Collegefootballnews.com has the Broncos picking up an Offensive tackle in their most recent mock draft.
They list the Denver Broncos biggest needs as being on both lines: offensive tackle, offensive guard and defensive tackle. However, they rightly point out that the Broncos could pickup a receiver if they cut or trade Javon Walker, which seems likely at this time.
12. Denver Broncos: Ryan Clady, OT, Boise St.
Don’t discount the possibility of a receiver if the team doesn’t believe in Javon Walker anymore. Jay Cutler could use some more weapons. There will still be decent receiver prospects in the second and third rounds, but a chance at getting centerpiece offensive tackle who can move like Ryan Clady can’t be passed up.
Three Biggest Needs: OT, OG, DT
Three Players Who Make The Most Sense: 1. Ryan Clady, OT, Boise State, 2. Chris Williams, OT, Vanderbilt, 3. Kentwan Balmer, DT, North Carolina
While this mock complies with conventional wisdom, which has been that since Matt Lepsis retired, that the Denver Broncos biggest need will be on the offensive line.
However, no one should discount Mike Shanahan’s penchant for believing in filling his line holes with lower round development players in their second or third years, along with free agent aquisitions.
In his season wrap-up press conference, Shanahan indicated he was very comfortable with Ryan Harris at left tackle. Whether that was Shanahan painting a rosy picture, or an indication of where he sees the teams needs, will be a bit clearer after the April draft.
Here are the other 11 picks to round out CFN’s top 12:
1. Miami Dolphins: Matt Ryan, QB, Boston College
The Dolphins need a ton of new talent and might try to trade down and get several picks, but that’s if Bill Parcells is more desperate to win now rather than build a foundation. The team needs a quarterback and can either hope to snag a Colt Brennan or Joe Flacco later on, pray for John Beck to pan out, or go with Matt Ryan.
Three Biggest Needs: QB, OT, DT
Three Players Who Make The Most Sense: 1. Matt Ryan, QB, Boston College; 2. Jake Long, OT, Michigan; 3. Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU
2. St. Louis Rams: Chris Long, DE, Virginia
It might be tough to sell the fan base on yet another high pick on a defensive lineman, but if Long pans out and is as good as advertised, it’ll fill a glaring need for a consistent pass rusher. Addressing the offensive tackle needs will have to be done later on.
Three Biggest Needs: DE, OL, WR
Three Players Who Make The Most Sense: 1. Jake Long, OT, Michigan, 2. Chris Long, DE, Virginia, 3. Ryan Clady, OT Boise State
3. Atlanta Falcons: Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU
Do the Falcons try to trade up to get Matt Ryan, stand pat and take Brian Brohm or try to trade down? If Dorsey falls here, the choice might be made for them. The team needs high-character players, and Dorsey certainly fits.
Three Biggest Needs: QB, DT, OT
Three Players Who Make The Most Sense: 1. Matt Ryan, QB, Boston College, 2. Brian Brohm, QB, Louisville, 3. Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU
4. Oakland Raiders: Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas
McFadden isn’t a need pick, but Al Davis does like his wow factor. The better move would be to take one of the top offensive tackles, save a little bit of money and protect the team’s franchise player, JaMarcus Russell, for the next several years.
Three Biggest Needs: OT, DT, DE
Three Players Who Make The Most Sense: 1. Jake Long, OT, Michigan, 2. Ryan Clady, OT, Boise State, 3. Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU
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