Denver Broncos blog, news and rumors



So it begins, another futile attempt.

Round 1

    1. Carolina Panthers
      Marcel Dareus, DT, Alabama

It really doesn’t seem like the Panthers truly want to pick a QB this high. After some mind wrestling over the pick they may decide to play it safe and take the phenomenally talented Marcel Dareus which coincidentally addresses one of their most glaring needs.

    1. Denver Broncos
      Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M

John Fox and Brian Xanders love Von Miller, plain and simple. Many will be quick to point out that Miller is a mismatch for the defensive scheme, but that’s not entirely accurate. Miller himself had a his highest number of sacks in a season while playing in a 4-3 in 2009. Miller is a lot more versatile than people give him credit for and I think Fox and Xanders see that as well.

Von Miller has also been compared to Derrick Brooks, who coincidentally is who Brian Xanders backed up in college. Brian Xanders loves linebackers and John Fox loves game changing defensive players (I mean who doesn’t?), at this point I will be a bit surprised if Miller isn’t the guy, given then Broncos pick at second overall. Even if Cam Newton is taken first overall I think the Broncos will pass up on Marcel Dareus for Miller.

UPDATE: In his first mock ever, Mike Mayock agrees with this pick.

    1. Buffalo Bills
      Cam Newton, QB, Auburn

The Bills like flashy players and they also need a quarterback. Last year Ralph Wilson Jr. wanted to go out there and get more flashy players to make a difference, so they drafted C.J. Spiller at 9th overall even when they had Fred Jackson and Marshawn Lynch, and it is speculated that they tried to grab Tim Tebow at the end of round one. Ryan Fitzpatrick may have played really well at times but the Bills will have to jump on their franchise quarterback soon.

    1. Cincinnati Bengals
      A.J. Green, WR, Georgia

The Bengals are ousting their wide receiver divas and are now left with Jerome Simpson and Jordan Shipley to carry the corps. A.J. Green is an amazing prospect with a bit of a troubled background, this is a classic Bengals pick.

    1. Arizona Cardinals
      Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri

Despite what Larry Fitzgerald has said, the Cardinals are in serious need of a new quarterback. Derek Anderson and John Skelton will not get them into the playoffs even with the division they’re in. I don’t think Blaine Gabbert is first round talent, but the Cardinals have had private workouts and dinners with Gabbert, so it’s safe to say they hold some interest in him.

    1. Cleveland Browns
      Julio Jones, WR, Alabama

The Browns may not completely believe in Colt McCoy yet, but I don’t think they’re willing to spend the sixth overall pick on a quarterback either. Julio Jones has been completely phenomenal in all of his pre-draft events and has proven that his worthy of this selection.

    1. San Fransisco 49’ers
      Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU

San Fransisco is extremely weak at corner even with Nate Clemens who has his on and off moments now that he’s 31 and due over 7 million this season. It will be interesting to see what Jim Harbaugh does, it’s difficult to gauge what a coach that is new to the NFL will do (see Chan Gailey). If Patrick Peterson falls this low though you really can’t pass him up.

    1. Tennessee Titans
      Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn

Jason Babin had a great year, but besides that single season he has been inconsistent and a mainly a rotational player. Marcell Dareus has the size to play on any technique in the 4-3 defense. Fairley is a great fit for the tenacious and very talented Titans defensive line.

    1. Dallas Cowboys
      Tyron Smith, OT, USC

The Cowboys have to got to start protecting their quarterback. The Cowboy defense has the potential to be very good, their running back situation is more than ideal, and Miles Austin and Jason Witten can hold down the receiving. However, the ball isn’t going anywhere if Tony Romo or whoever is playing can’t stand upright.

    1. Washington Redskins
      Jake Locker, QB, Washington

Donovan McNabb is not the present and Rex Grossman is not the future. Mike Shanahan needs his young quarterback to shape, and Jake Locker fits that mold. There are so many similarities between Jake Locker and Jay Cutler it’s almost eerie sometimes.  Both of these mobile, strong armed, high school state champions went on to play for teams with lackluster football programs and never really bring them to any prominence.  I believe Mike Shanahan will pounce on landing his franchise guy.

    1. Houston Texans
      Robert Quinn, DE, UNC

The Texans really need help everywhere on their defense. Lucky for them that the NCAA is the most hypocritical organization in all the land, therefore Robert Quinn has drop out of the top ten.

    1. Minnesota Vikings
      Corey Liuget

The “Williams-Wall” is crumbling, and it must be fixed soon. Quarterback is a huge need in Minnesota but all they have to do is give Denver a 2nd or 3rd round pick and they’d be more than obliged to send over Kyle Orton.

    1. Detroit Lions
      Mike Pouncey, OL, Florida

The Lions have scored really big in their past couple of drafts. Now if they could only keep their playmakers healthy behind a decent offensive line.

    1. St. Louis Rams
      Aldon Smith, OLB/DE, Missouri

Aldon Smith really reminds me of a Justin Tuck kind of player and Steve Spagnoluo knows how to utilize those kind of players.

    1. Miami Dolphins
      Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska

The Dolphins aren’t necessarily weak at corner, but they play in a division where you can’t afford to be average in the secondary. If you have to face quarterbacks like Tom Brady and Mark Sanchez in four games each year you better be ready to make their lives as difficult as possible. Prince Amukamara is the second best corner of this draft and a good value at this position.

    1. Jacksonville Jaguars
      Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue

Historically the Jaguars like to pick underrated, hard working, high motor players and Ryan Kerrigan is all three of these things.

    1. New England Patriots
      Cameron Jordan, DE/DT, California

The two biggest needs for the Patriots are defensive end and defensive tackle. Fortunately for New England Cam Jordan is versatile to fill both of these needs.

    1. San Diego Chargers
      Akeem Ayers, OLB, UCLA

The Chargers may have had the “number one” defense in the league last year, but the have some holes all around. With the departure of Shawne Merriman and Larry English not exactly panning out the Chargers need to fill the outside linebacker position.

    1. New York Giants
      Anthony Castonzo, OT, Boston College

The Chargers may have had the “number one” defense in the league last year, but the have some holes all around. With the departure of Shawne Merriman and Larry English not exactly panning out the Chargers need to fill the outside linebacker position.

    1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
      J.J. Watt, DE, Wisconsin

Tampa Bay is a team that could be a real contender next year if they could get their pass rush going. J.J. Watt would pair really well next to last year’s top pick Gerald McCoy.

    1. Kansas City Chiefs
      Phil Taylor, NT, Baylor

Scott Pioli is searching for his Vincent Wilfork and could possibly find him in Phil Taylor. The Kansas City defensive line could have some potential with a big guy like Taylor supplementing Tyson Jackson and Tamba Hali.

    1. Indianapolis Colts
      Nate Solder, OT, Colorado

Peyton Manning may be getting older but it isn’t slowing him down too much. However, supplying him with a quality offensive linemen may help things run smoother for the rest of his career. Nate Solder is a wrecking ball and should provide the coverage Manning seeks.

    1. Philadelphia Eagles
      Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin

Ever since the Eagles lost both Tra Thomas and John Runyan they have been scrambling to cement a decent offensve line. Gabe Camiri and Jason Peters would provide a great line for Michael Vick and LeSean McCoy to operate out of.

    1. New Orleans Saints
      Adrian Clayborn, DE/DT, Iowa

The Saints biggest need is their front seven and Adrian Clayborn is a great match for the Gregg Williams’ 4-3.

    1. Seattle Seahawks
      Muhammad Wilkerson, DE/DT, Temple

The Seahawks are starting to spread thin on the defensive line and especially with Brandon Mebane going into free agency. Muhammad Wilkerson is extremely versatile and can fit into any defensive scheme he’s thrown into.

    1. Baltimore Ravens
      Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado

Jimmy Smith may have some serious character issues but he will tempt teams with his serious cover skills. The Ravens are so desperate at corner that they just might gamble on Smith’s issues.

    1. Atlanta Falcons
      Torrey Smith, WR, Mayland

The Falcons are looking to give Matt Ryan as many weapons as possible. Torrey Smith is not considered by everyone to be a first round pick, but the Falcons may reach on him here if they can’t trade up to get Julio Jones or A.J. Smith.

    1. New England Patriots
      Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama

The Patriots would have beaten the Jets if they had a dominate wide receiver.” Well, will a dominate running back work as well? If Mark Ingram pans out the be the player everyone says he is then he will be very deadly teamed up with Tom Brady.

    1. Chicago Bears
      Marvin Austin, DT, North Carolina

The Bears should take an offensive linemen but since Tommie Harris is gone they’ll feel the need to replace him immediately.

    1. New York Jets
      Justin Houston, OLB, Georgia

Justin Houston is a freak of an athlete that has 3-4 experience, this is the kind of guy Rex Ryan likes.

    1. Pittsburgh Steelers
      Aaron Williams, CB, Texas

Bryant McFadden had a pretty bad year, the Steelers could really use an upgrade at his position. Williams has great value here because he can play safety, corner, and special teams all very well.

    1. Chicago Bears
      Brooks Reed, DE/OLB, Arizona

The Packers need to focus on complimenting Clay Matthews on the other side of the field. Who better than another viking looking white boy?

  • http://nation.theorangepage.com/blog Ian Henson

    Since Fox's comments yesterday to the DP I have been doubting that Carolina is targeting Cam Newton as well. I like the pick of Von Miller, but am still focused on Patrick Peterson.

    The thing with Miller is that I think he would fit in as a defensive end (same size as Dumervil weight wise in certain points in his career). Either of the three would make me happy, but one is bound to bust.

  • http://www.broncotalk.net Josh Temple

    I'm just not sure I see the Bengals passing on a quarterback to take a wide receiver. Hardcore Bengal fans say that their wideout group without TO or OCHO is still better than most people think. They produced better when both of those guys were hurt. A disgruntled Carson Palmer has to scare them into taking Gabbert I would think. And call me crazy, but I think Cam Newton is a downgrade from Ryan Fitzpatrick, funny that I don't feel that way with Tebow and Orton. I think the Bills are going to suffer if they make that selection.

  • http://thingsatrexdoes.tumblr.com Mike Birtwistle

    well i hope this draft is less prophetic than last years!

    If Carolina take Dareus and Denver doesn't take Peterson I would be a bit upset.

  • http://www.broncotalk.net Josh Temple

    I think the likelihood of a bust grows exponentially when you move past those 3. I'm still worried that if we take Dareus that Fairley ends up being the star player at the position. I was impressed with him in the National Championship. I still take Dareus at two. Watched Parcells last night and agreed, I wouldn't touch a quarterback in the top 20 this year.

  • stav

    Agreed, if we cant grab Dareus, I'd rather get Peterson than Miller. LB should be our 2nd pick anyway if we cant grab him at #2.

  • http://nation.theorangepage.com/blog Ian Henson

    If I had to bet money it would be on Fairley being the bust. I don't know why, player assessment wise he's great, but just as an interview I'd never hire him.

    Peterson, Miller and Dareus have all really impressed me on their personal basis (Peterson comes off incredibly intelligent and like a trained soldier). Miller I like one for sticking his neck out so hard as a member of the Brady lawsuit. I know a lot of these things seem to have nothing to do with football, but at the end of the day they have everything to do with football.

    Which one can you depend on in your corner?

  • http://nation.theorangepage.com/blog Ian Henson

    I really like Fitzpatrick, I'd take him on my team.

  • Guest

    ex-sponging? That's a joke, right?

  • http://Facebook.com/BroncosZone Jon

    I love that you have Dareus going first overall, all the experts say Denver takes him at two, but I don't think he'll even be available.

  • areferee

    What kind of air are you breathing back there, East? hehehe

    Take a few hits for me!

    Are you going to Radio City? Will we see you crying in the background when Rivera takes a QB and El FoxX and Company goes PP?

    (If you're right, I'll cop a plea…publicly!)

  • areferee

    (Of course, it will be on:
    http://www.iamlostsomewhereintheamazo... )

  • MrEast

    Sponge: One who habitually depends on others for one's own maintenance.

    I will it should have been un-sponging, ex-sponging makes it sound like expunging.. I think I wrote that before I had any coffee in the morning and was trying to be clever, that's never a good idea.

  • Dominic

    Umm why would we take miller?

    Have u forgoten that williams is going to outside again and the way hunter was playing outside last year wow and then joe mays look at some footage of him and damn he hits hard then we have haggan to as a back up or starter

    So i say grab peterson (unless carolina gets newton then grab dareus) i'll be a bit mad if we get miller but whatever he'll be a bronco ha

  • Doom92

    I think taking Miller at 2 is a big mistake and would put money on it that Dareus will be a far superior player and have more impact, short and long term and will have a longer playing career. And will end up being more versatile. If not I'd be glad to chew some crow because that would mean that we got the right guy, but I do not believe it will happen that way.

    From what I've been hearing all day though East is right and that is going to be the pick regardless of who is there.

    I've got my fingers crossed that it is some how a smoke screen for some reason. To pass on Dareus would be something the Broncos pay for for some time. I think Miller ends up being the same caliber player as Robert Ayers, pretty good but no where close to great.

    Dareus and Peterson both will be great!

    My .02 worth :-)

  • MrEast

    I agree about not taking Miller, he is a huge risk on fitting into the system. I would much rather have Peterson is Dareus is gone at 1.

  • Drdan325

    what happens if teams cannot sign any free agents and trades. each team has to count on nothing but this draft. cya is fill holes 49ers have 3qb 2dl olb.what are they most in need of. qb! why don't you have 49ers draft a qb as it is their greats number needed. i am not looking forward to watching a bust start for 49ers! get a brain 49ers greatest shot at a qb is at 7. not cb neither cb is worth not getting a qb in this draft.

  • MrEast

    I agree about not taking Miller, he is a huge risk on fitting into the system. I would much rather have Peterson is Dareus is gone at 1.

  • Drdan325

    what happens if teams cannot sign any free agents and trades. each team has to count on nothing but this draft. cya is fill holes 49ers have 3qb 2dl olb.what are they most in need of. qb! why don't you have 49ers draft a qb as it is their greats number needed. i am not looking forward to watching a bust start for 49ers! get a brain 49ers greatest shot at a qb is at 7. not cb neither cb is worth not getting a qb in this draft.