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Rest Of The Broncos Draft:
1. 31. Ryan Shazier, linebacker, Ohio State
Ryan Shazier will be a huge upgrade for the Broncos defense that does not have a starting middle linebacker on their roster. Shazier has top notch speed(ran a 4.37 at his pro-day), he's a tackling machine, and can cover.
The big question is if he's a weak-side linebacker or a Inside linebacker. I believe he can play inside in the Broncos hybrid defensive front. Shazier compares size-wise to Jon Beason who was a first round pick for John Fox's Carolina Panthers in 2007, and he played Inside for Fox. I'm not too concerned about his size.
Film Room:
Ohio St. Vs Clemson 2014 Orange Bowl
Ohio St. Vs. Michigan St. 2013
Scouting Report:
A scouting report from NFL.com
STRENGTHS:
Highly productive, disruptive playmaker vs. the run and pass. Shoots gaps and plays behind the line of scrimmage (compiled 39.5 TFL the last two seasons). Agile to slip blocks. Quick, strong hands to shed. Knifes gaps and flows very well laterally. Striking tackler -- uncoils on contact. Excellent speed and range -- opens up his stride in space and really covers ground. Bends naturally. Changes direction and accelerates with ease. Explosive first step as a pass rusher -- shows the ability to dip, bend and run the arc low to the ground. Ample athleticism and flexibility to mark backs and tight ends. Four-down utility. Arrow is pointing up.
WEAKNESSES:
Lacks ideal size and bulk. Still developing eyes and instincts -- will diagnose and trigger more quickly down the road. Gets caught in traffic or engulfed by larger blockers when he hesitates to step downhill. Prone to overaggressiveness -- occasionally overruns plays or loses cutback contain. Could stand to improve his eyes, awareness, anticipation and reactions as a zone defender. Took some time to acclimate before making an impact.
2. 63. Denver Broncos: Trent Murphy, 6'5 250lbs, DE/OLB, Stanford
Murphy's stock has fallen some while others stock has risen recently so I believe there's a chance he'll be available in the late second round.
Part One
Now you might be thinking, didn't the Broncos just sign DeMarcus Ware? Yes, but they also lost Robert Ayers,Shaun Phillips, and Jeremy Mincey. Murphy would give the Broncos some depth behind Ware, and competition with Q-Smith. Also keep in mind that Von Miller more then likely won't be 100% early in the season, and Ware did come off a injury plaque
Film Room:
Scouting Report:
STRENGTHS:
Naturally big-boned with a good frame to add bulk if desired. Very good instincts. Above-average athlete -- bends fairly well. Good hand use -- can jolt blockers with his punch. Controls the line of scrimmage and consistently outleverages tight ends. Very physical re-routing tight ends at the line. Outstanding motor and sack production -- led the country in sacks (15) as a senior. Tough, smart and hardworking with a throwback personality. Leader vocally and by example. Will hold teammates accountable and represent the program with class.
WEAKNESSES:
Very average weight-room strength. Underdeveloped upper body. Can be folded and neutralized by down blocks against more physical blockers (see Notre Dame). Cannot square up and play honest vs. top power. Has coverage limitations -- is tight and late to transition. More natural moving forward than in reverse. Coverage limitations show up vs. backs. Can be stressed vs. speed in the open field.
3. 95. Denver Broncos: Charles Sims, 6'0 214lbs, RB, West Virginia
The Broncos are heading into the 2014 season some running back depth issues. Montee Ball has never handled full time duty as a pro, C.J Anderson has under 10 career carries in the NFL, and Ronnie Hillman just isn't very good. So the Broncos take West Virginia's Charles Sims
Sims is a very good pass catcher, and is a reliable pass blocker. Those traits right there will interest the Broncos who value those traits with Peyton Manning as their Quarterback.
Film Room:
Ultimate Charles Sims Highlights
Scouting Report:
STRENGTHS:
Quick-footed with first-step suddenness and short-area burst. Fluid and fast -- accelerates in a hurry and shows speed to the edge. Explosive one-cut ability -- understands how to get downhill. Loose lower body with nice ankle flexion to cut sharply. Flashes ability to spin off contact. Soft hands -- catches easily away from his body (had 70 catches as a freshman and averaged more than 10 yards per catch for his career). Creates after the catch. Hardworking and leads by example.
WEAKNESSES:
Does not have an ideal build for the position and durability is a concern -- is narrow with a relatively thin lower body. Needs to bulk up. Relatively tall running style. Can do a better job running behind his pads and converting speed to power. Shows some hip tightness. Average tackle breaker (too often grounded by single tacklers). Ran exclusively out of the pistol/shotgun formation. Has very small hands and carries loosely at times. Lacks elite, top-end "wow" speed
4. 131. Antone Exum, 6'0 220lbs, CB, Virginia Tech
The Broncos added Aqib Talib this offseason, but also lost Champ Bailey and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. Chris Harris is also recovering from an ACL injury suffered in the playoffs. So the Broncos could use another corner as depth.
Exum should go much higher, but is recovering from offseason knee surgery.
Film Room:
Virginia Tech Vs. Clemson 2012
Scouting Report:
STRENGTHS:
Outstanding size, overall thickness and build -- defined musculature with thin ankles. Very smart and articulate. Very good body control and ball skills -- adjusts well in the air. Fluid pedal and movement skill for a 220-pounder. Very good press strength -- hems/disrupts receivers at the line. Versatile -- played first three seasons at free safety and has contributed as a gunner and jammer on special teams.
WEAKNESSES:
Raw technician. Not natural commanding the back end and making coverage adjustments vs. complex schemes. Comes off with an aura of arrogance to some and likes to do things his own way.
5. 171. Tyler Larsen, 6'4 313lbs, Center/Guard, Utah St.
The Broncos could use some depth along the interior part of the offensive line, and Larsen could be that guy. Even after signing Will Montgomery the Broncos still could use depth upfront.
Film Room:
Scouting Report:
STRENGTHS:
Excellent size -- sheer mass to wall off. Generally holds his ground. Can sit and anchor and replace his hands. Good awareness. Consistent gun snaps. Was a rock for the Aggies -- started 51 career games.
WEAKNESSES:
Has short arms and struggles to sustain. Not explosive or powerful. Very average athleticism and flexibility to maneuver and torque. Limited lateral quickness to slide and recover. Too easily tossed aside and cannot recover. Slow-footed -- struggles to cut off fast flowing linebackers. Not a nasty mauler.
6. 207. Denver Broncos: Avery Williamson, 6'1 246lbs, Linebacker, Kentucky
The Broncos are lacking depth at linebacker, and could another. The Broncos have had some great success in picking former Kentucky linebackers late in the draft in the past(Wesley Woodyard, Danny Trevathan) so why stop now?
He'll offer depth early and contribute on special teams.
Film Room:
Scouting Report:
STRENGTHS:
Good size. Plays with a good, wide base. Very productive tackler. Outstanding personal and football character -- works hard, is accountable and commands respect. Smart, understands the game and can make all the calls and on-field adjustments.
WEAKNESSES:
Average athletic ability and foot quickness -- is a step late to the perimeter. Struggles to disengage from blockers once he is locked up. Limited cover range and reactions -- is late to recognize and gets sucked up by playaction. Average functional strength. Is not a take-on thumper.
7. 246. Denver Broncos: Matt Hazel, 6'1 198lbs, WR, Coastal Carolina
Hazel would be a developmental prospect for the Broncos who could latch on as the fifth receiver, or stick on the Practice Squad.
Film Room:
Coastal Carolina Vs North Dakota St
Scouting Report:
STRENGTHS:
Good functional football-playing speed. Accelerates off the line and can create separation. Tracks the deep ball well, contorts his body in the air and can make difficult catches look easy. Can create after the catch and make the first defender miss on bubble screens out of the slot. Willing blocker -- displays surprising toughness for his size to mix it up with linebackers. Fared well vs. better competiition (see South Carolina). Comes from a very supportive family and has strong personal and football character. The game is very important to him.
WEAKNESSES:
Not physically strong with a lean body build, small hands and short arms. Can be knocked off routes by tight press coverage. Average strength and elusiveness after the catch. Looks for a landing spot before contact (hears footsteps). Alligator arms appear in traffic and bodies the ball along the sideline. Shows some tightness in his body coming out of breaks and routes could use more refinement.
A Broncos Mock Draft Results
- 31. Ryan Shazier, LB Ohio State
- 63. Trent Murphy, DE/OLB Stanford
- 95. Charles Sims, RB West Virginia
- 131. Antone Exum, CB Virginia Tech
- 171. Tyler Larsen, C/G Utah State
- 207. Avery Williamson, LB Kentucky
- 246. Matt Hazel, WR Coastal Carolina