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Published on 04/29/2011 at Fri Apr 29 17:20.
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Orlando Franklin drafted 46th overall by Denver Broncos

Posted Fri Apr 29th by

Miami OT Orlando Franklin

Miami OT Orlando Franklin

The Denver Broncos had back-to-back selections in the 2nd round Friday, and they used the second pick to bolster their offensive line. Orlando Franklin, OT out of Miami, FL, was drafted by the Broncos with the 46th overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft.

Franklin (6’6″, 316 lbs.) has the size and speed to play right tackle but could also be moved inside to guard. NFL.com scouting report —

Franklin’s got a chance to emerge as a starting right tackle but could also settle in as a guard. Has very impressive measureables. Outstanding run blocker who gets off the ball quickly and is capable of holding up at the point or pulling and getting to the second level. Does a great job locating blitzers, staying home against stunts or helping out when not covered up. Can be tested when asked to mirror quicker pass rushers. Relentless player who wants to finish every block like its his last. Franklin has the physical gifts and on-field smarts to be selected early in the draft.

The Broncos used the 45th overall selection to select UCLA S Rahim Moore.

A safety and a tackle. Both positions of need, but it’s surprising to see the Broncos three picks in without addressing their greatest area of need, defensive tackle (particularly with Stephen Paea on the board). Perhaps this is a sign that the Broncos brass are truly exercising the Best Player Available philosophy, regardless of position. A philosophy we applaud.

And Da’Quan Bowers continues to fall…

  • crazykid

    Should have taken Ben Ijalana instead if we were going OT

  • Broncosam

    “A philosophy we applaud.” as do I!

  • Doom92

    Surprised but this guy is a pretty brutal blocker. I wish we'd gone D again but this dude should play game 1.

  • Darwin

    This is beginning to look like a Josh McDaniel draft after Miller was picked. If they expect 4 starters coming out of this draft I just don't see it with their 3rd round pick. They take a linebacker, Nate Irving who I have never heard of, over Martez Wilson. Come on Broncos don't think your smarter than 90% of scouts out there. Just pick the best available.

  • Joe4stewart20

    Just because you have heard of someone dosen't me he won't pan out!!! I just love all these arm chair Qb's that think they know more than the actual experts that are making the picks!!! If you were that good you would be doing there jobs!!! They can't please everyone!!!! Stop complaining already!!!

  • Landingstrip37

    Paea's strong but is half the width of the true run-stuffer we need next to a Vickerson. Half the battle is filling up the “A” gap and making them run around you. So, since they were all gone besides Austin– and he had motivation questions apparently–they will probably get some immobile meat-wagons to fill the space until next year.

    Better than wasting picks on workout warriors who don't look big even on the college level. Dareus also isn't a Ngata/Wilfork space-filler (and if he was another Warren Sapp he'd have had more than four sacks).

    McDaniels misses and reaches forced us to go extra-conservative (which meant we couldn't jump on Mallett like I would've supported in late round-two).

    But so it goes. Irving is also more muscle and aggression than finesse and speed (like Franklin).

    Enough marshmallows and finesse-blockers. We need power.

  • LevonZevon

    Ijana played against far-lesser competition than Franklin. At O-Line that's huge. By the way, Moore was too small– and too resonant of McBath– but the Bills screwed our board by snagging Aaron Williams (which probably motivated the trade down).

    Like Franklin, Williams' versatility was his selling-point (well, in addition to his sick skill-set).

  • rct930

    Barring injuries, we got four starters with our first four picks. Put it in the bank. Miller is a beast. Moore is a perfect center fielder for the style of defense Fox and Allen want to play. Franklin is a big nasty who likes to maul. And Irving was Bill Parcell's favorite ILB in the class. In fact, he said Irving was the only ILB he would give a first round grade.

  • NMBronc

    What this says to me, is that they expect lefty to win the QB competition and need a RT to protect his blind side. Great pick to solidfy our OLine.

  • SivNiz

    I like the pick. The Broncos couldn't convert on third and short to save their lives last year. Hopefully this is the piece that always us to change that this year.

  • Roy

    This guy looks like he could eat a d-lineman for breakfast.

  • Roy

    This guy looks like he could eat a d-lineman for breakfast.