Broncos Draft – Hold the Sizzle

The 2007 NFL Draft has come to a close, and while the Broncos didn’t clean house by any means (that requires at least 5 picks, or so I’m told), our team is much better today than it was Friday. I’m not a fan of draft grades the day after – you’ll see every sports section of every newspaper giving out grades today. I’m sure the Browns got an A, and probably the Cardinals. I won’t slap a grade on any team’s, including the Broncos’, draft outcomes, but tomorrow my Top 10 will run through the best picks made. But I will look back over the weekend that was and analyze each move for what it means to my (and your) favorite football team.

Looking back at 2006, you see that the Broncos selected all skill-positions on Day 1. Jay Cutler is our most significant pick yet, the big-armed QB who has all of Colorado talking Super Bowl again. Trading our early 2nd rounder for Javon Walker possibly saved what was left of our season last year – with Rod Smith‘s game falling off a bit, we might not have finished with a winning record had it not been for Javon’s play. And Tony Scheffler needs only to improve his blocking game to guarantee a longterm spot on our roster as premiere TE in the league. Last year’s Draft was full of flash and sizzle, setting up the Broncos offensive future for the longterm.

2007’s Draft couldn’t have been more different. First, our focus was almost completely on the defensive side of the ball, selecting only one offensive player through the entire draft. Second, we selected all linemen, which I love but doesn’t have that same sizzle as a QB and a Pro Bowl WR. If we were shopping in a grocery store, last year we splurged on filet mignon, fine wine and ice cream. This year we bought burgers, potatoes and beer, the bare bones of our team that will help us in the trenches for years down the line.

Jarvis Moss, DE, Florida – 1st Round, 17th Overall

It’s been said that the Broncos might not have needed to trade up to draft this Florida standout. Shanahan and company could have stayed put, and Moss would have fallen right into our lap. Upon further review, I couldn’t disagree more. Jacksonville could have taken him right there at 17, and rather than calling their bluff, we moved up and got the guy we wanted. In between 17 and 21 sat Cincinnatti, Tennessee, and the New York Giants. I think possibly the Bengals and DEFINITELY the Titans would have had a serious interest in Moss (most mock drafts, including mine, would disagree with the Titans, but remember they went defense anyways with Michael Griffin. If Moss were there they could have gone that route instead of WR too). It’s obvious our coach wasn’t interested in “settling” for Anthony Spencer, the next-ranked DE. Considering Shanahan’s history with Florida, the move makes sense all around, and Moss will fight for a starting spot.

Tim Crowder, DE, Texas – 2nd Round, 56th Overall

This is my favorite pick of our draft, simply because Tim Crowder was among the most productive Defensive Ends in the draft; he played at a big time college program, and he’s a character guy with all the intangibles you look for. He’s more poised to start in Week 1 than Moss, but with less upside longterm. He was a steal at 56, especially considering that he isn’t the liability against the run that Moss is at this time. I expect him to start across Ekuban in Week 1 against Buffalo.

Ryan Harris, OT, Notre Dame – 3rd Round, 70th Overall

I’ve heard a lot of skepticism of this pick among Broncos fans online. Many question his motor and his determination, but Ryan Harris has been a career starter at one of the nation’s premiere programs at Notre Dame. I would invite such skeptics to remember the old addage “Give me a Pro Bowl Quarterback, I’ll show you a Pro Bowl Lineman” (similarly with cornerback, defensive lineman). And Brady Quinn was the #1 QB on my board, and everyone’s board until he played against JaMarcus Russell in the Sugar Bowl. He wouldn’t have been nearly as effective without a quality OL watching his back, and Harris anchored the left side, the most vital part of that line. That being said, the line didn’t play well against LSU, and big games could be a concern for Harris. I expect him to compete for a starting job, but barring injury, he’ll likely learn from the sidelines in year 1.

Marcus Thomas, DT, Florida – 4th Round, 121st Overall

Our final draft choice cost us our 3rd rounder in 2008, and with the recent focus by Commissioner Roger Goodell on character, it brings the controversy all the more into light. Marcus Thomas is a first round talent with enough baggage to potentially drop him out of the league entirely. He was suspended and ultimately banned from the Florida Gators for directly disobeying Coach Urban Meyer. Will getting out of Florida help this young man to overcome his troubles in the past? Does he want the help, or will he dance to the beat of his own drum like Maurice Clarett? Only time will tell.

In 2006, the Broncos defense somewhat fell apart, and our running game was not what it used to be. With the draftees we’ve picked this weekend, we can hope for better play on third downs, both offensively and defensively. With Champ Bailey and Dre Bly clogging the lanes, all we need is a pass rush to become dominant defensively, as we were through Week 9 last year. And with Travis Henry running behind a healthy Matt Lepsis and crew, we can plan on our ground game being all the more solid. While not as flashy as 2006, look for these draftees to make a more immediate impact on our ultimate goal: Super Bowl XLII in Glendale, AZ.