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Mel Kiper and other media members grade the Broncos 2013 draft

B wary of premature draft grades.

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Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports

Mel Kiper - ESPN

Summary: Sylvester Williams was one of the better values of the first round. I could have seen him go as high as No. 14 to Carolina, and Denver got him all the way down at No. 28. (In fact, I felt it really hurt the Cowboys, who could have taken him at No. 31.) Denver is a good team, so getting a potential impact starter in Round 1 is good value. Defensive tackle was one of the top needs I had for the Broncos. Where they need more, however, is in the pass rush after losing Elvis Dumervil. Quanterus Smith could be a sleeper, but he won't help the pass rush in 2013 between the jump in competition and recovery from an ACL tear last season. Montee Ball has a lot of wear on the tires, but why should we be worried about his playing career window when Peyton Manning is at this age. Denver needs to win now; I had RB among its needs and Ball transitions easily. Kayvon Webster is technically a need pick at CB, but he was a big reach. I had him ranked No. 34 among corners, and they took him in Round 3. Tavarres King could help if he can become more consistent, and Zac Dysert can get better just hauling Manning's luggage around. Grade: B-

USA Today

DT Sylvester "Sly" Williams fell into their laps at No. 28 and should step into the starting lineup. Second-round RB Montee Ball could be a clock killer, while their final choice, QB Zac Dysert, might just push QB Brock Osweiler behind Peyton Manning. And if you missed it, the pass rush got some help with the arrival of veteran Shaun Phillips. GRADE: B

Sports Illustrated

It sort of goes without saying since immediate draft grades are pure guesswork, but I have no clue what will happen with this Denver class. DT Sylvester Williams ought to see plenty of run, but is RB Montee Ball going to fit in this offense? Will DE Quanterus Smith come back healthy? What’s with that third-round pick of CB Kayvon Webster? Interesting draft here, to say the least. Grade: C-plus

Denver Post

They signed free agent Shaun Phillips to beef up the pass rush. First-round draft pick Sylvester Williams is a walk-in starter at DT, even for a 13-3 team. RB Montee Ball will get plenty of carries and DE Quanterus Smith should contribute. CB Kayvon Webster is a fast, tough player, but he was a reach in the third round. Grade: B

Mile High Report Community

Last but certainly not least, we gave you the opportunity to grade the Broncos draft. Grade it you did -- over 1,000 of you responded via poll and graded the Broncos draft. Over 60% of you gave the 2013 Broncos draft a B. Less than 2% of those responses were for negative drafts of D or F -- the rest went to the C and A grades. And just in case you hadn't submitted your grade yet, that same poll is below. Grade: B