Broncos Draft

EDIT: Denver acquired the Dolphins 2nd round pick this season, number 43 overall, so I needed to add that in.

The Denver Broncos have 7 picks in this years NFL draft. They are 11, 43, 45, 80, 114, 183, and 220. While not the ideal number of picks, they should be able to fill some gaps in the defense and solidify some other positions. This is a just a guess of who might be taken with these picks by the team.

11. Rolando McClain, LB, Alabama
If he's there, it's the easy choice. Andra Davis is gone, Mario Haggan is a bum, and DJ Williams is just dying by himself. With a much bigger DL in place with free agent acquisitions, a playmaking LB in the Patrick Willis mold just makes perfect sense. I don't know that he's there for me, but I've heard others say he's better than Willis at this stage, which would be incredible.

43. Golden Tate, WR, Notre Dame
This is a bit of a reach, hoping that Tate slips down to this pick. Arrelious Benn has been moving up along with Demaryius Thomas, both of whom may go in the 1st round now. If that happens expect Tate to drop down to the 2nd, where Denver could get a great value. I love his ability and production, and would be excited. Don't be surprised, however, to see Denver package 43 and 45 and move up to get either Maurkice Pouncey or a falling Dez Bryant. I'm excited about this pick.

45. J.D. Walton, C, Baylor
With no true centers on the roster with the release of Casey Wiegmann, the Broncos will need to address this need early. He played at a high level this season, making first team All America, and is big enough to fit in with the new line McDaniels is building. Maybe a reach, but the class drops off after him.

80. Torrell Troup, NT, UCF
With the addition of Jamal Williams the Broncos will be able to groom a project at the NT position. Troup played well in the C-USA, but will need to adjust to the top level. He was 2nd team in the C-USA behind 2nd round prospect Linval Joseph, but isn't quite as ready yet. This is a good spot for him to learn.

114. Riley Cooper, WR, Florida
A speedy, shifty, white WR with good hands. Sounds sorta like a Patriots WR who has been a breakout star. The difference is that Cooper is 6'3", a full 6 inches taller than Welker, and hasn't run the same underneath routes in college that Welker did at Texas Tech. However, with some help from Gaffney he could develop nicely.

183. Reggie Stephens, OG, Iowa St.
I admit I don't know too much about him, but he's 334 lbs. Denver is looking for big guys, and while their OTs are set, they still have room to improve their interior linemen. He's started for 3 years, which is a nice indicator of stability.

220. Cody Grimm, S, Virginia Tech
Had to give the Broncos a Hokie, and Grimm will be one hell of a special teamer. He has experience at LB and S, and plays with controlled fury. He has a knack for stripping the ball, and can really be a boost to any team he goes to. I'll be sad to see him go, but if the Broncos do take him, I'll be first in line with a Cody Grimm jersey.