:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/31900581/20131207_mje_aw3_1973.0.jpg)
All of the major experts and a few unknown writers populate this list, which just goes to show that even the major media types really don't know all that much more than the rest of us. It just comes down to having a firm grasp of the draft class, while also how tuned in you are with the needs and thought process of each team in the NFL Draft.
MHR Mock Draft (7 Rounds)
MHR Mock Draft (7 Rounds)
For starters, I'll list the Top 15 mock drafters as averaged over the last 5 years and who they are mocking to the Denver Broncos from their latest publication. Then I'll populate a table of the Top 10 mockers from 2013 and list out who is the most popular player being mocked our way by these experts.
Note: Not all of the top mockers have submitted a mock draft for 2014 yet, so this table will grow as we get close to Draft Day.
Check out Scotty's latest mock draft too. Let's see how he measures up against the pro's below.
Top 5 Year Average Mock Drafters |
||
| Ranking | Mocker | Broncos Selection |
| 3 | Ben Standig | Jason Verrett, CB, TCU |
| 4 | Dan Kadar | Ryan Shazier, LB, Ohio State |
| 5 | Mel Kiper Jr. | Jason Verrett, CB, TCU |
| 7 | Doug Martz | Ryan Shazier, LB, Ohio State |
| 9 | Scott Wright | Stephon Tuitt, DE, Notre Dame |
| 11 | Al Fronczak | Xavier Sua-Filo, OG, UCLA |
| 13 | Luchene & Mecino | Kyle Fuller, CB, Virginia Tech |
| 15 | Ryan McCrystal | Kony Ealy, DE, Missouri |
| 15 | Ken Zalis | Ryan Shazier, LB, Ohio State |
2013 Top Mocker Drafters |
||
| 5 | Brad Clark | Ryan Shazier, LB, Ohio State |
| 7 | Matthew Jones | Kony Ealy, DE, Missouri |
| 8 | Rob Staton | Chris Borland, LB, Wisconsin |
| 10 | Cody Benjamin | Bradley Roby, CB, Ohio State |
Mock Draft Positions Review
1. Linebacker
The obvious choice for the Broncos in the 2014 NFL Draft is at inside linebacker. I certainly agree with that general assessment and I am sure nothing would please John Elway more than to have every single one of the top inside linebackers on his board fall to him at the end of the first round. The venerable Al Wilson was also taken #31 overall way back in the day, and guys like Ray Lewis were taken late, so it is not out of the realm of possibility to nab a future all-pro player at the tail end of the first round.
As for value, I would much rather nab Ryan Shazier at #31 as he grades out 27th on SB Nation's big board, while a guy like Chris Borland is at 97th. I'd prefer to get a first round type of player, but if all of the first round guys disappear by the time the Broncos come up to bat, then I guess a late second round reach on Borland wouldn't upset me to much.
2. Cornerback
The cornerback position is not as big of a need, but with the loss of both Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and Champ Bailey, it makes sense to pick up a guy who can play in the slot position. Three of the top five ranked cornerbacks from the 2014 Draft Class have been mocked to the Broncos in this database, but which one likely fits what Elway and company are looking for?
Right off the bat, Jason Verrett does not strike me as the type of guy to play successfully in a Seattle Seahawks style muggings defense. However, both Bradley Roby and Kyle Fuller look the part, with Roby having the slight edge in physical play and Fuller with his maturity and aptitude for the game. I would be happy with either pick.
3. Defensive End
I suspect some of these were pre Demarcus Ware, but it doesn't matter as you can never have enough quality players in the trenches. Out of the two names that showed up in these mocks, Stephon Tuitt looks like the kind of player that could compete on Day 1, while Kony Ealy may need a year or two to find his NFL legs. He would likely fit more inside than outside in the Broncos 4-3 and with Terrance Knighton likely to cost to much when his contract is up it would be a nice way to fill a potential hole after the 2014.
Overall, I would be somewhat disappointed if either of these guys were drafted by the Broncos if a couple of the other names above were still on the board. More so if it was Ealy rather than Tuitt.
4. Offensive Guard
The worst pick on the draft board here is Xavier Su'a-Filo. I do think this is a position of need, but for the love of God do not fill it in the first round. I would prefer to see Elway pick up a guard in the middle rounds and roll with the talent already on the roster. Peyton Manning gets the ball out so quickly that it doesn't really make sense to waste a top draft choice at this position.