Oklahoma S Quinton Carter

The Denver Broncos started off day three using the second of their the three picks they acquired by trading with the San Francisco 49ers in the second round.

Amidst local clamoring and blog chatter questioning the lack of defensive tackles on Denver’s list of 2011 draft picks the Broncos selected safety for the second time this draft. Quinton Carter out of Oklahoma.

“Quinton Carter is a big, strong safety who we had rated very high on our draft board. happy that he fell to us and is a Bronco,” John Elway tweeted seconds after the pick was announced.

Carter (6’1″, 208 lbs.), a 2010 All American who can play either strong or free safety he collected 88 tackles and four interceptions to finish out the year on the 2010 Jim Thorpe Watch List.

Another safety? Sure Denver has some age there, but they also have a lot of youth. What say you Broncos Country?

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Nate Irving (56) pressures a QB. (AP Photo/The News & Observer, Ethan Hyman)

N.C. State LB Nate Irving addresses the media via conference call following his drafting by the Denver Broncos 67th overall in the 2011 NFL Draft.

On which linebacker spot he prefers to play

“I don’t really have a preference. I am just ready go get started, play some football, and I will compete for a spot.”

On his style of play

“For those people who don’t know me, I’m just a physical linebacker who likes to impose my will and punish the ball carrier or get a blocker out of my way to get to the ball carrier.” Click here to read the rest of this entry »

Miami OT Orlando Franklin

Miami OT Orlando Franklin addresses the media via conference call following his drafting by the Denver Broncos 46th overall in the 2011 NFL Draft.

On his draft-day experience and prior contact with the Broncos

“I knew they were interested in me but I didn’t know they were going to pick me. I visited with a whole bunch of teams and they were one of the teams that I didn’t visit with. I was just excited.”

On his knee

“It is feeling real good. I feel like I am ready to go and ready to contribute right away.”

On what position Broncos coaches have told him that he will play

“They told me they see me playing right tackle.” Click here to read the rest of this entry »

Rahim Moore celebrates his successful goal line stand. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)

UCLA S Rahim Moore addresses the media via conference call following his drafting by the Denver Broncos 45th overall in the 2011 NFL Draft.

On being a Denver Bronco

“First of all it’s a blessing. I feel thankful. I thank God I met with the Broncos at the Combine. It’s been one of my favorite teams after watching (CB) Champ Bailey and being a big-time fan of him. It’s truly a blessing. I’m so excited.”

On learning from S Brian Dawkins

“I can’t wait. Click here to read the rest of this entry »

N.C. State LB Nate Irving

After some early trading ending in a fourteen minute dust storm that saw free safety Rahim Moore and tackle Orlando Franklin both donning the orange Denver Broncos cap with white tip, Denver selected linebacker Nate Irving from NC State with the 67th overall pick in the third round of the 2011 NFL Draft.

Irving (6’1″, 240 lbs.) a three year starter and team captain has played all three linebacker positions ending last season at middle linebacker. Irving survived a near fatal car accident which caused him to sit out the entire 2009 season only to come back to 110 tackles, six forced fumbles, three sacks and one interception and be named a semifinalist for the Butkus Award in 2010.

“Nate Irving is an instinctual MLB who is a good fit for the type of defense we are building- tough and always around the ball, ” John Elway posted immediately on Twitter.

Irving is a bruiser and occasionally gets referred to as ‘crazy’, just search for him on Youtube. I’m really excited about this pick the more I get to let it sink in. The road back to defensive superiority goes straight through the middle in the opinions of the current decision makers in Dove Valley obviously.

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…

UCLA S Rahim Moore

After trading with the San Francisco 49ers, moving back even spots and acquiring a fourth and fifth round draft pick for their troubles the Denver Broncos selected free safety Rahim Moore out of UCLA.

“I woke up and I just knew that I should be a Denver Bronco. I felt it,” Moore said immediately after taking the stage at Radio City Music Hall in New York City.

John Elway took to twitter immediately stating, “Rahim Moore showed great ball skills and had lots of production at UCLA. [We’re] looking forward to Rahim playing centerfield for us and improving our defense.”

Moore (6’1″, 190lbs.) led the NCAA in interceptions with 10 in 2009 at just 20-years old. He was named captain of the Bruins in 2010 and continues to be regarded as a very high character prospect.

The main knock against Moore is that he lacks a ‘physical pop’, with a tutor like Brian Dawkins though I cannot imagine this remaining the case. A good pick as Denver continues to get better on defense with each selection.

The Denver Broncos traded their 36th overall pick in the second round to the San Francisco 49ers.

To move up the 49ers traded the Broncos their 45th (second round), 108th (fourth round) 141st (fifth round) to move up to select quarterback Colin Kaepernick out of Nevada.

This now gives Denver a selection in every round of the draft. Not a bad deal for the Broncos as they now have back-to-back picks in the second round (45 and 46) and have a slot in each round.

The Picks
Rd 2 (45) – S Rahim Moore (quotes)
Rd 2 (46) – OT Orlando Franklin (quotes)
Rd 3 (67) – LB Nate Irving