Gino Gradkowski Trade Shouldn’t Alter Draft Plans
By Tylor Walden
Sep 29, 2013; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Baltimore Ravens center Gino Gradkowski (66) waits to snap the ball during the first half against the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
The Denver Broncos finally made a move to add depth to the center position, but this should not alter any plans John Elway has for this month’s NFL Draft. Acquiring center Gino Gradkowski from the Baltimore Ravens on Wednesday as well as a fifth round draft pick in next years draft in exchange for a fourth round pick in 2016 is actually a pretty solid deal.
While the move does help the Broncos by gaining a veteran presence to the depth chart, I do not see this move altering draft plans. The team now has Gino Gradkowski, Manny Ramirez, and Matt Paradis on the roster for the center position. Gradkowski is a slight upgrade and since he was with Gary Kubiak last season, it should be an easy transition for him. He seems to be getting a lot of praise from Broncos Country already.
Gino Gradkowski should be the opening day starter, but John Elway should still look for a center in this year’s draft. With players like Hroniss Grasu in the draft, the Broncos should continue the search, because as we all know, John Elway likes to prepare for the future. As far as I am concerned, Gino Gradkowski could be brought in to mentor the young centers, especially Matt Paradis.
The addition of Gino Gradkowski should add depth to the roster in a position that seriously needs depth. With the departure of Will Montgomery, the team did not really have a solid veteran presence. Manny Ramirez showed that he could not be trusted, and I fear that all started with the first play of Super Bowl 48. So, maybe it did not, but Manny Ramirez has not been the same since the lobsided loss.
Gino Gradkowski should help the Broncos out as far as depth. Who knows, maybe he will become a solid player for the Broncos. I did not see the move coming, but this is a smart move for the team as far as finances are concerned. It is definitely a cheaper move than some of the free agent centers on the market right now.
Smart move by the Broncos, but the focus on the draft should not change at all.