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Published on 03/05/2009 at Thu Mar 05 09:25.
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With the combine past, many players proved what they’re worth. For some players their worth was a good thing, for others not so much. For the pre-combine version check out this link.

Round 1

 

  1. Detroit Lions
    Matthew Stafford, QB, Georgia
  2. Post-Combine: The Lions have yet to land a starting quarterback, actually they lost Dan Orlovsky, well lost might not be the right word. Lost would more describe Orlovsky’s behavior, seeing how he ran out of the back of the end zone for a safety. Depending on their free agency moves this pick could be Jason Smith or even Eugene Monroe

    Pre-Combine: Matt Stafford, QB, Georgia. 

     

  3. St. Louis Rams
    Jason Smith, T, Baylor
  4. Post-Combine: I’ll state it again… Marc Bulger has been sacked 126 times over the past three seasons. It’s time to get with the program St. Louis. Michael Crabtree was here before but now that he’s damaged goods and was two inches shorter than expected he won’t go second overall. Jason Smith is starting to emerge as the premier tackle of this draft class. Just check out his interview at NFL.com, he’s just overall a great person.

    Pre-Combine: Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech. 

     

  5. Kansas City Chiefs
    Aaron Curry, LB, Wake Forrest
  6. Post-Combine: Scott Pioli and Todd Haley has now made it clear that they were not comfortable with putting Mark Sanchez in charge with the siging of Matt Cassel. Curry has shown the world that he is hands down the best linebacker of the 2009 draft. Curry not only was ranked high pre-combine by Mike Mayock, he proved it phyiscally by running a 4.56 40, faster than most running backs. Kansas City will pick up a player that will be an instant starter for their transformation to the 3-4 defense.

    Pre-Combine: Mark Sanchez, QB, USC. 

     

  7. Seattle Seahawks
    Eugene Monroe, T, Virgnia
  8. Post-Combine: Even though Crabtree is still on the board Seattle may pass him up now that T.J. Houshmandzadeh is now a Seahawk. Like I said in the pre-combine edition, even though Hasselbeck started only 7 games he was sacked 2.7 times a game. T.J. would love to catch some throws from Matt, but he has to be on his feet. Crabtree still could sneak in here if his pro-day is good enough. Also, don’t be surprised if Mark Sanchez is taken here, Hasselbeck is 33.

    Pre-Combine: Eugene Monore, T, Virginia. 

     

  9. Cleveland Browns
    Brian Orakpo, DE/OLB, Texas
  10. Post-Combine: It’s now time for Cleveland to get to the passer. Cleveland only had 17 sacks total on the year, DeMarcus Ware had 22 himself. Shaun Rogers really wants to leave and if he does B.J. Raji could land here.

    Pre-Combine: Aaron Curry, LB, Wake Forest. 

     

  11. Cincinnati Bengals
    Micahel Oher, T, Ole Miss
  12. Post-Combine: I don’t think Michael Oher is top 10 talent but Cincinnati really really really really needs a tackle. This pick could possible be traded down. Don’t expect Michael Crabtree seeing how Cincinnati drafted 3 recievers last year.

    Pre-Combine: Andre Smith, T, Alabama. 

     

  13. Oakland Raiders
    Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech
  14. Post-Combine: Michael Crabtree is a flashy playmaker, Al Davis loves flashy playmakers. JaMarcus needs all the help he can get. Oakland would probably be better suited taking nearly any other top player at any other position at this spot, but the crypt keeper won’t be able to contain himself.

    Pre-Combine: Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri. 

     

  15. Jacksonville Jaguars
    Vontae Davis, CB, Illinois
  16. Post-Combine: Vontae Davis has emerged as the top corner of this draft class. Davis didn’t run the 40 he wanted but expect him to be faster come his pro day. Offensive tackle is really the need here but Jason Smith, Eugene Monroe, and Michael Oher are off the board and no one knows where Andre Smith is.

    Pre-Combine: Michael Oher, T, Ole Miss. 

     

  17. Green Bay Packers
    B.J. Raji, NT, Boston College
  18. Post Combine: If Raji is still on the board here then Green Bay has found their new NT. Ryan Pickett is scheduled to move to the middle but a player like Raji is rare. B.J. absolutely blew up the combine and proved that he can physically get it done. Malcolm Jenkins has a really poor combine and didn’t really prove that he’s worth the 9th overall pick.

    Pre-Combine: B.J. Raji, NT, Boston College. 

     

  19. San Francisco 49ers
    Mark Sanchez, QB, USC
  20. Post-Combine: Shaun Hill isn’t that confident starter San Fran needs right now. If Mike Singletary wants Vernon Davis to actually make plays he needs to throw him a bone. There’s a lot of options here, if Sanchez is off the board or Singletary simply doesn’t like him, Everette Brown could fill a need or two.

    Pre-Combine: Jason Smith, T, Baylor. 

     

  21. Buffalo Bills
    Everette Brown, DE/OLB, Florida State
  22. Post-Combine: Everette Brown has a good combine and remains the player everyone expected out of him. If he’s still on the board down here Buffalo will snatch him, since, the Bills only managed to tally 24 sacks on the year.

    Pre-Combine: Brian Orakpo, DE/OLB, Texas. 

     

  23. Denver Broncos
    Michael Johnson, DE/OLB, Georgia Tech
  24. Post-Combine: What the frick Josh McDaniels! I was finishing up this mock draft he and goes ahead and signs LaMont Jordan when I had Knowshown Moreno here. I know defense is a must, but Moreno would provide excellent depth and seriously help Jay Cutler out. Peyton Hillis is not a viable option as an every down back, but he will see a lot screen passes for 100 yard games.

    Michael Johnson is an absolute physical beast. Johnson is 6’7 and 266 pounds. He runs a 4.75 40, but his pro day will likely be faster. Johnson could generate a ton of sacks as a pass rushing outside linebacker, but its still questionable if he will be able to play in coverage. I’m not too keen on this guy, I think he’s a workout warrior, he has the old adage, “Looks like Tarazan plays like Jane”, potentially written all over him.

    Another possibility here could be defensive end Tyson Jackson to help build the defensive line, but Jackson might be a reach at 12. Brian Cushing impressed a whole lot at the combine but I still question if his worth is near this pick. I seriously expect this pick to be traded down to accumulate even more draft picks.

    Pre-Combine: Everette Brown, DE/OLB, Florida State. 

     

  25. Washington Redskins
    Andre Smith, T, Alabama
  26. Post-Combine: The Reskins top two offensive linemen are Chris Samuels, 31, and Jon Jansen, 33. An upgrade upfront is seriously needed if Jim Zorn wants Jason Campbell to improve he’s going to need to protect him.

    Pre-Combine: Michael Johnson, DE, Georgia Tech.

     

  27. New Orleans Saints
    Malcolm Jenkins, CB/S, Ohio State
  28. Post-Combine: From one Ohio State player to another. Not that I think Malcolm Jenkins draft stock got any higher, he didn’t exactly have the best combine by any standards. In his interview at the combine Jenkins stated that he was going to work hard for his pro day, but then surprisingly added in that he wasn’t sure if he was going to run the 40 again (he ran a 4.55). Does Jenkins even want to be thought of as a corner? Anyways the Saints could seriously use some help defensively so their offense doesn’t have to consistently put up 34 points a game still to loose.

    Pre-Combine: Chris Wells, RB, Ohio State

     

  29. Houston Texans
    Brian Cushing, OLB, USC
  30. Post Combine: Brian Cushing is an impact player an any defense. The Texans could really use some impact if they ever want to make it to the playoffs. Cushing has a great combine putting up 30 reps of 225lbs and an okay 4.79 40. Look for Cushing’s 40 to only get better at his pro day, if indeed he runs it.

    Pre-Combine: Malcolm Jenkins, CB/S, Ohio State.

     

  31. San Diego Chargers
    Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU
  32. Even though Igor Olshansky will more than likely stay a Charger the Giants proved that you can never have too much depth in the defensive line. Jackson is considered to be flying under the radar by many analysts and finding the gems is usually what San Diego does.

    Pre-Combine: Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU

     

  33. New York Jets
    Alphonso Smith, CB, Wake Forest
  34. Post Combine: The Jets would love to have a guy like Vontae Davis, but now that he’s off the board they’ll need to look elsewhere. Elsewhere could just be Alphonso Smith. Smith doesn’t have the size to play man coverage, but that’s just fine because the Jets run a heavily based zone coverage scheme. Just like many other players, Smith needs to run a faster 40 at his pro day if he wants to prove that he’s worth this high. With the release of Laveranues Coles don’t be surprised if New York selects Jeremy Maclin here.

    Pre-Combine: Vontae Davis, CB, Illinois

     

  35. Chicago Bears
    Larry English, DE/OLB, NIU
  36. Post-Combine: The scary Chicago defense was anything but this past season, only managing to register 28 sacks on the year. Larry English is definitely fit for Chicago’s scheme at outside linebacker. English has the potential to be an instant starter and cause so havok which the Bears could really use. Other needs that could be addressed are receiver and corner, but Chicago usually beefs up on defense.

    Pre-Combine: Alphonso Smith, CB, Wake Forest

     

  37. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
    Darius Butler, CB, Connecticut
  38. Post-Combine: With the addition of Derrick Ward running back is no longer an issue. Phillip Buchanon is could possibly not return, and he was never really all the effective in the first place.  Ronde Barber isn’t getting any younger either. Darius Butler is considered to be one of the best cover corners of the draft, he notched a 43 inch vertical at the combine. Butler is yet another victim of the suspicious 40 timings at 4.53, he will run much faster at his pro day.

    Pre-Combine: Knowshown Moreno, RB, Georgia

  39. Detroit Lions
    William Beatty, T, Connecticut
  40. Post Combine: Eben Britton measured in with very short arms for a tackle, this could put William Beatty ahead of him. If Matt Stafford is picked first then offensive tackle is a sure fire pick here. Actually, offensive tackle is a sure fire pick for Detroit anywhere in the first round.

    Pre-Combine: Eben Britton, T, Arizona

     

  41. Philadelphia Eagles
    Eben Britton, G, Arizona
  42. Post-Combine: Donovan McNabb will cry if an offensive line position isn’t taken here. Both of Philadelphia’s tackles have a combined age of 69. Put that in perspective to Denver’s tackles who have a combined age of 45.

    Pre-Combine: Duke Robinson, G, Oklahoma

     

  43. Minnesota Vikings
    Peria Jerry, DT, Ole Miss
  44. Post-Combine: The Vikings need depth behind their aging defensive line. Peria Jerry may only be around 290 pounds but he is no doubt a playmaker. Jerry did no run the 40 at the combine so look for him to break 5.0 at his pro day.

    Pre-Combine: Peria Jerry, DT, Ole Miss

     

  45. New England Patriots
    Aaron Maybin, DE/OLB, Penn State
  46. Post-Combine: Now that New England has done the Kansas City shuffle on Mike Vrabel they’ll need to replace him. Aaron Maybin is a dynamic player capable of playing the outside linebacker spot in a 3-4 defense. Maybin ran an insanely slow 40 at 4.89, but that just aides my belief that something was amiss with the 40 times. I’ll find my self saying once again, Maybin will run a faster 40 at his pro day if he chooses to do so, which he should.

    Pre-Combine: Larry English, DE/OLB, NIU

     

  47. Atlanta Falcons
    Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Oklahoma State
  48. Brandon Pettigrew had an okay combine but he still remains the top tight end of the draft. Matt Ryan needs a tight end to fully reach his potential as a quarterback.

    Pre-Combine: Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Oklahoma State

     

  49. Miami Dolphins
    Clay Matthews, OLB, USC
  50. Clay Matthews has the football blood flowing through his veins. Matthews has worked extremely hard, combine that with his instincts and thats how he landed in the first round. The Dolphins would be stacked at linebacker if Matthews lands here. Joey Porter, Channing Crowder, and Matthews would be a tandem to reckon with. Some would call me crazy for having Rey Maualuga below Matthews. The fact is Matthews has been performing and impressing, whereas Maualuga has been hurt and hindered by off the field issues. I believe that Matthews will eventually be the best out of all of the three USC linebackers.

    Pre-Combine: Brian Cushing, OLB, USC

     

  51. Baltimore Ravens
    Alex Mack, C, California
  52. Now it’s official that Jason Brown is out of Baltimore. If they care at all for Joe Flacco they’ll give him an excellent young center. Another option here is Jeremy Maclin, Percy Harvin, or even Hakeem Nicks.

    Pre-Combine: Alex Mac, C, California

     

  53. Indianapolis Colts
    Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri
  54. Post-Combine: If Jeremy Maclin falls this far the Colts will have found their replacement for Marvin Harrison, well Reggie Wayne will most likely take his spot and then Maclin could potentially fill the number two spot with Anthony Gonzalez in the slot.

    Pre-Combine: Hakeem Nicks, WR, UNC

     

  55. Philadelphia Eagles
    Rey Maualuga ILB, USC
  56. Post Combine: In my previous mock I had Maualuga down here and most people disagreed. Now it makes sense with his injury and off the field issues that he’s here again. Maualuga is a good versatile scheme player, he can fit either 3-4 or 4-3. Philadelphia doesn’t have an oustanding linebacker in the middle and Maualuga could be their chance to get one. With Denver taking Brian Dawkins away from Philly, Sean Smith could also be the guy to take his spot.

    Pre-Combine: Rey Maualuga, ILB, USC

     

  57. New York Giants
    Sean Smith, CB/S, Utah
  58. Post Combine: Sean Smith absolutely tore up the combine. Smith measured in tall at 6’4, and big at 214 pounds and his 40 was pretty good at 4.53. Kenny Phillips needs someone to play along side with and Smith is a warrior.

    Pre-Combine: James Laurinaitis, ILB, Ohio State

     

  59. Tennessee Titans
    D.J. Moore, CB, Vanderbilt
  60. Post-Combine: What the titans really need is a receiver, but they usually don’t take them in the first round. Titans fans will rejoice if they finally do. The only other pressing need is at secondary and at the defensive line. There are no good defensive linemen at this point so D.J. Moore seems to be the best option. Moore may be only 5’9 but he a great vertical of 39.5 inches at the combine. More is also a playmaker he knows how to get his hands on the ball.

    Pre-Combine: D.J. Moore, CB, Vanderbilt

     

  61. Arizona Cardinals
    Chris Wells, RB, Ohio State
  62. LeSean McCoy didn’t run the 40 at the combine and weighed in around 10 pounds less than everyone expected. Beanie Wells is still on the board here so it is a no brainer that Arizona would take Wells over McCoy. Edgerrin James still wants out of town, J.J. Arrington is a Bronco, and Tim Hightower isn’t exactly every down material.

    Pre-Combine: LeSean McCoy, RB, Pittsburgh

     

  63. Pittsburgh Steelers
    Evander Hood, DT, Missouri
  64. Post Combine: Evander ‘Ziggy’ Hood eats blockers for breakfast. Hood measured in at 6’3 and 300 pounds. What is really amazing is that Ziggy ran a 4.91 40… at 300 pounds and he also put up 34 reps of 225 pounds. To add even more to his resume, Hood is a natural leader on the field and in the locker room and full of intangibles, he is just a fine addition overall. The Steelers are not hurting on the defensive line, but a defensive player like Ziggy is hard to pass up on. Usually Pittsburgh only drafts the best player available and this choice would be no different. This pick may be an offensive lineman, but the Pittsburgh front office hates Big Ben, forcing him to play behind a piss poor offensive line, so a defensive tackle makes a little more sense.

    Pre Combine: Max Unger, C, Oregon

Thats all of round one. Some of you notice that Knowshown isn’t in here but thats what happens when there’s no running back need and you run a 4.6 40. As the offseason progresses I’ll be revising and drafting (no pun intended) up a new mock. A round two is very tempting but we’ll have to wait and see about that one. What do you think Bronco nation? Air it out!

  • SanDiegoBroncoFan55

    I like the idea of johnson, he’s a beast, but I also expect and would probably like to see us trading down and depending on where we fall down to, draft maualuga or cushing at LB…love dem USC LBs….

  • http://broncotalk.net Kyle

    I saw this mock draft as East was writing it, and he had the RB Moreno slotted there as he said. I’m not convinced the additions of Arrington/Jordan are enough to bump us off that idea. There really doesn’t see to be a defensive player that would have as big of an impact as Moreno would.

    I’ve yet to really dig into the draft yet, but there’s my two cents. Great job Mr. East!

  • broncoNM

    I would love it if we traded down. Not sure if there will be alot of teams interested in trading up to the 12th pick but i think if the opportunity presents itself we should seriously consider it. Im not down on johnson or jackson and if we end up with one of them ill be ok with it but i think we could get the same caliber of player if we trade down to a later pick 18-23 or so.

  • Anthony

    How is Johnson any different than Jarvis Moss, we wither draft Maualuga or Malcolm Jenkins… How could Maualuga be drafed by the Eagles they have 3 young and good linebackers already and they have so many other needs at other positions. Did you do your research? You previously had knowshon Moreno going to Denver and now you don’t have him in the first round at all, i don’t get it. I do agree that we may trade down to accumulate a couple more picks however.

  • Richard

    Either Tyson Jackson at 12 or trade down and take Ziggy Hood. Hood is too good a prospect, and he reinforced that at the combine. At 300lbs 4.9 40? thats outrageous. 34 reps at 225 excellent, strength. He also has terrific hands and an explosive swim move. Saw his workout tapes from the senior bowl, he was beating Olinemen as badly as Raji. He be the beast.

  • NathanH

    I think you have Johnson projected way too high. I don’t see him going til maybe the last 5 picks of the first round, but probably early 2nd. He’s never really performed in college, and at this point is nothing more than a quick guy with great physique. He’s like Vernon Gholston, I want no part of that.

    I’d take in order: Jackson(gonna be a consumate 3-4 DE), Cushing(like you said, impact player), trade down.

  • jcampb72

    trade down to 18-24 and I think Johnson will still be there, plus we will have the picks.

  • SivNiz

    so what do we do at NT?

  • Justin

    I think a great trade option would be to trade our #12 and some other pick to the lions for their #20 and #33 (2nd Round) especially if Lions get Curry with the first pick and Stafford or Sanchez is available at 12. Another option I would like is to trade our #12 to the Patriots for their #23 and #34 (2nd Round), that will give us two picks in the second round where we can pick up some great talent.

  • Colorancher

    I still predict Malaluga or Cushing.

  • edwardssp

    I understand teams drafting for need; however, letting Moreno slip out of the first round would be insane. His 4.60 forty might not have been great, but his shuttle times were near the top of the draftable running backs. Simply put he will be one of the special players in this draft.

  • conductormann

    Does anybody have an idea of what our current cap number is?

  • http://BroncoTalk.net Mr.East

    Anthony,

    A mock draft is a working process, I don’t ever insinuate that the draft is today, I always work towards April. Johnson in my head is like Jarvis Moss, I agree with you. However, his combine was amazing and some scouts buy into that.

    Do I do my research? Yes I do. Just because you disagree with me doesn’t mean I pull names out of nowhere. Knowshown ran one of the slowest 40s for running backs and that could easily drop him to the second round with the lack of RB need in the draft. If Knowshown wants to impress he needs to do so at his pro day. I already explained this so you should read the whole article before commenting.

    I get what you mean with Mauluga but thats like saying the Steelers wouldn’t pick Rashard Mendenhall because they have Willie Parker, or the Vikings wouldn’t take Adrian Peterson because Chester Taylor ran 1,400 yards the season before. You can respectfully disagree however.

  • myerda00

    No Michael Johnson, as per MrEast stated above. Moreno might have been OK but major need is NT. I really like Hood, even over Raji. Hood can play the two-gap where Raji is mainly one-gap. I like the motor on Ron Brace also. What to do at #12? Trade down and get extra picks plus one of the two NT.

  • stav

    I have a feeling that Maualuga is going to be a Bronco whether its at #12 or moved down to the low 20′s. No Tyson Jackson please, let’s get a linebacker first and then DE with #48.

  • http://birty.blogspot.com mikebirty

    W.W.B.D?

    If last year is anything to go by, the pats sat pretty and took Mustard who ended up being defensive rookie of the year.

    If you ask me what i think and what i want then you get two answers. I think given the way free agency’s started the team needs are greatest in the middle of the linebakers and on the defensive line (but when hasn’t that been the case?) Mal or cushing will be the pick but i want a running back.

  • Candide

    If they picked Moreno, how much money would they then have tied up in the RB position and how would that compare to past years? Anybody?

  • Richard

    mikebirty running back in the draft is’nt going to happen we already have more guys there than we have roster spots. At present we have our starting backfield signed, we have more LBs than roster spots(but will get another one or two in the draft), and on the d line we have one nose tackle, and NO capable starters at DE. Do you really think RB is a wise choice for our 1st round pick?

  • SivNiz

    whose the NT?

  • http://broncosdraft.wordpress.com Christopher Hart

    Johnson is not a top fifteen talent in this draft. Ouch.

  • Hansen

    What is needed? Defense. We need a pass rush and some small planets to clog the middle. Hood is very intriguing. And being a USC homer (Fight on!) one of the boys would be awesome! And no Gholston types. The question needs to be asked, “Can they play?”, not how good do they look. If the offense is going to be NE West, then let the defense be the Giants West. Front seven please.

  • flbronc

    i’m one of those who hopes we trade down if we dont get raji or brown (no matter what happens at the top orapko and curry are gone imo). I think the only realistic way that we have anyone who wants to trade into our spot would be if sanchez falls outside the top 10- but even then picks 11-16 dont need qb’s so why look to trade into 11 or 12 if you can trade to 16 for cheaper??? I just dont see anyone with a big enough need, or a big enough crush on anyone to trade into our spot.

    Are poeple still thinking brace in rd 2 if raji doesnt make it to 12?

  • soxbigdog

    still have a feeling they will trade out if Raji is gone… and every other mock draft I have seen says so…

    They can get into the low to mid 20′s, and probably gain another mid round draft pick, and still be able to draft Maualuga or Maybin

  • kerry

    i cannot believe anyone is even mentioning Maualuga anymore. the guy is not that good, his piss poor combine proves it. if anyone actually reads scouting reports and not just watch the rose bowl, Cushing, Matthews and Laurinitis are all ranked higer then Maualuga in temrms of being better fundamental, NFL ready LB’s. if anyone watched the combine the talk of Maualuga is that he doesnt have the agility or the ability to flip his hips to cover a TE or WR over the middle which 3-4 MLB’s are demanded to do. if we dont get Raji we can trade down for Rin Brace. he is gonna go higher then most think because of all the teams in need of a massive NT. a trade down to 20-25 rnage while acquiring an extra 3rd round pick while getting Brace would be ideal. im so sick of the Maualuga Cronies saying we have to draft him at 12 when he isnt even the best LB on his team, let alone the whole draft. and especially when the D-line is the most important position that needs to be addressed. Tyson Jackson, Brian Orakpo, Brian Cushing or Clay Matthews will be selected before Maualuga is.

  • NathanH

    I completely agree with Kerry. Cushing is the better of the too imo, but ESPN liked Rey’s long hair and found him to be the more marketable player is my guess, thus people think Maualuga is the man because ESPN played highlights of him more than his teammates. His combine was also TERRIBLE and barring an incredible pro day, he likely won’t go 1st round.

    If we get an ILB in the 1st I want Cushing, and than hopefully either Mathews, Barwin or Sintim in the 2nd if Brace isn’t there.

    I’m not nearly as high on Knowshon as a couple people hear, and we really, really don’t need to take any offensive player in the 1st, I don’t care how good of an impact they’ll have, we just have to many holes defensively.

    I’m also starting to grow partial to Tyson Jackson, as I’d be shocked if the Chargers didn’t take him if we don’t. People are saying this guy will have a huge impact as a 3-4 DE.

  • kerry

    Nathan H

    yeah i like Jackson also. he is compared to Richard Seymour from New England. and Seymour is one of the best 3-4 DE-s in football. both came out fo the SEC. Maualuga is only rated as the best MLB in this class because the MLB class is so weak. Laurinits is the next best and is a better fundamental football player. i guess the USC hype machine makes Maualuga so great and not his actual ability. Matthews and Cushing are better by far. if Brandon Spikes came out this year he would go top 5. Spikes is an amazing MLB and i hope we can get him next year. NOT TAYLOR MAYS!! another product of the USC hype machine. if Maualuga went in the same draft as PAtrick Willis, Jerod Mayo or Jon Beason he wouldnt even be in the first round. Lofa Tatupu went in the second round and is better then Maualuga.

  • Broncoholic

    I really don’t think we will draft ILB in the 1st round, if at all. We have DJ & Andra Davis lining up at ILB for us…looks like we don’t need to waste a high pick on ILB to me. If we draft LB it should be OLB. I say trade down and take Brace in the late 1st rnd so we don’t let him slip away by trying to get him in the 2nd. The extra pick will be the icing on the cake for this move.

  • kerry

    Broncoholic:

    good call. i say we wait until we know if Raji falls to us. if he does then we pounce on him. but if not then trade down and get more picks. in all reality we dont need a MLB at all. not even an outside LB really if Crowder, Moss and Dumervil make the switch. and dont forget Boss and Larsen are still there too. either one of them could play MLB with DJ or Davis. Dj could still play outside also.

  • BM

    man i just hope we pick up either a nose tackle or a pass rushing olb… if james laurinitais is available in the second round take him he will be better then andra davis who honestly isn’t allll that good

  • DB

    I’m curious to see who Denver’s first pick will be this year. My opinion, Denver should go with Rey Maualuga!! would be great with Nolan’s 3-4 D.

  • DC

    East, I think youre investing too much stock into the combine. The combine is basically a track meet. Its football players we want.

  • Colorancher

    I am with you DB. I have watched Malaluga from high school thru college. He is the next Ray Lewis. Cushing wouldn’t be bad either, but not for a middle backer.

  • Hansen

    Mauluga didnt have a good combine because he strained a hammy and didnt have full participation. Cushing is awesome, but a bit slower than Rey.

  • Colorancher

    The combine does not show how players can tackle, hit, or have the on field ball sence that you need when you are playing. When was the last pro football game played in spandex shorts.

  • http://portal.adams.edu Ryan McBronco Fan

    honestly with how we addressed free agency… prepare to be surprised bronco fans. mcdaniels is going to be a lot more unpredictable than we believe. Guarantee any and all projected picks at 12, IF we keep 12, are way off. just watch

  • Hansen

    Well said Colorancher. The combine is very generic, and void of all game speed variables.

  • jcampb72

    i like the everette brown pick better

  • champ2203

    are we looking into maybe Holt ,Marvin, or boldin to help fill the Marshall void this year(suspension). Marshall, Royal, and any of those three (obviously Boldin more so) would be sick.

  • NathanH

    I really think we should look into Marvin or Tory. I heard Holt could be had for a 4th. With Marshall out for possibly 8 games next year I’d love to add one of them. Both are on the decline, but we’d only need them to fill in for 8 games, and then after that, they’d just add great depth, and also allow(mostly Holt) McDaniels to use Eddy Royal like Welker.

  • NathanH

    I really think we should look into Marvin or Tory. I heard Holt could be had for a 4th. With Marshall out for possibly 8 games next year I’d love to add one of them. Both are on the decline, but we’d only need them to fill in for 8 games, and then after that, they’d just add great depth, and also allow(mostly Holt) McDaniels to use Eddy Royal like Welker.

  • NathanH

    I really think we should look into Marvin or Tory. I heard Holt could be had for a 4th. With Marshall out for possibly 8 games next year I’d love to add one of them. Both are on the decline, but we’d only need them to fill in for 8 games, and then after that, they’d just add great depth, and also allow(mostly Holt) McDaniels to use Eddy Royal like Welker.

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    [...] Mr.East’s Post-Combine Mock Draft Because everyone loves a good mock [...]

  • flbronc

    is eight games for marshall what the ‘experts’ are saying? he wasnt charged, and was cleared of any wrongdoing…. i know this can be seen as a frequency thing, but it is also unrelated to his past problems with a particular lady friend. i seriously doubt he gets 8 games, and he may not even get suspended. is there a hearing set that i have not heard about?

  • the decider13

    Mauluga, Jenkins or Jackson would all be much better picks for the Broncos. Michael Johnson is a physical freak for sure, but lacked a lot of production. That’s something that the other 3 didn’t really have a problem with. All three would greatly improve the defense. Johnson may turn in to a good player, but he also has draft bust written all over him. I don’t want this draft to turn in to 2007, the last time we “focused” on defense.

  • http://BroncoTalk.net Mr.East

    the decider13,

    Mauluga is damaged goods and a punk. Jenkins wants to be a corner when he’s obviously not, and we have filled the saftey spot. Jackson is a good pick but he’s merely just average for the 12th overall. It’s funny that you knock Johnson for his production and say Jackson is a better pick. Jackson only registered 4.5 sacks on the year whereas Johnson had 9 sacks, 17.5 tackles for loss, and 7 passes broken up.

    I do agree Johnson has bust writen all over him, hence I wrote “I’m not too keen on him.” If Denver does pick in the first round it will because a player has fallen or a DE or pass rushing OLB.

    jcampb,

    I liked the Everette Brown pick better too but he will most likely not be there.

    DC,

    I’m not putting to much to stock into the combine, I’m putting too much stock into how much the coaches focus on the combine. Many many scouts and coaches “fall in love” with players at their combine. Jon Gruden this year called Michael Johnson a “Julius Peppers clone”, so if he was still Tampa Bay’s coach I think he would have done whatever he could to grab him. Shanahan was a huge felon of that crime, trading up to get Moss when he would have still been there a few picks later. My theory behind the Johnson pick is that Denver will go DE, pushing rushing OLB, or trade down. Xanders seems to have confidence in his drafting skills.

  • Stav

    Without going too deep into, I’ve got some doubts into Cushing’s “natural ability”. There were those rumors a year ago, and some pretty damaging images of him during an injury where his size “quickly deflated”. I’m from North Jersey, and the high school he went to has had some serious issues/rumors regarding several players using the juice. On the personal level, I was on friendly terms some years back with one of the trainers there who also played there, he openly admitted that several players juiced while he played and that several of them did while he trained there. Without naming anyone personally, he implied some damaging things. I just think its strange how Cushing is just being catapulted up so quickly. The guy is a monster, but I dunno, I don’t find him to be a safe pick, especially with all those rumors out there. And honestly, putting aside the rumors, he was dinged up a lot in college, why would he be any healthier in the NFL?

    For all his detractors, Maualuga is a bell-ringer. A punk? Maybe, but I don’t mind a big mouth/attitude with knockout power roving the field as our MLB. Yes, we may be reaching at #12, but I’m starting to agree with everyone else on the Raji situation. If he’s there at #12, that’s who they’ll take, once he’s off the board they’ll be working the phones non-stop.

  • Geo

    The Eagles are very happy with Stewart Bradley in the middle.

  • http://BroncoTalk.net Mr.East

    Geo,

    The Lions were happy with Roy Williams 1,300 yard season, they drafted Calvin Johnson. The Vikings were happy about Chester Taylor’s 1,400 yard season, they drafted Adrian Peterson. The Steelers were happy with Willie Parker, they drafted Rashard Mendenhall.

    The draft isn’t always about need, it’s sometimes about taking the best player available.

  • http://BroncoTalk.net Mr.East

    Stav,

    Mark my words. Clay Matthews will be the best out of all the USC linebackers in the draft this year.

    If Denver takes Rey at #12 I will shake my head and loose a little confidence in Josh McDaniels and Brian Xanders. It’s not that I don’t believe Rey is a bad player, I just believe Denver could trade down and acquire him later in the 1st with an additional pick in the draft.

  • http://BroncoTalk.net Mr.East

    Correction: “It’s not that I believe Rey is a bad player”

  • DC

    Jarvis Moss had “Peppers clone” tagged on him as well, I’m just not sold on the guy. It’s like if Johnson gains any weight he can’t be an OLB, if he doesn’t gain enough weight he can’t be a DE. I just am not feeling him for a 3-4 defense.

  • Stav

    East – I certainly agree with you on that, he’s a reach at #12 and there’s much better value available there. Maualuga will still be on the board if they trade down to 20-25. I just have a feeling that he’s going to be a Bronco. I’m not going to bitch and moan if they take him at #12 if Raji is gone, my feeling is that you select the best defensive player available at #12, someone who is going to easily challenge for a starting spot.

  • http://BroncoTalk.net Mr.East

    DC… totally agree. I think he’s a bust waiting to happen, there’s a slight chance he could play OLB since he had 7 passes broken up last year but he’s 6’7 and that helps a lot. Johnson was the best available DE/OLB at 12 and the pick is a gimmick because I don’t think Denver will pick at 12 come April.

  • http://BroncoTalk.net Mr.East

    Stav,

    I understand where you’re coming from about taking him at 12. Maualuga has the potential to be an instant starter almost where ever he goes.

    I just feel like it’s not financially sound to draft someone so high when you could draft them much lower and pay them much much much less and still get another pick. The top 15 guys always get a ton of money. Another pick in the draft betters the chance building the team as well.

  • Stav

    Aside from the #12, I thought they’d be going safety with #48, maybe Patrick Chung from Oregon, but then we signed Renaldo Hill. How about some thoughts on the second pick? Haven’t heard any talk on this pick yet as this has to be an immediate starter also for us. I see quite a few mocks having Raji fall to us, if that’s the case then we can wait on till the 2nd or 3rd round for MLB, but we have no depth at safety.

  • DC

    East, I honestly don’t see him going in the 1st round though maybe. Hes very intriguing prospect. I would say that he does fit the Peppers mold better than Moss does. You would have to be a believer with a lot of hudspa to pick the guy. I think it’s raji or brown or trade picks. I also wouldn’t mind picking an elite cornerback for the future.

  • the decider13

    You think that taking Rey at 12 is a ripoff, but Michael Johnson is a much bigger rip off. Most mocks don’t even have him going in the first round. The only reason that I mentioned Tyson Jackson is because we have a need at 3-4 DE.

    I’m going to disagree with you on Jenkins. I think that he definately has the potential to be a very good starting corner. And even if you think he won’t we still do need safeties. I know we brought in Dawkins and Hill, but they are both on the wrong side of 30.

  • NathanH

    Both Johnson and Rey are bad choices with the 12th, lets just all agree on that.

    And Stav, unfortuantly I think its almost a guarentee we don’t get Raji at 12. His stock is really high right now, and the Chiefs(also switching to 3-4), Browns(if they trade Rodgers), Raiders, Packers(almost a lock if they fall to them), and the Niners probably all have Raji pretty high on their draft boards.

    With that said, I say take Tyson Jackson or Everette Brown(only if we’re really really sold on him, which im not) or trade down because there is really no one that fills a big need thats not a stretch except maybe Cushing.

    As for Saftey in the 2nd, I’m not sure, as you said, we need to ensure a starter with that 2nd, and I think the signings of Hill and Dawkins make taking a saftey in the 2nd a little of a stretch as it would be more for depth.

    I do hope we take a saftey around the 4th though, some guys on my rader that I hope we’re looking at: Emanuel Cook, Ken Hamlin, and Nic Harris. Harris is a little slow, but could be a great threat blitzing and is was a field general for Oklahoma as their captain. As you can tell, my priority is more SS, as I think that any of these guys could work their way into a good amount of PT as rookies.

    They only FS i’d take early is Delmas. I think that kid has it. I’m not sure if he’ll be there with our 2nd, but if he is, it’d be great to let Dawkins mentor this young athlete with loads of potential and tons of leadership.

  • http://classic17.wordpress.com Colts18

    If Maclin falls to the Colts I will probably throw a party, lol… Nice mock, I like it.

  • Rommel

    This mock is terrible.. you have to rewrite this. What’s the basis your of Michael Johnson going to 12? He’s a freaking 2nd rounder. Just because he got a good combine he jump this high?. Jarvis Moss anyone?

  • DC

    I hear it loud and clear Rommel

  • http://BroncoTalk.net Mr.East

    People need to learn to respectfully disagree. Johnson will not be a second rounder he has too much of an upside. I have even said myself that Johnson is a bust and he is a Tedd Ginn like pick that could flucuate anywhere in the first round.

    I’m not picking who who Denver should take. I have even stated that this pick is most likely to be traded down and then Johnson will most likely fall hard which I had him originally going to Arizona. Pass rushing OLB is a must for Denver and they have absolutely no one who has played that position before.Tyson Jackson is purely a run stopper so he may be looked over because Nolan perfers atheletic dline guys who can penetrate in the two gap system.

    This is the most terrible mock because you disagree with the Denver pick? You need to open your horizons. Atleast I’m not Mike Florio who has Crabtree going to Denver and Maclin going before him.

    Denver will only address the defensive line or OLB in the first if they pick at all.The irony of this all is that you and DC agree with me. However you’re to blinded by the player to see the big picture. A mock is a work in progress to get it right you can’t be afraid to put players in upset spots to see how it looks. How boring would it be if you saw Tyson Jackson here just like every other mock?

    This mock will be updated and soon because unlike you I actually exchange ideas with other dratniks such as Walt and Matt from walterfootball where I didn’t bash him because I didn’t think Corvey Irvin was going to Denver in the 4th. Believe it or not but a lot of people know much more about football than you do.

  • the decider13

    phew….at first I thought your anger was directed at me Mr. East lol. Then I looked up to see if it was someone else, and it sure was.

    If people are going to disagree, they should at least post why, and who they think would be better. Being an a-hole doesn’t get your self a lot of respect, it just makes it look like an a-hole.

    I’m gonna stick by what I said though and say that there is not much of a shot of Michael Johnson. At least not at 12. I don’t really have a problem with taking him if we trade down, but if we trade down MUCH later in the draft, maybe the mid to late 20′s. His ceiling is infinite, but his floor is much lower than most of the other first round players.

    I’m actually going to change my pick. My dream picks are Raji and Brown, but in this situation, I think Cushing is the best pick for the Broncos.

  • the decider13

    by the way, I was talking about Rommel, not Mr. East

  • kerry

    i dont see Johnson even in the first round. im saying Tyson Jackson will be the pick. Maualuga is way overrated, Orakpo may not be there, Raji probably wont be either. either Tyson jackson at 12 or a trade down for Brian Cushing or Ron Brace. seriously all you Maualuga cronies need to stop with this whole “Maualuga is the next Ray Lewis” NO HE ISNT! Maualuga is so unpolished that he doesnt warrant first round consideration. Maualuga is in a weak MLB class. there isnt one dominating MLB in this draft. Maualuga is number one by default. if Brandon Spikes came out this year he would be a top 10 pick. Maualuga wont even go top 20.

  • http://myspace.com/paraleipsis jchase8410

    Aaaaahahaha!!! Get ‘em Mr. East! I hate that every mock is the exact same

  • http://myspace.com/paraleipsis jchase8410

    Kerry,
    Why are people “cronies” because they like a player? I myself have said that watching Rey play reminded me of watching Urlacher(sp?) when he was a Lobo. I don’t get on your case and call you names because you have an irrational hatred for anything USC. Allow people to have an opinion without being such a dick. I know it’s a stretch for you, because in your head you are footballs equivalent to the Dali Lama. Get over yourself and let people post their views, because in my head you are the T.O./Starbury locker room killer of this fansite

  • kerry

    jchase8410:

    i dont hate all USC players. i think Brian Cushing or Clay Matthews are great players and id love to see them on this team. my point is you all keep slobbering all over a MLB who is way overhyped and not worthy of the 12 pick. and thats so funny that you say im the T.O. of this fan site. that gave me a good laugh. so because i dont blindly agree with everything you or anyone else says then im a fansite killer?? PFFFFTTTTT!! if ANYTHING i make this site more interesting with my brash analysis of all things Broncos. but i sure as hell am not gonna just be a robot and agree with everything you or anyone else says. besides that would be so boring if we all just agreed on the same thing. oh and im not stopping you or anyone else from posting anything. but dont whine and cry when i post my veiws either. im just as much entitled to my views are you are yours. besides, nobody holds a gun to head and makes you read what i post. so feel free to go past what i say. otherwise quit whining.

  • http://BroncoTalk.net Mr.East

    Kerri,

    You are right the site wouldn’t be nearly as interesting if I didn’t have to backup what I said almost every other post. In a way it makes me a better writer/football fan, not just a Broncos fan, so keep bashing.

    DC,

    My apologies, I wasn’t being clear early. I don’t think Johnson is a Julius Peppers clone, I merely think that he will go higher because of scouts and coaches opinions of him. I don’t think Johnson is top 25 talent, but neither was Ted Ginn or Donte Whitner. It gets really old seeing the same 2 players at the #12 spot so I wanted to change it up. The mock gets better the more you experiment at certain spots.

    jchase,

    I know Kerri can get annoying, but he’s not wrong because he’s extremely pessimistic. Just learn how to back up what you believe in from what he says.

    the decider13,

    Haha don’t worry I don’t ever really hate anyone on this site. It would be kind of lame to get angry at some stranger via internet posting. I agree with you on Michael Johnson, but as I said above it was merely just to change things up a bit. A lot of mocks have “surprise” picks which are either clever or fail miserably. Clearly Johnson fails miserably. I’m updating as we speak and will be posting in the next few days along with two other articles, so get ready for some serious reading.

  • http://myspace.com/paraleipsis jchase8410

    Kerry,

    I am in no way whining, and after seeing the needs of the team change, I don’t want Maualuga to be drafted either. If you read my last post over again, you will notice that not once did I say or insinuate that you have to agree with anything. What I made reference to was your brackish attitude, and your dubbing of Rey fans as “cronies”. You should note that it is not always what you say, rather how you say it.
    I agree with a lot of what you say, but sometimes your negativity goes overboard. I understand that because you love the Broncos, you critique them more than others so I would never challenge your fanhood. I just think that you could say what you need to say with a bit more respect for your fellow fans.

  • Jeff

    I think a lot of people would be surprised, reading this, seeing Clay Matthews so long on this list. I think that the Broncos are hurting on the inside, even with the acquistion of Dawkins. Having Matthews and Dawkins on the field, as the Veteran and the Rookie, is an excellent idea. On a side note, I believe that there is a lot of soap opera controversy over Jay Cutler being traded. He’s got three years left on his contract, and he is a Pro Bowl QB. If McDaniels was committed to a mental hospital, that would be the only way that Jay would be traded. He’s an irreplaceable part of the offense, even if it is new…….