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According to NFL Network's draft analysts Daniel Jeremiah and Bucky Brooks, the Broncos ideal first and second round picks in the 2017 NFL Draft are Utah offensive tackle Garett Bolles and Youngstown State edge rusher Derek Rivers.
Garett Bolles finished with the No. 2 run-blocking grade in the nation at 83.9.https://t.co/eEN0GqsbXB
— PFF College Football (@PFF_College) March 25, 2017
Bolles has been a popular pick for the Broncos leading up to the draft and Jeremiah notes Bolles run blocking skills as a reason why they should spend their first-round pick on the very athletic tackle.
Jeremiah on Bolles: Denver has to continue to address its need on the offensive line. Bolles is athletic and has a nasty, physical demeanor. They want to run the football in Denver, and Bolles can help the Broncos get it done.
Bolles is a 6-5, 297lb tackle who is considered one of, if not the top tackle in the NFL Draft and someone who the Broncos may strongly consider with their first-round pick.
His athletic traits and nastiness on the field make Bolles an attractive pick for the Broncos, but his age(Will be a 25-year-old rookie) and rawness make him a risky selection. You can check out my full thoughts on Bolles here.
The second round selection made by NFL Network's Bucky Brooks is the most interesting selection in this piece. The big 6-4, 248lb edge rusher would provide the Broncos with a young replacement for the recently retired DeMarcus Ware.
Brooks on Rivers: The Broncos are looking to replace DeMarcus Ware, and Rivers can help in that effort. I'm impressed with his first-step quickness, motor and burst. He can be a terrific player off the edge.
The Broncos still have All-Pro Von Miller at edge rusher and expect former first-round pick, Shane Ray to take over for Ware in the starting lineup. The talented Shaquil Barrett is still on the team and will rotate in for Von and Ray during the game as well.
So they're pretty set and the edge rushing position, but it never hurts to have as much depth as possible at one of the more important positions on the Broncos roster.
Rivers would give the Broncos a high effort player who is explosive off the snap and has a good natural bend to his game. He practiced and performed well during the Senior Bowl and tested well during the Scouting Combine, so he definitely worthy of this pick. I just believe the Broncos would go in another direction in the second round. Running back, tight end, offensive tackle/guard, defensive line, inside linebacker, and corner will all be in play for the Broncos second round pick.
With that said, I wouldn't be against making the Broncos young a deep edge rushing unit even younger and more talented.