With the 2012 NFL draft a mear two days away, I present my Official Mock Draft for the Denver Broncos. The past few months has helped to solidify projected draft positions, players and potentential team needs. Per the most recent interview Elway has stated:

"Any time you go into a draft, you think your first and second picks – even into the third round – are going to come in and be an impact on your football team." In addition Elway said that the team is open to trading its pick, and while it would prefer to move back, is open to making any deals that would help the team.

Given this information we can assume the Broncos are obviously looking for IMPACT players in the first few picks that can contribute in Year 1 in various ways (i.e. starter, sub packages, 3rd down, special teams, etc.). This could indicate a relucatance to reach for a pick based on need and being open to trading down to obtain additional ammunition. This may especially be true now that the league has announced an increase in the roster size from 80 to 90 players, which provides more roster space during camp.

Poll

DBronx777 OFFICIAL 2012 MOCK DRAFT - Do you love it or hate it?

54%

Love It!

128 votes

4%

Hate It!

10 votes

41%

Mehhh... Don't quit your day job.

97 votes

235 votes | Poll has closed

Continue reading this post »

This actually started out as comment to Horse Tracks (which I look forward to each day, nice work as always NYC), but after listening to the things that Eddie Royal was discussing I decided it was worthy of its own post. I watched the entire Rookie Symposium clip, in which Eddie Royal was a guest on the panel that featured 5 second year players. It provided some great insight into the day-to-day sacrifices and challenges that players and rookies in particular need to overcome in order to be a quality NFL player.

Of course being a die hard Broncos fan, the thing that most interested me was the remarks made by Number 19. Eddie provided some interesting and unscripted comments about the Broncos, Brandon Stokley, Brian Dawkins, and of course himself.

Continue reading this post »

DBronx777 2009 Mock Draft

I don’t think BJ Raji will make it to the Broncos first round selection given that he is probably the second most talented defensive player behind Aaron Curry. Much to Bronco fans dismay it also appears that Tyson Jackson is flying up the draft boards and I can see why.  He is a very sound football player and will be a solid contributor to whichever team drafts him. This could all be pre-draft hype and Jackson could fall to #12, in which case the Broncos quickly draft him.

 If Jackson were to fall, I would take him as my first pick and Ron Brace as my second round selection to fill the need at NT. However, for the sake of argument both Jackson and Raji are gone by the 12th pick in the first round. Based on those assumptions here is my mock draft (note – I’m not a Big Ten or Ohio State fan, even if the draft looks that way).

 

1st Round (# 12 overall) – Malcolm Jenkins – CB, Ohio State (6’ 204 lbs)

He is the best defensive back in this draft and was named All-Big Ten three time and a back-to-back All-American in 2007 and 2008. Many question his speed, but he plays faster than his 40 time indicates (4.54) and at this point there he is simply the best player available with the #12 overall pick. Three straight seasons of 47 tackles or more, 17 pass break ups and 11 career interceptions – two for touchdowns. Despite defending the other team’s best receiver, in 49 games as a Buckeye he never allowed a touchdown reception. He also has the ability to return punts and has blocked 3 kicks which should make him an excellent special teams performer at the next level. A hard worker and team leader (captain), he can come in and start at nickel right away.

 

1st Round (#18 overall) – James Laurinaitis – LB, Ohio State (6’2" 244 lbs)

One of the most fundamentally sound football players in the draft and continues to be dismissed by the MSM after returning for his senior year. Three time All-American and All-Big Ten, 2008 Big Ten Defensive POY with more collegiate awards than Michael Phelps has gold metals; Laurinaitis is the epitome of a hard-nosed football player. A tackling machine with over 360 career tackles and averaged of 10 per game his senior year (4 sacks, 7 TFL). James can come into camp and immediately contribute as a defensive starter at the inside linebacker position and be solid special teams player. He is the best player available at a position of need.

 

2nd Round (#48 overall) – Jarron Gillbert – DT/ DE, San Jose State (6’5" 288 lbs)

With the inability to address the defensive line early in the draft the Broncos turn to an impressive physical specimen with great quickness (4.87 40 yd dash) to fill the void. Extremely strong and dedicated he is an ideal fit for DE in a 3-4 scheme, with the flexibility to drop inside in 4-3 alignments. In 2008 he was an All-American, All-WAC for the second time, Co-Defensive POY, team MVP and a team captain. His senior year he yielded eye-popping stats with 52 tackles, 22 TFL for 116 yards, and 9.5 sacks. A great value in the second round given his skill set and fills a huge need on the Broncos front line. Should be able to contribute at the DE position from day one, either starting or rotating.

3rd Round (#79 overall) – Fili Moala – DT/ NT, USC (6’4" 305 lbs)

One of the top three nose tackles coming out of the draft this year, he is a good value in the early part of round three and fills a major area of need for the Denver Broncos. While his stats are not incredible impressive, all three USC linebackers that were drafted earlier should thank Fili for allowing them to roam free and make plays. In his senior season USC allowed just 87 yards per game on the ground. The cousin of Haloti Ngata, he is a an ideal nose tackle that has no problem taking on double teams and playing his role on the defense. He will play a similar role for the Broncos and should be able to contribute to the DL rotation his rookie year. 

 

3rd Round (#84 overall) – Rashad Johnson – S, Alabama (5’11" 203 lbs)

The best safety in the SEC, he walked on to Alabama and was a rare two time team captain for the Crimson Tide. In 2008 was All-SEC and defensive POY for the SEC racking up 89 tackles (second on the team), 5  INTS, 11 pass break-ups and 5 TFL. He has good speed (4.53) and great instincts, an overall solid football player. A quality player and quality person, Johnson should be able to contribute on special teams and provide depth and learn behind our two veteran safeties.

4th Round (#114 overall) – Mike Thomas – WR, Arizona (5’8" 195 lbs)

A smaller receiver that projects to play in the slot at the next level, however he is not drafted to fill the slot position. It is his return ability that make him the 4th round pick for Denver, allowing for Eddie Royal to focus on the #2 WR spot. He is an explosive returner for both punts and kick-offs with Darren Sproles type size, speed and shiftiness. A very athletic player, he ran the 40 in 4.4 seconds and amassed 1,648 all purpose yards with touchdowns receiving, rushing and returning in 2008. But make no mistake, he can catch the ball. He holds the PAC-10 record for receptions at 259, 8th in receiving yards (3,231) and 4th in Arizona history for career yards (4,891). Another drafted player who can contribute on special teams and make a serious impact to field position. He should also be able to contribute in specialty packages and multiple wide receiver sets.

5th Round (#149 overall) – Roy Miller – DT/NT, Texas (6’1" 310 lbs)

Roy Miller is extremely strong (500 lbs bench, 690 lbs squat, 350 lbs power clean) and played against quality competition his entire career. A four year starter at Texas, he anchored the defensive line and allowed players like Orkapo to flourish. In 49 games he combined for 138 tackles, 25 TFL, and 10 sacks. In 2008 he was All-Big 12 with 49 tackles, 11 TFL, and 5.5 sacks. Not an explosive pass rushing, penetrating defensive lineman; he excels at taking on blockers and stuffing the run. Perfect for Denver’s new 3-4 scheme, he should be able to contribute to the rotation.

6th Round (#185 overall) – Mitch King – DE, Iowa (6’2" 280 lbs)

We have already filled our need for a Defensive End, however we find that Mitch King falls right into our laps in the sixth round. A classic over-achiever with below average size, we simply cannot pass up this high motor, strong, intelligent player. All-Big Ten and an All-American in 2008 he notched 54 tackles and 15.5 TFL. We will convert him from DT to DE in our scheme.  

7th Round (#225 overall) – Bear Palasco – TE, Fresno State (6’5" 251 lbs)

You just have to love a guy with the name ‘Bear’ and that in itself is enough to use a 7th round pick on the guy. I won’t repeat the numerous great points that have been made by various other posters (who have sold me on him by the way). He is tough physical player who can fill then #2 blocking TE spot that Tony Scheffler can’t seem to handle. He will contribute on special teams, in double tight running/ goal line formations and can catch the occasional pass to run someone over. He will quickly become a fan favorite for his toughness and relentless style of play. The Broncos can never have too many of these type of players.

7th Round (#235 overall) – Ian Johnson – RB, Boise State (5’11" 212 lbs)

Blessed with good speed (4.46) and instincts, we find a Kevin Faulk type player that will contribute primarily on special teams with the hope he can develop into a rotational running back. Like most of our picks in the 2008 draft he has outstanding character and is a team first player. He is 4th all time in rushing yards with 4,174 and first in touchdowns with 57 in the WAC.

 

Let me know your thoughts and comments...