EDITOR’S NOTE — 850 KOA’s Mike Rice checks in with his thoughts on the running back and linebacker prospects for the 2012 NFL Draft. DenverBroncos.com previewed some of the players available at those positions. Click here for the running back preview and click here for the linebacker preview.
There is no doubt the countdown is on. Teams have made their moves in free agency. The shell of the preseason schedule is out and the regular season schedule won’t be far behind.
Bring on the draft.
I hope you’ve been able to keep up with the fine draft previews here on DenverBroncos.com. My colleagues have done an excellent job highlighting some of the players who figure prominently at each position. Recently, they put the spotlight on running backs and linebackers.
RUNNING BACK
I would be more than a little surprised if the Broncos did not draft a running back. Going on the one draft that John Elway, John Fox and Brian Xanders have headed up, it appears the Broncos use the “best player available regardless of position” approach. When building up a roster, that is a wise approach. Plus, teams tend to get into trouble when they draft a player earlier than his ability seems to warrant based simply on the position he plays.
We know John Fox likes to use the running game. Part of that stems from rarely having a great quarterback on his roster but I have to believe the Broncos can and will use the running game to complement and supplement what Peyton Manning can do in the passing game. What quarterback wouldn’t want a strong running game? It is essential, especially late in the season and in the playoffs.
The question to me is when will Broncos select a running back? For a couple of reasons, I think the likely scenario is in the middle rounds. First, I think they’ll go with defense in the early picks, unless there is a quarterback up there they just cannot pass up.
Second, there seems to be a pretty good selection of quality running backs. LaMichael James out of Oregon grabbed a lot of headlines all year long and was really productive but CBSSports.com has him ranked as the seventh best running back in the draft. I take pre-draft rankings with a grain of salt but that does give me some kind of indication of the talent pool at the position.
Part of me would love to see the Broncos get David Wilson out of Virginia Tech because he has experience as a kick returner and Eddie Royal is now with the Chargers. But I don’t know if the Broncos will want to take a running back as high as Wilson is projected to go. Along with his return abilities, he has good size at 5-10, 206 pounds.
I also like Chris Polk out of Washington. He fits the mold of a bigger back (5-11, 215 pounds) but again, he is ranked high at the position and many believe he’ll go in the second round.
I do think Terrance Ganaway of Baylor is an interesting back who projects to go in the middle rounds. He is in the 6-0, 240 pound range. No doubt Ganaway benefited from having Robert Griffin III as his quarterback but the Broncos running game should benefit from Manning’s prowess throwing the ball.
BOTTOM LINE: The Broncos need a bigger, power back to team with Willis McGahee. They have at least a couple of good change-of-pace options in Lance Ball and Jeremiah Johnson — and Knowshon Moreno is recovering from a knee injury. I believe the Broncos will take a running back with size.
LINEBACKER
I think the Broncos will focus on defense early in the draft and I love the idea of shoring up the front seven. Many people think the Broncos will draft a defensive lineman in the first round. I could see that happening and would be fine with that.
But let’s look more closely at the linebacker position.
Von Miller is the man. D.J. Williams, Joe Mays and Wesley Woodyard are all back. Nate Irving is still in large part an unknown.
The Broncos did a good job of adding to the secondary through free agency. Mike Adams and Tracy Porter should contribute immediately. Because of those moves, I could easily see them going with a linebacker in the early rounds of the draft. Generally, it seems to be a thinner class of inside linebackers than outside so if the Broncos wanted a top-notch inside linebacker like Luke Kuechly (Boston College), Dont’a Hightower (Alabama) or Mychal Kendricks (Cal), they probably need to be thinking first or maybe second round.
I would love to see this. I think back to the days when Al Wilson played for the Broncos and how much of an enforcer and leader he was in the middle. While I really like Joe Mays and hope Nate Irving can develop, I also love the idea of getting THE GUY in the middle.
Right now, the Broncos are deeper at outside linebacker and there seems to be a good selection of players at that position who would be available in the middle rounds.
BOTTOM LINE: I hope the Broncos draft a top-notch middle linebacker in the first round. Team him with Von Miller and that would be a terrific duo.
What do you think the Broncos priority should be when it comes to running back and linebacker? Thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts.
Sincerely,
Mike
Tags: 2012 NFL Draft, Mike Rice
LAX, isnt 4 really good deep threats good? unfortunately, LAX, that is probably why he did.
AB, Decker is not a health nut.
So
Manning = Masterchief
DT = Optimus
Hill = Ironhide
AC = Bumblebee
Decker = Ratchet???
No he isnt but he is smart and underrated for what he does with Denver like Ratchet with the autobots. Plus hes working with Manning to make things better.
He has rehabbed a bunch ab it fits lol
Decker is not Ratchet. Doesn’t work well.
But I know a better bumblebee than Caldwell, though he is not a Bronco. Wes …
I would say Tamme or Dreessen is Bumblebee.
ok ab, fine. Decker is Ratchet
Decker is Ratchet for reasons outside of the health stuff.
CB dont bring that garbage here lol although your right we must hate the pats on principle DUH!
Someone finish his name. Small, fast, tough like Bumblebee.
LAX, I really don’t like the Pats at all. Just above the Faiders and the Screamers. but he is really like Bumblebee, unfortunately.
We could grab Danny Coale he could be our Bumblebee 6-0 201
ab, i guess Tamme or Dreessen work as Bumblebee. Someone who can put on a good show, but is very important and underrated.
Hes a fifth round guy. Reminds me a lot of Wes.
ab, isn’t 6-0 a bit too short to be Bumblebee? isn’t Bumblebee supposed to be about 13-15 ft tall?
and weigh about 3 tons?
Not really Prime and Ironhide are all 25+ft so Bumblebee has to be our short guy since Hill is Ironhide and DT is Prime who are two tall guys.
Alright, ill be gone for about 8hrs. should be back by 9-9:30 blog time. keep thinking up nicknames.
No problem alaskan.. it must have been the poor showing at Senior Bowl where he was nursing injury.
True RBF1. Might be character do or didnt do well in interviews. I know his combine and pro day 40 times disappointed some. Those can be part of it to.
LAX – that wasn’t my mock, I found it online and reposted it here, in an attempt to pose a different point of view that I haven’t read here before
I posted round 1 of my friends mock. Just finished typing up round two. Here you all go. Hope you enjoy. Sorry for any spelling errors.
Round 2
1(33) Bengals (From Rams) Whitney Mercilus OLB Illinois
One year wonder. He has talent but that title will cause him to fall. Bengals take a lot smaller risk here than in round 1. If he can play like he did this last season a great value pick. If he doesnt they didnt waste their 1st rounder on him.
2(34) Broncos (From Colts) Chandler Jones DE Syracuse
Anyone who knows this kid knows how much he is like Jason Pierre-Paul. Denver needs solid run stoppers in the middle and with the DTs later in this draft there are a lot of solid run stoppers they can pick up. Great value pick. Kid has to much upside to pass on. Long arms like his brothers. Opposing ball carriers will need to stay clear of his long arms. Kid can also drop back and be effective in pass coverage.
3(35) Vikings Kevin Zeitler OG Wisconsin
After grabbing a OT in round 1 Vikings continue to work on the Oline with this pick. AP has had some injury issues adding a solid run blocker will help to keep him healthier along with keeping Ponder upright.
4(36) Bills (From Buccaneers) Janoris Jenkins CB North Alabama
Bills shoveled out money to improve the pass rush. Adding a playmaking CB to that pass rush will create turnovers and more oppertunities for the Bills offense.
5(37) Browns Jerel Worthy DT Michigan State
With it being such a DT strong draft they will fall. Browns get a great pick here in Worthy.
6(38) Chiefs (From Jaguars) Devon Still DT Penn State
After seeing DTs fall they will come off the board quickly with teams trading up to get goo value picks. Like Worthy, Still is a great pick. Adding a big body along the Chiefs Dline. Chiefs give up #44 and #86
7(39) Rams (From Redskins) Alshon Jeffery WR South Carolina
Bradford gets another weapon. After trading up for Wright, the Rams will add a compliment WR. Jefferys big body combined with Wrights route running and speed will provide Bradford targets. Bradford will also have time after the Kalil pick.
8(40) Broncos (From Panthers) Dont’a Hightower ILB Alabama
The 2nd best ILB in the draft falling to the 2nd round makes this a great pick for Denver. Hightower can do it all and be a true leader on the D. Mays is underrated as a run stopper but thats all he can do. with Jack Del Rio and John Fox Defense is going to be the focus to start. Denver will be a top 5 total Defense this year and top 10 in pass and run defense. Combine that with what Peyton is going to do on offense. Denver will be picking 32 next years draft. Broncos give #57 and 2013 2nd round.
9(41) Jets (From Bills) David Wilson RB Virginia Tech
Losing LT will hurt their already hurting run game. Wilson will add a spark back into it. Tebow McKnight Wilson and Green. Interesting times are coming with the Jets. Jets give up #47 #154 #232 and 2013 5th
10(42) Vikings (From Dolphins) Kendall Reyes DT Conneticut
Reyes will add a very athletic DT to the Vikings Dline. Reyes can get inside pressure and force QBs out to Jared Allen one of if not the best DE in the league.
11(43) Seahawks Andre Branch DE Clemson
Branch is a very dynamic edge rusher. Considered a late 1st round pick he falls. Some Teams reach on what they need others who would have taken him traded out of their pick. Great value. Had consistent play throughout College. Seahawks continue to build their D through the draft.
12(44) Jaguars (From Dolphins) Alfonzo Dennard CB Nebraska
Dennard provides young talent to the Defensive backfield. Mathis was resigned but is up there in years. Jaguars also have a need for a WR weapon for Gabbert but with no one really available here they grab the best available that fills a need.
13(45) Cowboys Harrison Smith SS Notre Damn
Cowboys address their aged and poor secondary again. Smith will add a huge improvement at Safety like Kirkpatrick does with the CB corp.
14(46) Chargers (From Lions through Eagles) Vinny Curry DE Marshall
Adding another pass rusher is a need for the Chargers. The had a good pass rush but need a player to take it to the next level. With Peyton Manning Cassel and Palmer in the division the Chargers need to be able to disrupt them. Curry is the guy that can do that. Chargers give up #49 #110 and a 2013 4th Lions also give #85
15(47) Bills (From Jets) Dwayne Allen TE Clemson
Once considered the best TE in a weak TE class he was passed by Fleener. Allen is still a good TE and will add another option for the Bills passing game and add a good blocking TE.
16(48) Patriots (From Raiders) Lavonte David OLB Nebraska
Patriots have addressed needs on both sides of the ball. Defense was their weakness last year. David is a good player and should step up and make an immediate impact.
17(49) Lions (From Chargers) Jayron Hosley CB Virginia Tech
Lions lost their top CB in FA which is huge when you have a poor DB corp. Hosley can step up and help improve it.
18(50) Bengals (From Bears) Lamar Miller RB Miami (FLA)
Benson left in FA still unsigned but unlikely to return. Dalton and Green improved the Bengals greatly. Miller will add a run game. A consistent run game. Bengals give up #53 #83 and 2013 6th and 7th Bears also give #79
19(51) Lions (From Eagles through Cardinals) Bobby Massie OT Mississippi
Lions Oline still needs improvment. Massie will add a solid force. No where near as talented as Rieff and Kalil but still good. Lions may take a WR here but with Young and Megatron i think a OT is more of a need.
20(52) Titans Brandon Thompson DT Clemson
Titans lost their young DT Jason Jones in FA they need to find a replacement. Titans passed on a DT in round one when they greabbed DE Upshaw. They now get another guy on their Dline in Thompson.
21(53) Bears (From Bengals) Bobby Wagner OLB Utah State
Brian Urlacher is towards the end of his career (Contract is up after this year) Briggs has/is being shopped around the league. Bobby Wagner can replace Briggs if he leaves. If Briggs doesnt leave Wagner can be moved inside to replace Urlacher.
22(54) Vikings (From Lions) Chris Givens WR Wake Forest
After grabbing offensive linemen to protect Ponder its time to get a weapon for him outside of Harvin. Givens and Harvin will be two prime targets for Ponder to help him develop.
23(55) Falcons Josh Robinson CB UCF
Falcons need a Corner opposite Grimes. Robinson adds speed to the position and a flash returnman. Robinson is Hester like who entered as a CB however Robinson is a lot better as a Corner than Hester and will see success at the position.
24(56) Steelers Trumaine Johnson CB Montana
Steelers got beat by a long pass in the playoffs. They add another CB/S to help with the Defensive backfield. Especially with Clarks blood disorder (Couldnt play against Denver because of it) Johnson can come in and play in that situation.
25(57) Panthers (From Broncos) Mohamed Sanu WR Rutgers
After Newtons rookie performance with only two real receiving threats Panthers will look to keep it going and add another. Panthers also have a need for a TE but with none reall available here they grab a another needed weapon on offense.
26(58) Dolphins (From Texans) Shea McClellin OLD Boise State
Cameron Wake is a good pass rusher Fins add another. Compared to Clay Matthews Dolphins fill the need to jump ahead of Packer to get him and pull the trigger. Texans get a good deal getting #72 and #73 from the Dolphins.
27(59) Packers Chris Polk RB Washington
Packers would love to grab Shea hear a Clay Matthews type. However hes gone. They fill the huge need of a RB. Polk can do about it all. Run and catch. Pakcers missed a real threat out of the backfield and Grant can never stay healthy and is a FA i believe and unlikely to be back.
28(60) Broncos (From Ravens) Billy Winn DE Boise State
Denver addressed other needs though not as big as DT. Winn although listed as a DE is 6-4 and 294. Denver will move him to the inside. Denver will have one of the best Dlines in the league. Doom and Hunter on one edge. Ayers and Jones the other. Than DT by committee Warren Vickerson Winn Urien and anyone they get in FA or anyone else they get in the draft. Winn has the frame to add another 10-15 pounds.
29(61) Cowboys (From 49ers) Jared Crick DE Nebraska
Cowboys have lost flare in their pass rush. They have Ware and add Crick hoping Crick can bring the flare back. With a frame to bulk up an additional 15-30 pounds he can play a DE in the 3-4 Cowboys run. Cowboys give up #81 2013 3rd and 4th
30(62) Patriots Brandon Brooks OG Miami (Ohio)
Patriots have an aging Oline most starters above 30. Patriots had some youth in a fast draft riser with Brooks. Him and Solder may be the new right side of the Oline.
31(63) Giants Isaiah Pead RB Cincinnati
Giants gave up on Jacobs and his issues. Although smaller they get a replacement here in a back that can do it all. Pead and Bradshaw will be one of the fastest duos of RBs. Pead will add another offensive weapon to an up and coming offensive power house.
OT either way I like it lol
AB you know how much I hate you? Lol its really hard to read all that jumble! And I want to know what his proposed trads are for us to move into the 2nd round 3 times!
LAX He has Denver trading down in round 1 with the Ravens. Picking up their 2nd. Then again trading with the Colts giving them 29 and picking up 34. Then they trade 57 and 2013 2nd round to move up to the Panthers pick.
So 34 is from the Colts
60 is from the Ravens
and 40 is from Denver trading up.
Does he have a QB in the 3rd ala Brock? Is he projecting these trades with the value meter for picks?
First of all I feel that the Broncos should let Knowshon Moreno go. He is a big bust, hurt every year & has no power plus I think my grandson could tackle him & he’s only 2 years old. It’s an exaggeration but Moreno goes down so easy. I like the idea of a big powerful running back, also if there is a linebacker as good as Miller & alittle bigger they should pick him, but if there is an outstanding defensive tackle at #25 they should get him first. Either/or is fine with me. Running back 3rd or 4th round.
LAX Heres what he said about the picks. (Coming straight from the papers he handed me)
The trades go off of the value chart and dont. The value hart isnt accurate with the new rookie cap but i use it as my foundation and from there i go with what i believe are good offers and i take into account other teams trying to trade there also which drives some of the trades up.
As for a QB honestly I dont know. I havnt started typing out the 3rd havnt even looked at it. If i did know i still wouldnt say because im going to post round 3. Dont worry ill make it a little easier to read.
I feel i should add that my buddy who made this mock is a die hard Chargers fan. So when i read that Denver will be picking 32 overall next year i was stunned!!!
WOW lol when I read that I was thinking oh he’s a little too eager. Do you still have the excell sheets with the prospect ranking?
I have old ones. The guy who does them is working on new ones post pro days. The other ones were post combine only.
I’m really anxious to find out if we address the QB spot this year or wait.. My initial thought is to wait, and fill other holes, but on the other hand, you have to figure that this would be the year that we need to gel as a team and go through some growing pains.. We don’t know who will step up, who will get injuried, or who will be available via trade or FA..
That said, it might be a good idea to secure our young QB of the future now, bringing him up to speed a year earlier, thus having all draft picks available moving forward.. If we do draft a QB, I hope it’s Brock Osweiler, as I believe the kid is a future stud.. No sense drafting another late round Adam Weber, if we’re gonna do it, let’s do it!
Just saw a mock having Kuechy and Hightower going 26 and 27 lol No way Denver passes on btoh for Jerel Worthy
If Kuechly is there that is the guy IMO He can play any LB position in a 4-3 and also played Safety a couple times in HS and at BC.
Jaguars defensive tackle Terrance Knighton suffered a serious eye injury at nightclub when he was hit in the face with a vodka bottle
I dont know why but i find this funny…..I know i shouldnt
And he can play every down IMO he is the only sure thing LB in the draft but Hightower has a very high ceiling
FYI – I’m preparing myself for any scenario, as I think we’re in for a few surprises later this month…
Im surprised we are shopping DJ. Thats a surprise right there.
Since when and where AB?
Greatness told me on the last blog.
Theres a new blog BTW
Not sure if I buy the DJ rumor, given his recent incident, we’d be selling him on a low… Not ideal, value-wise IMO..
Broncos are shopping DJ??
Royal, It was I who first said that Polk had fumbleitis. I was wrong then, sorry bro for the wrong info. It was something that I heard, and kept it without investigating. For shame, for shame on Strand. LMAO!!
@AB: thanks for round 2. Your friend must be a Bronco fan…aha. because he as 2 of the players I like going to the Broncos…(Jones & Hightower). How sweet is that!!!
LAX: either Kuech or Donta would be superb.
Hey strandsky no prob brother. It’s all good. Polk has some great hands and I’m hoping we get a chance to draft him….would be nice !
This doesn’t have anything to do with the draft but I feel that everyone is putting to much on Manning. Everyone on the tean should get ready for the season to do their job. If they don’t then Manning won’t beable to do his job. When I say everyone I mean the whole Bronco organization, mainly the players themselfs. So we should stop putting pressure on Manning. He has enough already.