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Day one of the NFL Draft is in the books and the Broncos came away with quarterback Paxton Lynch. The Broncos traded up with the Seattle Seahawks and gave up their original 3rd round pick(#94) in exchange for Lynch.
Now the Broncos head into day two of the 2016 NFL Draft with their quarterback situation figured out. So now they can focus on their other needs. They could use another defensive lineman to replace Malik Jackson. Maybe another offensive tackle to backup and eventually replace Russell Okung and Donald Stephenson. Possibly another young tight end for Lynch. Also do not rule out a safety and linebacker as well.
There are a lot of quality players left, so the Broncos should be able to get two good prospects today.
Yesterday I had the Broncos trading with the Seattle Seahawks for quarterback Paxton Lynch in my mock, so today's mock will probably end up being terrible.
Check it out below!
First Round - 2016 NFL Mock Draft Results Version 1.0 | Version 2.0| Version 3.0 part one| Version 3.0 part two | Version 4.0
| PICK | TEAM | PLAYER | POS | COLLEGE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
#63 |
Su'a Cravens |
LB/S |
USC |
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Analysis: I'm not sure, but Cravens is really sticking out to me today. The Broncos need depth at safety and linebacker, so why not draft a player who can do both? Cravens is the new age of linebacker. He doesn't have the size to play consistently in a 3-4(6'1", 230lbs) defense, but most teams play in sub-packages today, and that's what Cravens can do. He is a great player in space and can cover running backs and tight ends. That's what Danny Trevathan was asked to do last year, and I think Cravens could be an improvement there.
My gut tells me that the Broncos are happy with what they have at linebacker, but I think Cravens would be too good to pass up here. No, he's not your typical 3-4 linebacker, but the guy is an explosive tackling machine who could step in and contribute right away in the Broncos defense. |
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#98 |
Jihad Ward |
DE |
Illinois |
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Pick Analysis: The Broncos need to find themselves a replacement for Malik Jackson and I think Jihad Ward can be that guy. He has the size you're looking for at defensive end in a 3-4 defense. He is 6'5", 300lbs and has even more room to grow into his frame. He is also a versatile player. He played both defensive end spots at Illinois, and he shifted inside on passing downs. That's exactly what the Broncos will need him to do if they draft him. The Broncos have one of the best defensive line coaches in the game in Bill Kollar, and I think he would love to coach up a player like Ward. He is athletics, strong, and could turn into a pass rushing force with the right coaching. Kollar has coached up J.J. Watt, Derek Wolfe, and Malik Jackson to have their career years under him. I think he could bring out that type of play from Ward. He'll join Derek Wolfe, Jared Crick, Vance Walker, Kenny Anunike and others in the Broncos defensive end rotation.
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