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
With the 49th pick the Sandiego Chargers Select
Harrison Smith SS Notre Dame
Slides nec=xt to Eric Weddle to make a formidable Saftey tandem. Also the only Caucasian saftey tandem in the NFL
Ok TRB I made your Vikings pick for you. Andre Branch DE clemson. But you can take your teams back. lol
LAX Smith is off the board.
Harrison Smith is off the boards
I took Harrison Smith Long ago!
NOOOOOO lo
and you make fun of MY picks!
Update whitney mercilus available?
Nope he went long ago.
nope
1.Andrew Luck (Colts)LAX
2.RGIII (Redskins)LAX
3.Morris Claibourne (Vikings)TRB
4.Justin Blackmon (Browns)AB
5.Luke Kuechley (Buccs)AB
6.Matt Kalil (Rams)VDB
7.Stephon Gilmore (Jags)Mike
8.Michael Floyd (Dolphins)Mike
9.Fletcher Cox (Panthers)AB
10.Trent Richardson (Bills)Mike
11.Ryan Tannehill (Chiefs)LAX
12.David Decastro (Seahawks)VDB
13.Melvin Ingram (Cardinals)VDB
14.Michael Brockers (Cowboys)Mike
15.Mark Barron (Eagles)Mike
16.Quinton Coples (Jets)Mike
17.Doug Martin (Bengals)AB
18.Cordy Glenn (Chargers)LAX
19.Stephen Hill (Bears)TRB
20.Dontari Poe (Titans)VDB
21.Kendall Wright (Bengals)AB
22.Dre Kirkpatrick (Browns)AB
23.Janoris Jenkins (Lions)TRB
24.Reilly Reiff (Steelers)AB
25.Chandler Jones (Broncos)LAX
26.Whitney Mercilus (Texans)TRB
27.Shea McCellin (Patriots)Mike
28.Nick Perry (Packers)TRB
29.Dont’a Hightower (Ravens)AB
30.Kevin Zeitler (49ers)VDB
31.Harrison Smith (Patriots)Mike
32.Coby Fleener (Giants)VDB
Round 2:
33.Reuben Randle (Rams)VDB
34.Peter Konz (Colts)Lax
35.Andre Branch (Vikings) AB
36.Lamar Miller (Bucs)AB
37.Brandon Weeden (Browns)AB
38.Jeff Allen (Jags)Mike
39.Jerel Worthy (Rams) VDB
40.Alshon Jeffery
41.Casey Hayward
42.Vinny Curry
43.Devon Still
44.Jonathon Martin
45.Brandon Taylor
46.Brandon Thompson
47.Courtney Upshaw
48.Kirk Cousins
Chargers selct Bruce Irvin OLB WVU
Nice choice LAX
The Bears and TRB are on the clock
TRB your on the clock bro.
Test from my phone
Got ya lima charlie VDB
Bears Select OT Mike Adams OSU
We picking for TRB>??
With the 51st Pick in the 2012 NFL Draft the Philly Eagles Select:
Derek Wolfe, DT, Cincy
LAX has the pick. Adams.
Eagles are on the clock
VDB and the Titans are on the Clock
Titans select lavonte david
Cincinnati Bengals select Ronnel Lewis LB Oklahoma
Who wants this Lions pick?
kelechi osemele og ISU
I’ll take it!
LAX you and the Falcons are on the clock.
Mike you can have the Packers and Ill take the Texans.
Dwayne Allen TE Clemson
Tony Gonzalez Heir
Man Kendall Reyes is still on the clock.
Pittsburgh Steelers select Billy Winn DE/DT Boise State
LAX and the Broncos are on the Clock
I know…DEEP on DT
Lets see if LAX makes to obvious choice IMO
Denver Broncos Select Kendall Reyes DT UCONN
Young blood is needed along the Defensive front this shores up the D’s one glaring weakness. Best Value at 57
Like it!
Houston Texans select Alameda Ta’amu DT Washington
Houston needs a big presence inside.
Mike your on the clock with the Packers.
Perfect Pick for the Pack:
Billy Winn, DE, Boise State
5 Technique…needed position!
Mike hes off the board. Steelers pick.
FINE!!! Two Seconds PLease
Pack Selects:
Cam Johnson, DE, Virginia
Ravens select Chris Givens WR Wake Forest
Bit of a reach lol
49ers and VDB are on the clock.
Mike I gotta agree with LAX. Especially with having taken Perry DE USC in round 1.
I get where he was going but the Pack could land him in the 3rd and go OL or S there
The 49ers select alamadu ta’amu DT Washington
True enough! Call it me being tired and my notes are a mess now!
LAX you want the 49ers pick?