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Horse Tracks: Broncos reportedly missed out on Daryl Smith and Evan Dietrich-Smith

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By Scotty Payne
Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports

Broncos Still Shopping?:

According to Mike Klis the Broncos were pursuing Linebacker Daryl Smith, and Center Evan Dietrich Smith but they both decided to sign somewhere else Friday.

Daryl Smith signed a four-year, $16.1 deal with the Baltimore Ravens, and Dietrich-Smith signed a four-year, $14.25 million dollar deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Klis goes onto say that the Broncos "might" turn their attention Brandon LaFell, James Jones or Miles Austin to replace Eric Decker.

Brandon LaFell was connected to the Broncos a few days ago, but nothing has come of it as of yet.

Some Guards/Centers the Broncos could target are Travelle Wharton, Willie Colon, Davin Joseph, Brian De La Puente and Ryan Wendell.

Looking Ahead To The Draft:

Gray Caldwell of Denver Broncos.com provides us with a neat article that gives us a look around the Internet at draft pundits' latest first round projections for the Denver Broncos in May's NFL Draft.

DenverBroncos.com independent analyst Andrew Mason: Oregon State WR Brandin Cooks

There are plenty of directions in which the Broncos could go, but if Derek Carr drops in the draft -- and he is still on the board in this mock -- then the Broncos' phone will be buzzing with trade-down offers. Nevertheless, if Cooks is on the board, he's tempting. The 5-foot-10, 189-pounder can help immediately on returns, and brings a different element -- a darting, breakaway threat -- to the offense.

ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr.: Wisconsin LB Chris Borland

Free agency rears its head. I actually had the Broncos taking a pass-rusher here initially, but the addition of DeMarcus Ware -- and I hope he stays healthy -- makes change an option. If you look at only the physical profile, you wouldn't consider Borland a first-round pick, but the tape tells another story. Borland isn't just a clean-up tackler, he's an instinctive attacker of the backfield, and a relentlessly instinctive player who can get on the field right away and make plays. I know for a fact there are teams that have him with a Round 1 grade. We'll see.

ESPN's Todd McShay: Missouri DE Kony Ealy

Ealy is a versatile defensive lineman who would be a good value pick here. He is a better pass-rusher than a run-stopper. Like most teams right now, the Broncos have some uncertainty along their defensive front entering free agency, with a couple of unrestricted free agents and Von Miller recovering from a torn ACL. Ealy would help fill that need.

Sports Illustrated's Doug Farrar: Timmy Jernigan

The addition of Terrance "Pot Roast" Knighton was huge for the Broncos in 2013 — literally and figuratively. And it was impressive that Denver made the Super Bowl with several defensive starters affected by various injuries. Of course, that has a lot to do with Peyton Manning, but if Manning can’t repeat his historic season in 2014, more will be expected of the defense. Jernigan would be a great addition, providing pressure ability inside and strength against the run.

Sports Illustrated's Don Banks: Ohio State CB Bradley Roby

The Broncos could use a boost in their edge rush capability, with Auburn defensive end Dee Ford looking like a late-round fit. But the secondary in Denver is even more of a pressing need, and there's still plenty of talent to choose from at cornerback. Roby's game had some holes last season, but he's got the speed and fluid stride that teams are always willing to take a chance on, and he's big and physical enough to handle press coverage.

NFL.com's Chase Goodbread: Minnesota DT Ra'Shede Hageman

Hageman was impressive at the Senior Bowl, and fills needs up front for Denver.

NFL.com's Matt Smith: Vanderbilt WR Jordan Matthews

I know they have needs on both lines, but there's too big a drop in the position groups by the time they pick. Eric Decker is gone, and Matthews looks "plug and play."

NFL.com's Bucky Brooks: Alabama LB C.J. Mosley

John Fox would like to field a faster, more athletic defense in 2014. Mosley is an instinctive defender with the speed and quickness to roam as a sideline-to-sideline playmaker.

NFL.com's Charles Davis: TCU CB Jason Verrett

Ran 4.38 in the 40-yard dash, had a vertical jump of 39 inches and had the best footwork of the cornerbacks in Indy. I am not worried about his size.

NFL.com's Daniel Jeremiah: Kony Ealy

Ealy ran slower than expected but he plays much faster on tape and his versatility is very appealing.

CBS Sports' Rob Rang: Notre Dame DT Stephon Tuitt

Since John Fox took over with the Broncos, Denver has built their defensive line with the selections of Von Miller, Derek Wolfe and Sylvester Williams as well as the addition of defensive tackle Terrance Knighton in free agency but don't expect that to keep the team from gambling on a player with Tuitt's length and upside should the gifted defender fall into their lap at this point.

CBS Sports' Pete Prisco: Ohio State LB Ryan Shazier

He would bring much-needed speed to the linebacker group.

CBS Sports' Dan Brugler: Kony Ealy

Injuries put a hurting on the Broncos' pass rush last season and Denver must develop depth in the front seven. Ealy has first-round tools and with some pro coaching, he should continue to blossom.

CBS Sports' Pat Kirwan: Stephen Tuitt

The Broncos could use a big man who can play anywhere across the defensive front. These types of players are hard to find in later rounds.

CBS Sports' Will Brinson: Kony Ealy

Despite being incredibly close to a Super Bowl championship, the Broncos have plenty of holes to fill, particularly on defense. Ealy might be a steal at this point and can immediately improve their pass rush.

Fox Sports' Peter Schrager: Alabama S Ha Ha Clinton-Dix

The Broncos are likely still licking their wounds from the beating they took in Super Bowl XLVIII. Clinton-Dix is fluid in his footwork and can level the boom in the open field. Denver's defensive backfield got by last season, but it's by no means the deepest part of the roster. Nice addition at No. 31 overall.

Obviously some of these Mock Drafts were posted pre-Free Agency, but it appears the current favorite for the Broncos at pick 31 in the first round is Missouri's defensive end Kony Ealy.

Even after the signing of DeMarcus Ware, the Broncos are lacking some depth at the DE position with Robert Ayers, Jeremy Mincey, and Shaun Phillips all leaving via Free Agency.

What prospects would you like the Broncos to take in the first round?

The Broncos Honor Longtime PR Man Jim Saccomano:

Friday night at Sports Authority Field at Mile High, hundreds gathered to celebrate the 36-year career Jim Saccomano.

Broncos President Jim Ellis had some nice words to say regarding Saccomano.

"One constant that has stayed with us is Jim Saccomano," Ellis said. "And he's played an instrumental role."

"On behalf of (Owner and CEO) Mr. (Pat) Bowlen and our entire organization, I want to thank you and tell you how much we appreciate your 36 years of tremendous service."

Saccomano witnessed 876 Denver Broncos games, 27 Super Bowls worked and he had four Broncos books published during his 36 year tenure.

Here's a small sample of Saccomano said during his celebration.

"There have been far more accomplished people who have been Broncos, and there have been far more deserving people honored by the Broncos," Saccomano said. "But there have been none prouder to be honored by the Broncos. I will truly be a Bronco for life."

We at Mile High Report would like to thank Jim Saccomano for his 36 years of service that he put forth for the team and it's loyal fans.

Horse Tracks:

  • Mile High Report sits down with potential first round pick, receiver Brandin Cooks. Does the electrifying prospect think the he'll be selected by the Broncos in the first round of May's NFL Draft.

    Watch the video     here.
  • With the bulk of the Denver Broncos Free Agent signings being over with, NFL.com's Daniel Jeremiah breaks down the needs for the Broncos as the 2014 NFL Draft approaches.
  • Mike Klis of The Denver Post gives us some details about the deal the Broncos offered to Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. Did DRC really turn down a six-year, $54 million dollar deal from the Broncos?
  • Newly signed pass rusher DeMarcus Ware hopes to mentor Von Miller on and off the field. Miller who has recently had some issues off the field could use the mentoring from a future Hall Of Famer.
  • Former Denver Broncos cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie is visiting both New York football teams. First the Jets, then the Giants.
  • DenverBroncos.com shares a highlight video of newly signed pass rusher DeMarcus Ware. It gives Broncos fans an idea of what to expect from Ware on Sunday's.
  • Cecil Lammey tweeted out yesterday that the Broncos have a private workout scheduled with Wyoming Quarterback Brett Smith. Also people who attended the Pro Day have said that the Broncos and a few other teams have "serious legitimate interest" in the Wyoming quarterback.

    Check out Mile High Reports Draft Interest Tracker to keep up with what prospects the Broncos have shown interest in.

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