In one of the more memorable fiascos of any NFL off-season, the Denver Broncos parted ways with star pass rusher Elvis Dumervil, who eventually signed on with the Super Bowl champs in Baltimore. Now, Denver is in need of a pass rusher opposite arguably the game's best edge rusher in Von Miller.
Team | Player | Position | Height | Weight | Class |
58. Denver Broncos | Corey Lemonier, Auburn | DE | 6'3" | 255 | JR |
Kyle Montgomery: "The Denver Broncos showed in 2012 what qualities they care about most in a defensive lineman. The Broncos traded down, down, down, out of the first round entirely, and drafted Derek Wolfe with their top overall pick. Wolfe was renowned for his relentless motor through four quarters of football, qualities that translated into a successful rookie campaign for the hybrid defensive tackle/defensive end. "When it comes to a high motor, Auburn defensive end Corey Lemonier is touted much the same way. Lemonier is a long-armed, quick-off-the-snap defensive end - qualities the Broncos will look for in trying to fill the void Elvis Dumervil left on the team. He has great physical tools with room to grow, and while his snap awareness and hand use need work, those are coachable qualities. Lemonier is a prospect built to succeed. "Some have Sam Montgomery rated higher than Lemonier, but Montgomery’s admission of taking plays off makes him a less valuable candidate to the Denver Broncos. John Elway and company showed last year that they value tenacity just as much as, if not higher than, technique." |
Here's our own Dan Kadar to break down the pick:
Lemonier has a lot of impressive natural physical gifts, but he’s raw. At this point, he’s getting drafted more on potential than immediate production. Lemonier’s gifts are pretty obvious. He’s a long-limbed, quick-twitch end with a good burst off the line of scrimmage. He has a lot of the traits seen in top-level pass rushers. But he drops for a couple reasons. His technique and handwork need improvement. If he’s to stick as an end, and not play outside linebacker, he’ll have to get stronger at the point of attack. He has a frame to fill out from his current 255 pounds to the 270-pound range. His success in the NFL as a defensive end may depend on it.
We've got one more pick coming your way this afternoon, with the New England Patriots and Pats Pulpit set to pick at 3PM ET.
Top 5 players remaining
# | Player | Pos. | College | Ht. | Wt. |
37 | John Jenkins | DT | Georgia | 6'4" | 346 |
39 | Jamie Collins | LB | Southern Miss | 6'3" | 250 |
40 | Gavin Escobar * | TE | San Diego State | 6'6" | 254 |
43 | Khaseem Greene | LB | Rutgers | 6'1" | 241 |
51 | Justin Hunter * | WR | Tennessee | 6'4" | 196 |
2013 SB Nation NFL writers' mock draft results
Broncos picks
Rd | # | Team | Player | Pos. | College |
1 | 28 | Denver Broncos | D.J. Fluker | OT | Alabama |
2 | 58 | Denver Broncos | Corey Lemonier | DE | Auburn |