There haven’t been many changes atop the mock draft boards since we first Watched the Mocks on Jan. 21, and checked back in on Jan. 28.
Several updated mocks have popped up, including Todd McShay’s for ESPN.com, Peter Schrager’s for FoxSports.com, and Rob Rang and Chad Reuter’s for CBSSports.com.
All four stuck with their original picks from the first batch of mock drafts.
Said McShay of his prediction of Auburn DT Nick Fairley:
“The Broncos are likely to transition to a four-man front under new head coach John Fox and defensive coordinator Dennis Allen. They finished last in the NFL with 23 sacks last season, so upgrading the pass rush is a major priority. Bowers would be a possibility if available and Alabama’s Marcell Dareus makes sense, but Fairley’s specialty is wreaking havoc in opposing backfields (24 tackles for loss, 11.5 sacks in 2010), and he has the elite tools to become an every-down impact player as an under tackle in a 4-3 front.”
Schrager on his choice of LSU CB Patrick Peterson:
“A playmaker both on defense and in the return game for Les Miles’ Tigers, Peterson could be the heir apparent to the top corner spot in Denver. With Champ Bailey set to become a free agent, the all-2000s cornerback’s days in Denver could be over. The offense in Denver, believe it or not, was pretty good in 2010. Tim Tebow appears to be the quarterback of the future. Yet, John Fox has needs all over his new defense. Elvis Dumervil returns from an injury that cost him his 2010 season to add punch to the front seven, and there are some nice young pieces there. Adding Peterson as a lockdown corner will help the woeful, aging defensive backfield immediately.”
Rang’s thoughts on picking Fairley:
“The Broncos haven’t invested a first-round pick on a true defensive lineman since 1997 (Jarvis Moss and Robert Ayers, defensive ends in college, were moved to OLB). The hiring of John Fox means that the Broncos will be switching back to a 4-3 defense. Considering they finished dead last in the NFL with a measly 23 sacks, this pick will almost certainly be a defensive lineman. Clemson defensive end Da’Quan Bowers is a consideration here but with 2009 NFL sacks leader Elvis Dumervil returning from injury and the Broncos hopeful that Ayers will give them something, the team may instead look inside. Fox was able to get Julius Peppers, another talented, but enigmatic defensive lineman to play at a high level. Fairley is the most talented player in this draft and fills a clear area of need.”
Reuter on sticking with his prediction of Peterson:
“Champ Bailey has not been re-signed, and if he departs Peterson will be expected to fill that gaping hole.”
-Gray Caldwell, DenverBroncos.com
Didn’t get to start and then McD thought it would be a good idea to put him on KR (dumb) so he didn’t play many series even when in the game. Played well at the start of the year though. Just needs time and a chance, and I think he will get pity with the pending lockout and the rebuilding phase we are in.
B Marsh = MEMEMEMEME followed by $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
i thought you would get the info on that for me bay…hahaha
Thomas played in 10 games and started in two.
I have to like someone before I do research for them, I guess maybe I’m starting to like you, LOL.
True BA. Pouncey did hurt his ankle but everyone gets banged up. He only missed one game (unfortunately the most important one). Just seemed liek DT has been injured since he got in the league (actually he was when we drafted him). Anyway, nice talking to you bro. boutta head out. Cheers, TRB out…
No Probs TRB catch you around.
Thomas’s injury is sounding more like a tear with a 6-8 month recovery, but he won’t be 100% (if he ever gets back to that) for quite some time.
Honestly I don’t really care all that much what his recovery time will be since he has yet to really produce for us, I’m on TTD’s side.
Giving the chance to contribute and start I think he is the best WR we have.
I’ll let you know in two years…
Man, we really have done an incredibly outstanding job of drafting first round pick players who don’t contribute for the first two years of play, just saying.
yeah two years and we will know, same with some of our other guys like Tebow.
I know, Moreno has been ok, but the others need to step up and that include Tebow. Hoping for some serious defense this year.
We probably own some type of NFL record in that regard over the last few drafts, how terribly sad.
And I include Moreno.
Good to hear haha and i agree bay… i will give him some time but not going to hold my breath!!!
Dinner time here, later lad.
Like I said he has been ok and contributored, but he hasn’t been great like AP or CJ great, he never will be, but I think with the right system (ZBS) and offensive lineman he will be a solid 1000 rusher.
Laters
Who will be our 1st. round pick this draft? Any thoughts ?
Peterson, Fairley, Bowers, Dareus and Green are probably the options.
You’re joking right? All that typing for the last two months from many of us regarding that particular subject and you missed it all…
My guess is that Dawkins and Bailey are out along with Thomas and Larsen and I think that everyone of the DT should be worried. I would like to see them use Orton to gain a key Def. player like a safety and a draft pick. My guess would be that there are enough QB hungry teams right now to get a great deal. I hope they take Patrick Peterson as the 1 round pick to help replace Bailey. If they are able to get a second first round pick I would like to see them get Mark Ingram or Julio Jones to seal the deal on the offensive side and take Marcell Dareus for a second pick to add extra beef on top of Elvis’s return. Anyways just my thought on possible top picks and trades.
As far as cam newton not going in the first round remember no one thought Tim tebow would be a first round pick either.
I should rephrase that not every one thought Tim tebow would go in the first round