Round 2 - DT Derek Wolfe
- QB Brock Osweiler
Round 3 - RB Ronnie Hillman
Round 4 - CB Omar Bolden
Round 5 - DE Malik Jackson
Round 6 - OLB Danny Trevathan
Peyton Manning changes everything. Instead of making picks for the future, the Broncos need to win now. That started with adding weapons for him in free agency and then reinforcing a solid defense. Though strong at cornerback and pass rushing entities, their weakness at defensive tackle has been well-publicized. The loss of Broderick Bunkley is only slightly offset by the debut Ty Warren (injured all last season). By drafting Derek Wolfe, they gain a previously absent inside pass rush. However, he lacks the ability to anchor the run and will be used on passing situations the majority of the time. Look for the Broncos to have a deep rotation at the defensive tackle position as well as at defensive end this year.
Again, a product of the Manning signing, John Elway was in need of a quarterback of the future after trading away Tim Tebow. Who better to develop behind than #18? With similar size and arm strength to Ryan Mallett, Brock Osweiler brings surprising athleticism for a man his size. His mechanics are severely flawed though fixable, and he also has little experience as a starter. If and when Osweiler takes over for Manning in a few years, they should transition to more of a downfield passing attack. This is contingent on his development though.
By drafting Ronnie Hillman in the third round, Denver secured its future lead back. His vision, power, and agility are reminiscent of Ray Rice. Once he receives the ball, he can pick his way through the line by quick changes of direction. When he reaches the second level of the defense, he possesses the ability to buy more yardage with the several moves in his arsenal. An especially capable inside runner, he can run through arm tackles and fight for extra yards. Hillman will prove in a couple of years that he was a steal in the third round, like Rice was in the second round.
Better than a fourth round talent, Omar Bolden fell there due to his missing the entire 2011 season. Although he needs to clean up his footwork, he displays the speed and fluidity to possibly start in the future. He could also become more physical to carry his game to the next level.
Malik Jackson was brought in mostly for depth this year. He plays well against the run, but he needs to expand his pass rush moves. With his long arms he has a knack for batting down passes. Nevertheless, his potential holds promise in the future.
With their final pick, the Broncos took Danny Trevathan from Kentucky. An undersized but very athletic linebacker, he shows some explosive ability. However, he needs to improve in pass coverage and could bulk up some. He will need to play on special teams to contribute.
Overall, they managed to have a successful draft by filling needs as well as bringing in replacements for aging players. Many of their players should start in the future. Wolfe can join the rotation and provide strong pressure from the middle of the line. Hopefully, Osweiler can develop behind Peyton and replace him seamlessly when the time comes, but that's not even close to a guarantee. I truly believe that Ronnie Hillman can become their main running back, maybe as soon as this year. Also, Bolden could end up being a great value in the fourth round if he can start in the future. Basically, with the exception of Osweiler, all their rookies are ready to contribute this year in one form or another but also hold promise for the future as they work to improve their game.
Peyton Manning changes everything. Instead of making picks for the future, the Broncos need to win now. That started with adding weapons for him in free agency and then reinforcing a solid defense. Though strong at cornerback and pass rushing entities, their weakness at defensive tackle has been well-publicized. The loss of Broderick Bunkley is only slightly offset by the debut Ty Warren (injured all last season). By drafting Derek Wolfe, they gain a previously absent inside pass rush. However, he lacks the ability to anchor the run and will be used on passing situations the majority of the time. Look for the Broncos to have a deep rotation at the defensive tackle position as well as at defensive end this year.
Again, a product of the Manning signing, John Elway was in need of a quarterback of the future after trading away Tim Tebow. Who better to develop behind than #18? With similar size and arm strength to Ryan Mallett, Brock Osweiler brings surprising athleticism for a man his size. His mechanics are severely flawed though fixable, and he also has little experience as a starter. If and when Osweiler takes over for Manning in a few years, they should transition to more of a downfield passing attack. This is contingent on his development though.
By drafting Ronnie Hillman in the third round, Denver secured its future lead back. His vision, power, and agility are reminiscent of Ray Rice. Once he receives the ball, he can pick his way through the line by quick changes of direction. When he reaches the second level of the defense, he possesses the ability to buy more yardage with the several moves in his arsenal. An especially capable inside runner, he can run through arm tackles and fight for extra yards. Hillman will prove in a couple of years that he was a steal in the third round, like Rice was in the second round.
Better than a fourth round talent, Omar Bolden fell there due to his missing the entire 2011 season. Although he needs to clean up his footwork, he displays the speed and fluidity to possibly start in the future. He could also become more physical to carry his game to the next level.
Malik Jackson was brought in mostly for depth this year. He plays well against the run, but he needs to expand his pass rush moves. With his long arms he has a knack for batting down passes. Nevertheless, his potential holds promise in the future.
With their final pick, the Broncos took Danny Trevathan from Kentucky. An undersized but very athletic linebacker, he shows some explosive ability. However, he needs to improve in pass coverage and could bulk up some. He will need to play on special teams to contribute.
Overall, they managed to have a successful draft by filling needs as well as bringing in replacements for aging players. Many of their players should start in the future. Wolfe can join the rotation and provide strong pressure from the middle of the line. Hopefully, Osweiler can develop behind Peyton and replace him seamlessly when the time comes, but that's not even close to a guarantee. I truly believe that Ronnie Hillman can become their main running back, maybe as soon as this year. Also, Bolden could end up being a great value in the fourth round if he can start in the future. Basically, with the exception of Osweiler, all their rookies are ready to contribute this year in one form or another but also hold promise for the future as they work to improve their game.
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