're a click away from seeing who experts and media think the Broncos are targeting and ultimately will draft in 2013, in a format that lends itself to analysis and speculation.

So let's analyze and speculate. For this week's Broncos Six-Pack, I'm looking at the Top 6 Players mock-drafted to the Denver Broncos by pundits and analysts. I'm grading them on value at the 28th spot and need on the roster -- an extension of my recent Need vs. Value poll.

(Also, sorry for not having a Six-Pack last weekend... I was away on business most of the week).

Without further ado, pull up a chair and an ice chest to boot. It's Six-Pack time.

6. Johnathan Hankins, DT, Ohio State

6% of Broncos Mock Drafts

The scoop: Johnathan Hankins (6-3, 320) is a space-eating, run-stuffing nose tackle with enough speed and flexibility to swing outside at times.

The value at 28: Poor. Hankins is regularly ranked in the 2nd round. In fact, Mike Mayock has him graded 58th overall -- right where the Broncos would draft in the second round.

The need/fit: The Broncos don't have a true nose tackle, or even a large defensive tackle with these physical qualities. Hankins boasts the attributes and talents we know defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio values in a defensive lineman, so the pick could make sense if the Broncos have him ranked higher than average Big Boards.

5. Desmond Trufant, CB, Washington

8% of Broncos Mock Drafts

Scoop: Desmond Trufant (6-0, 190) is brother of NFL cornerbacks Marcus and Isaiah, Trufant had solid production in college but really elevated his stock through Senior Bowl and pre-draft workouts.

Value: Good. Trufant is considered the third or fourth best cornerback in the draft, and is a consistent first round pick, often off the board before the Broncos pick.

Need/Fit: Yes. The Broncos don't have a long-term plan at cornerback beyond hoping Champ Bailey doesn't retire. Adding a talented defensive back will push guys like Chris Harris and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie in what would be Trufant's rookie season.

4. Datone Jones, DE, UCLA

8% of Broncos Mock Drafts

Scoop: Datone Jones (6-4, 283) is a long-limbed DE/OLB 'tweener who broke out in his senior season and rocked workouts to earn first round draft grades. Jones is fast off the snap, displays impressive hand work, and has a good frame with room to grow.

Value: Appropriate. Jones is considered a late first round pick.

Need/Fit: The Broncos have a need at Defensive End, but do the Broncos want to spend a first round draft pick on a one-year wonder? He has impressive size, but the closing speed is lacking. Comparisons to Robert Ayers will turn Broncos fans off.

3. Damontre Moore, DE, Texas A&M

8% of Broncos Mock Drafts

Scoop: Damontre Moore (6-4, 250) is a versatile prospect who lined up both at end and linebacker for the Aggies in his career, on both sides of the line, and still got after the quarterback. An extremely productive player (21 tackles for loss in 2012), Moore is also a 'tweener/hybrid with room to grow should he fill the role of DE in the NFL, which he would with the Broncos. Reuniting Moore with fellow Aggie Von Miller would have to be fun for both of them.

Value: Okay. After poor combine and pro day showings, there is some disparity to how Moore is ranked. Some have him in the mid-first round, while some have him in the mid-second or beyond.

Need/Fit: Moore sounds and looks like a good fit for the Broncos. He's versatile, a good pass rusher, and is even formidable holding the edge against the run. Whether the Broncos draft him will likely depend on how much weight they put into his workout results this spring.

2. Bjoern Werner, DE, FSU

10% of Broncos Mock Drafts

Scoop: Bjoern Werner (6-3, 268) is a physical presence. When teammate Brandon Jenkins exited the Seminoles lineup due to injury after the first game in 2012, many expected Werner's production to drop off as he received more double teams. Instead Werner still tallied 13 sacks in 2012 -- none of which came off the blitz. Werner simply beat his man, 13 times.

Value: Very good. It would be surprising to see Werner fall to 28, given his rank, but he has obviously fallen this far in some mocks. Werner is considered the best or second-best defensive end in the draft.

Need/Fit: The fit is virtually perfect. Werner projects as a right defensive end with a decent pass rush repertoire and better rush defense capabilities than Elvis Dumervil.

1. Tank Carradine, DE, FSU

24% of Broncos Mock Drafts

Scoop: Cornellius "Tank" Carradine (6-4, 276) was Werner's teammate, and had a breakout year in 2012 replacing Jenkins in the lineup. Ultimately, Tank was injured as well, dropping him from a clear first round prospect into the 2nd or 3rd rounds. His best weapon may be his explosiveness off the snap -- a trait that Von Miller has perfected and can appreciate.

Value: Debatable. A week ago, selecting Carradine at 28 would have seemed a reach. But his stock has risen since his workout last weekend, where he ran a 4.75 forty time. His impressive recovery from an ACL injury in November has some experts placing him back in the first round.

Need/Fit: Carradine is a high risk/reward pick. The floor is lower than some other prospects, while the ceiling is higher. The Broncos could use his physicality and renowned instincts, but he's so inexperienced he just simply may not be ready to make an impact at the NFL level.

How do you see the draft panning out, Broncos fans? Will Werner or Trufant be available at 28? Among those listed here, are they the best players on your board? If not in either case, who should the Broncos take?