Arguments for Drafting a Cornerback

Six down… three to go. Today we’re breaking down CB – why the Denver Broncos should draft one in the first round of the 2008 NFL Draft, why they shouldn’t, and then ask you in the daily poll. Enjoy!

The Denver Broncos are incredibly deep at cornerback. Led by future Hall of Famer Champ Bailey and multiple Pro Bowler Dre Bly, the Denver Broncos have one of the most talented starting CB duos in the league. Behind them they’re not too shabby either – Karl Paymah, whose measurables are simply outstanding and lends himself to the freak-of-nature type, and versatile talent Domonique Foxworth, who can play both CB and S. Why would the Broncos even dream of drafting a cornerback in the first round?

Look past the coming year of 2008 and everything changes. Neither Paymah nor Foxworth are under contract in 2009. If Bly does not improve to some degree from his 2007 campaign, I doubt the Broncos will pay him the money he’s owed. And Champ has been hinting at wanting a new contract for two consecutive offseasons – how long can we leave his situation “as is” until he begins threatening a holdout? How much do either have left in the tank?

The need is not extreme, but to ensure continued success in the defensive backfield long term, the Broncos may very well want to address the CB position now and not worry about it again for 5 years.

This draft class is stacked at the position to boot. Both Dominique Rogers-Cromartie and Leodis McKelvin have high grades, often in the Top 10. It’s not impossible that either could fall to the Broncos at 12. Both players would also have an impact on the return game, giving the Broncos another option that might be more palatable than the players slated there at present. If the Broncos have one of these guys graded highest at that point, they should definitely pull the trigger on best player available.

In the end, it’s an unlikely pick that would throw a big curveball for the fans, but I’m not against the Broncos addressing the future of the cornerback position now.