FanPost

Bye Week Boredom: A 2017 Draft Preview

Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Good lord, it's not even Sunday and I'm already experiencing withdrawals from Broncos football. You mean I have to actually watch and root for my Fantasy Football players? Gah. Anyways, I've applied all of the football knowledge I've accrued by not playing the sport for six years and slapped together a draft that would make even the best GM's blush (from secondhand embarrassment, most likely.) Let's get into it. Note: These draft positions are taken from Fanspeak's Mock Draft. If I was in charge, Denver would be picking at 32nd, but I'm not, so they aren't.

Round 1, Pick 26: OT Ryan Ramczyk, Wisconsin

BOOOOOO HISS WISCONSIN. Alas, Ramczyk is one of few decent OT choices in this draft, and it's no secret that the Broncos offensive line isn't exactly a top-flite unit. Ramczyk has been solid at left tackle for the Badgers, but he could fill in amicably on the opposite end of the line if called upon. Donald Stephenson has been subpar more often than not, and if Denver chooses not to pick up Russel Okung's option, he could step in and protect the QB's blindside. If he doesn't return for another year in Madison, Ramczyk is an easy first round pick.

Round 2, Pick 26: DL Charles Walker, Oklahoma

Walker had been a force for the Sooners until he left the program on November 15th; in part to prepare for the NFL Draft, and partly because the Sooners program is run by egotistical dial tones. He has the size to collapse the pocket and the quickness to set the edge in the run game. Denver spent a high pick on Adam Gotsis last spring, but the decline in rush defense and assumed departure of Sylvester Williams make this pick an easy one.

Round 3, Pick 26: LB Azeem Victor, Washington.

Victor recently suffered a season-ending injury, but a clean break with no soft tissue damage makes it easy (relatively speaking) to come back from. He is a force in the run game with adequate coverage skills that can be improved on, sure, but worked well enough for Washington.

Round 3, Pick 33: G Billy Price, Ohio St.

Price has been solid for a Buckeyes team that leans heavily on the run game. Garcia has been up and down this season, and while Schofield has shown some improvement since his transition to guard, there is yet room for improvement on the interior of the offensive line. Price offers exceptional run blocking expertise.

Round 3, Pick 36: CB Quincy Wilson, Florida

In the real world, Wilson will almost certainly be gone before the end of the third round. If he IS here, as he is in this particular draft, Elway needs to snag him without a second thought. Wilson has three interceptions on the year with a pick-six, 21 tackles, and a sack to boot. Denver still has Bradley Roby and Lorenzo Doss under contract after this season, but adding a solid cover corner to soften the loss of Aqib Talib in the next couple years is a good play.

Round 4, Pick 26: EDGE Deatrich Wise Jr., Arkansas

Wise is a solid defender for the Razorbacks, tallying 38 tackles and 3.5 sacks on the year with a forced fumble and three passes defended. He can play the run and rush the passer when called upon, and is similar in size to Denver's own Derek Wolfe (ten pounds lighter, give or take.)

Round 5, Pick 32: WR Fred Ross, Mississippi State

Ross has been an above average receiver for the Bulldogs, tallying 664 yards and 9 scores thus far this season. He has the speed to take the top off of a defense a la Denver's own Emmanuel Sanders and could potentially have the chops to give Denver the kick returner they have lacked in recent years.

Round 6, Pick 18: TE Jeremy Sprinkle, Arkansas

Another Razorback comes off the board. I think Denver gives Heuerman another year to develop while riding Green and Derby, but Sprinkle's value is too good to pass up here. He is a decent blocker while having 295 yards and 4 touchdowns receiving on the year. (Also, I would like to demand royalties from whatever joke Jon Gruden makes about loving Sprinkles on his ice cream. It's inevitable.)

Round 7, Pick 26: S Demetrious Cox, Michigan St.

Cox's strength is in run defense, but he still holds 56 tackles and a pick-six on the season for the Spartans in what has been a down year for the team. He is a solid player of value at this point in the draft. Denver isn't hurting for depth with Justin Simmons and Will Parks on the roster, but Cox could provide for the team sooner rather than later.

Round 7, Pick 34: OT Storm Norton, Toledo

I know, I know, two tackles in one draft seems odd, but Denver could use the depth. Stephenson, as mentioned earlier, is not as consistent as many had hoped he would be, Sambrailo seems more apt to play guard, and Okung is anchored on the left side if he remains with the team at all. Norton's physical attributes (6'8" and 306 lbs.) are undeniable, and would give Denver an all-conference talent with tremendous upside, however raw.

Feel free to sound off on this draft in the comments below! Did I hit the areas of need? Are there other talents you would rather see drafted? Should I stick to yelling at my television every time Dennison calls a boneheaded play?

This is a Fan-Created Comment on MileHighReport.com. The opinion here is not necessarily shared by the editorial staff of MHR.