:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/45661308/usa-today-8317461.0.jpg)
The offseason is in full swing for the Denver Broncos, and that has resulted in the focus of Broncos Country to shift towards free agency and the draft and what the team has to do to improve in 2015. Each Monday leading up to the NFL Draft our friend Dan Kadar of Mocking The Draft will release a new mock draft. This week he included a second round, and has the Broncos addressing the trenches on both sides of the ball.
Here is who Kadar has the Broncos taking in the first round of his latest mock draft.
Round One: Maxx Williams, Tight End, Minnesota
With tight ends Julius Thomas and Virgil Green hitting free agency this offseason, the Broncos will need to look for a replacement. Also with Gary Kubiak bringing his run first offense that utilizes the tight end, the Broncos will be on the lookout for a tight end this offseason.
More Mock
Kadar believes Minnesota tight end Maxx Williams will be the guy who replaces Thomas in the offense.
Like the Cowboys, the Broncos could be faced with choosing between two offensive skill players. For the Broncos it's wide receiver Demaryius Thomas and tight end Julius Thomas. If they can't afford the latter, Williams could be brought in and become the team's starter. Playing on a run-heavy college team in Minnesota, Williams didn't get a lot of targets. But he made the most of them, averaging almost 16 yards per catch this season.
William's is a 6'4 250lb pass catching tight end from the University of Minnesota. He is a speedy tight end who can beat safeties and linebackers much like Thomas did. Williams can do damage after the catch and showed playmaking ability at Minnesota.
One of William's best traits is his success in key moments and in the red zone. 82% of William's catches were for either a first down or touchdown. He extends well and goes all out for catches, and is just a red-zone weapon.
He does have some negatives though. He doesn't have an NFL body and needs to spend some time in the gym. He's a little stiff in his route running, and his doesn't cut well because of this.
William's biggest weakness is his blocking. While he does give an honest effort to stay engaged with his man he lacks the push to be a good in-line blocker in the next level.
Bottom line is that William's is a solid pass-catching tight end who could help replace Julius Thomas's production in the offense if/when he signs elsewhere this offseason.