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With the 207th pick, the Denver Broncos snatched up Matthew Paradis, a center out of Boise State. It appears offensive line is a major depth issue, which is something we all kind of knew after last season. After this selection, John Elway has pretty much addressed that issue heading into training camp.
We've picked C Matt Paradis from Boise St. A smart, versatile player who was leader of OL. Was a Bronco in college and will stay a Bronco!
— John Elway (@johnelway) May 10, 2014
NFL.com had this to say:
STRENGTHS: Engages quickly. Plays on his feet. Generates movement in the run game. Seeks to bury defenders. Strong 6-inch punch. Good hand placement. Firm base in pass protection. Plays with leverage to bend and slide. Alert to stunts and blitzes. Tough and competitive. Terrific intangibles, including leadership traits -- humble, hardworking and highly respected.
WEAKNESSES: Is not big-framed and body is nearly maxed out. Could stand to improve weight-room strength. Average athlete for the position. Might be stressed by larger, more powerful wide-body nose tackles. Falls off blocks when he bends at the waist. Questionable long-term durability (hip).
BOTTOM LINE: A converted defensive lineman and former walk-on, Paradis is a stoutly built, intelligent, hard-nosed overachiever who will make it difficult for coaches to cut him.
New #Broncos center Matt Paradis (@two_dice) stands 6-3, weighs 306 lbs and was Second-team All-Mountain West in '13. pic.twitter.com/pSIVBmmFt0
— Jon Heath (@JonHeathNFL) May 10, 2014
Elway has addressed all of the Broncos pre-draft needs having picked up a cornerback, wide receiver, a few offensive linemen and an inside linebacker. Four of those five positions selected saw starters leave for other teams during free agency. So mission accomplished there, now they can afford to pick whoever might intrigue them.
They have one more pick left today, which is late in the 7th round with pick #242. Could it be a quarterback?
Broncos Country, what do you think about this pick?
Broncos 2014 Draft Picks | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Rd | Pk | Player | Pos | Ht | Wt | College | Grade |
1 | 31 | Bradley Roby | CB | 5'11" | 194 | Ohio State | A- |
2 | 24 (56) | Cody Latimer | WR | 6'3" | 215 | Indiana | A- |
3 | 31 (95) | Michael Schofield | OT | 6'6" | 301 | Michigan | C+ |
4 | 31 (131) | Traded to Bears | |||||
5 | 16 (156) | Lamin Barrow | ILB | 6'1" | 237 | LSU | N/A |
5 | 31 (171) | Traded to 49ers | |||||
6 | 31 (207) | Matt Paradis | C | 6'3" | 306 | Boise State | N/A |
7 | 27 (242) | Corey Nelson | LB | 6'1" | 226 | Oklahoma | N/A |
7 | 31 (246) | Traded to Bears |