EDITOR’S NOTE — 850 KOA’s Mike Rice checks in with his thoughts on the quarterback and defensive back prospects for the 2012 NFL Draft.
The NFL Draft is upon us.
Thank goodness.
By now, all the talk and speculation are wearing a bit thin. Despite that, I will take a final look at a couple of positions and offer some thoughts about what the Broncos might do or should do.
In case you have not seen them, please be sure to check out the great draft previews that my colleagues here are DenverBroncos.com have put together. They recently looked at quarterbacks and defensive backs.
QUARTERBACK
We know right now, Peyton is Da Mann. But it is not too early for the Broncos to begin thinking about who their next great quarterback might be. Undoubtedly, they are looking. And they need to be.
After Andrew Luck, Robert Griffin III and Ryan Tannehill, do the Broncos have enough interest in someone like Brandon Weeden (Oklahoma St.), Brock Osweiler (Arizona St.), Nick Foles (Arizona) or guys of similar ilk?
John Elway has consistently said that he likes bigger quarterbacks who are also athletic. We also know that he wants a guy who can win games throwing the ball from the pocket. So those are some of the big picture criteria the Broncos are looking for in whomever they might draft at this position.
It is an interesting situation that raises several questions.
One, do the Broncos really like any of the guys behind Luck, RG3 and Tannehill enough and believe he could be the quarterback of the future?
Two, if they do like one of the other guys, how high are they willing to take pick him? I would think it would have to be in the second or possibly third round.
BOTTOM LINE: If the Broncos draft a quarterback, it is strictly for the future. My hunch is that the Broncos want to take a quarterback and see if he can develop behind Manning. I believe they will do that.
DEFENSIVE BACK
The Broncos have already shuffled some things in the defensive backfield by signing free agent Tracy Porter and releasing Andre Goodman.
We know that the cornerbacks on the roster right now include Champ Bailey, Tracy Porter, Chris Harris, Ramzee Robinson, Syd’Quan Thompson, Cassius Vaughn and Tony Carter.
For the most part, I see the Broncos being set at this position. Getting Vaughn and Thompson back from injuries will be huge. They are both young and talented. One figures they will be contributors. Chris Harris emerged nicely last season as a college free agent.
Safety is more interesting. Brian Dawkins is retiring. They will miss his contributions, both on the field and in the locker room. The Broncos signed free agent Mike Adams. Great move there. They also have David Bruton, Quinton Carter and Rahim Moore. Those are the only safeties on the roster. They will need to bring in another one or two. It is a physical position and a demanding position.
One guy to keep in mind is Mark Barron from Alabama. His name pops up in various locations in mock drafts and could be taken as high as the middle part of the first round. Some people think he will go sometime in the 20s.
If the Broncos stay put at 25, he might be there.
BOTTOM LINE: I expect the Broncos to draft a safety but I am guessing it will happen in the middle or later rounds.
OVRALL DRAFT THOUGHTS
I cannot get away from the distinct possibility that the Broncos will trade out of the first round. The more I have thought about this, the more I hope it happens unless one thing transpires.
There are a lot of really good players on the board in those rounds and the Broncos could fill multiple needs by doing this.
What do you want to see the Broncos do this weekend?
Thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts. Enjoy the draft!
Best,
Mike
Tags: Mike Rice
See you LBF and BFE
TRB last call to make your pick. If not Ill do it.
Hey I might be leaving my house in 20 mins, so I’d be using my phone hopefully it works… I’ll let you know when I’m leaving and if my phone works
Ok VDB.
Since no TRB Pick.
The Vikings select Andre Branch DE Clemson.
Myself and Buccs are on the clock.
Buccaneers select Lamar Miller RB Miami (Fla)
Wow…lots to fill in now!
Myself and the Browns are on the clock
Browns select Brandon Weeden QB Oklahoma State
Mike and the Jaguars are now on the clock.
New it!
Knew it knew it knew it
With the 38th Pick in the Draft the Jags Select:
Jeff Allen, OT, Illinois
Vikings need a pass rusher opposite Jared Allen. Branch plays a lot like Allen the will put pressure on opposing QBs.
Buccs need another LB Millers speed and Blount size and strength will be a good duo.
Browns They need a QB and need one now. Weeden although older brings maturity and leadership to the team.
VDB and the Rams are on the Clock
Whenever we get to a TRB pick I will ask if one of yall wanna take it. If not I will.
ok
VDB and the Rams are on the clock…
with the 39th pick the Rams select:
Jerel Worthy DT Michigan St.
Last call VDB you and the Rams are on the clock. if you dont make it it will be made by someone else.
Just in time VDB lol.
Im trying to speed it up.
Panthers and I are on the clock.
sorry for taking a bit was going to the bathroom, anyways…
The Rams take Worthy to fortify a D-line that was absolutely horrendous against the run.
Great value there with Worthy
With the 40th pick the Carolina Panthers select
Alshon Jeffery WR South Carolina.
Bigger WR target for Newton opposite Smith.
Mike and the Bills are on the clock.
With the 41st pick the Buffalo Bills Select:
Casey Hayward, CB, Vandy
I knew that pick was coming love the combination and I hope to see it for years
Wow Mike nice surprise.
Your on the clock now with the Dolphins Mike
AB…I was taking him soon…good pick!
Casey Hayward is one CB that I hope falls in the Broncos lap…
With the 42nd Pick the Miami Dolphins Select:
Vinny Curry, DE, Marshall
If Denver dont get Jones I want them to get Curry.
VDB and the Seahawks are on the clock.
with the 43rd pick the Seattle Seahawks select
Devon Still Penn State DT
With the 44th pick the chiefs take
Jonathan Martin OT Stanford
Chiefs shore up their oline moving Brandon Albert inside. Young line in front of Tannehil can be dominant for years.
Devon Still Kendall Reyes and Brandon Thompson are still DTs on the board.
Along with some good Oline talent.
Dang Jonathon Martin is a STEAL
Lol never mind
Mike and the Cowboys Eagles Jets and Patriots are all on the clock one after the other lol
With the 45th Pick in the Draft the Dallas Cowboys Select:
Brandon Taylor, SS, LSU
Had Devon Still for Eagles…gimme a second.
sub in Brandon Thompson?
bout to shake it up! No Haters please!
With the 46th Pick in the Draft the Philly Eagles Select:
Brandon Thompson, DT, Clemson
I already don’t like the Patriots, so nothing will change..
With the 47th Pick in the Draft the NY Jets Select:
Courtney Upshaw, DE, Alabama
wait.. you were the Eagles… DARN YOU EAGLES!! *sends hate mail*
With the 48th Pick in the Draft the New England Pats Select:
Kirk Cousins, QB, Michigan State
BOOM! Reach? Yep! Love it!
Sorry bro, i f orgot this was still going on lol
WOW Lol never would happen they have 2 QBs this is not hate btw
I know…if this was a 3 rounder I would have taken him then….Fun though!