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Published on 04/21/2008 at Mon Apr 21 16:20.
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Arguments Against Drafting an Interior Offensive Lineman

Posted Mon Apr 21st by

Part Two of today’s series explores why the Denver Broncos should avoid drafting a center or guard in the first round of the 2008 NFL Draft. Enjoy.

The argument of “We have greater needs elsewhere” is getting old, I know, but it comes to a head again. Currently signed centers or guards total over 8 at the moment… more than enough to have solid competition come training camp to find 4 or 5 guys. The Broncos have much greater needs at defensive tackle and offensive tackle. They could also use help at linebacker, safety, and running back before considering an interior offensive lineman.

What’s more, centers and guards are very, very rarely taken this early in the first round. Last year, Baltimore used the 29th overall selection on Ben Grubbs, a guard out of Auburn. In 2006, Tampa Bay used the 23rd overall pick on a guard named Davin Joseph. Both were the first taken at their position that year. Taking a guard this early isn’t unheard of, but it’s close.

That being said, there is one player who has shot up the draft boards of late named Branden Albert. Some mocks even have him going as high as 5th overall to the Chiefs. His ability to also play tackle has seen his stock skyrocket, and if he falls to 12, the Broncos could be tempted. Is he worth the first round pick?

In my opinion, no. The Broncos should trade down if they’re interested in Albert, closer to his earlier grades in the mid-20’s. I’m a big fan of looking with my own eyes for talent, not following the hype others are spewing, and I just don’t see anything to make me believe Albert belongs in the Top 10. That makes me believe that pro scouts aren’t buying the hype either, and Albert’s recent rise in mock drafts may be irrelevant when the real draft rolls around.

Without a huge need and, in my opinion, a person that fits the 12th spot, the Denver Broncos would be much better looking elsewhere than at guard or center in the 2008 NFL Draft.

  • Francis Guerrero

    Broncos should not draft an interior lineman because they hay depth at that position and could draft guys late and develop for a couple of years. I really would like to see Mendenhall in a Broncos uniform. His presence would greatly help the LT position and most importantly Cutler.

  • Quicksilver

    I know what everyone is saying about taking a LT or any T for that matter in the first round, but I still think the Broncos have a prime opp to take a real play maker in Mendenhall or Stewart. I know you guys scoff at this, but I think there will be good LT’s available in the second round, and a Stud TB is something that would change everything in Denver.

    That being said, I would still be thrilled with a LT in the first round, building from the lines out is always good philosophy, so long as we evaluate better than we did a couple of years ago.

    I am definitely not on board with drafting a c/g this early, if they can trade down it would be ok, but I agree that there are other bigger needs that can be dealt with right were we are.