Denver Broncos – I’ll give the Broncos the nod for second in the division over Oakland based on volume. Denver acquired more players that figure to remain on the team and contribute more than the Raiders selection of game-changing running back Darren McFadden. For the Broncos, offensive tackle Ryan Clady out of Boise State was a terrific first round choice. Clady should be able to step into the starting left tackle role and barring injury, be there for the next 10 years. He’s fully adept at run blocking and pass protection and after seeing his college career, I feel he’ll become a Pro Bowl tackle on the blind side.
Eddie Royal is a speedster who like other Virginia Tech receivers the past couple of years underachieved in college. However, this lack of production is a direct reflection of the quarterbacks Royal and his mates played with and I see a huge upside for this VT alum now that he’s got Broncos QB Jay Cutler throwing to him. Royal is a game breaker who can make plays in any area of the field and expect Denver to use him not only in their vertical routes but in their quick hitting ones as well. Royal also brings electric kick return abilities to the table which Denver drastically needs and will allow him to exhibit right away.
Denver went to the MAC for their next pair of selections and they may have hit paydirt with their fourth rounder Jack Williams who was a three year starter at cornerback for Kent State. While the Golden Flashes are not a team that makes a lot of television appearances, the statistical numbers posted by Williams are very impressive and scouts across the league raved about his athletic and playmaking ability. 245 career tackles, 25 passes broken up and 13 interceptions over a three year span are huge numbers. He’s fast and physical and should fit perfectly as a nickel corner behind starters Champ Bailey and Dre Bly. His 5-9 height is the only drawback and the only reason why he wasn’t taken until the 4th round. With all the knowledge he can gain from Bailey and Bly, don’t be surprised if Williams becomes a very successful starter here in a couple of years.
The wild card in this draft for the Broncos is seventh rounder Josh Barrett, a safety out of Arizona State . Barrett was rated by many as one of the top five safeties in the draft but he tumbled all the way to the seventh round because of on field character issues which got him benched as a senior. His junior year saw him record 82 tackles and his football ability is unquestionably good enough to land him as a starter in this league. His maturity level and desire are the concerns but in this veteran secondary with John Lynch as the leader, I think Barrett will “shape up” and become one of this draft's absolute steals.
For more NFL draft analysis by Rob Veno, go to www.sportsmemo.com.
