NFL Draft 2015: Broncos Day Two Mock Draft Scenarios
The Denver Broncos made a huge splash in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft by taking Missouri edge rusher and 2014 SEC defensive player of the year Shane Ray, a guy they probably never expected to fall into their laps.
For various reasons, Ray fell, and the Broncos snagged what they believe to be a top 10 player in this draft and certainly one of the best — if not THE best — pass rushers in this draft.
Now, they need to get to work on the offensive line. Gary Kubiak’s scheme is favorable to lineman that don’t necessarily need to be first round stud players, but that certainly doesn’t hurt any. Lucky for the Broncos, many of the guys I had pegged as possible first round targets are still on the board in the second round, and with teams having varying needs across the board, Denver might get another gift at the bottom of round two.
I don’t know exactly what will happen, but here are a few scenarios I would love to see happen on day two, where the Broncos are really unpredictable.
Scenario 1
Sep 27, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; Colorado State Rams offensive linesman Ty Sambrailo (51) prepares to block against Boston College during the first half at Alumni Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
This would be what I would consider a ‘beefy’ ideal scenario for the Broncos.
59. Ty Sambrailo, OL, Colorado State
Sambrailo is a local product that plays with an edge. He played left tackle in college, but some feel he projects better to the right side or to guard in the pros. Lucky for the Broncos, they have vacancies at both spots, or at least are open for business.
He’s got good feet, and good movement skills, and would fit the Broncos’ zone blocking scheme to perfection. I would love this pick, and wouldn’t think twice about it if he were on the board. Of course, there could be even better players available at this point too…
92. La’El Collins, OL, LSU
The curious case of La’El Collins continues to get juicier, as there are now rumors that he will not sign a contract if he’s not drafted on day two, and would then enter the 2016 NFL Draft.
My question for the Broncos would be, why wait?
Draft the kid now.
Collins is a top 15 player in this draft and regardless if he plays or not, this is worth the risk. There seems to be no indication that he’s done anything wrong, except for the odd timing of a request for him to be questioned in the case. This situation has given NFL GMs good reason to pause, for sure, but in the third round, John Elway’s been pretty bad at drafting anyway (Nate Irving, Ronnie Hillman, Kayvon Webster, Michael Schofield) so why not take a guy who was probably at worst in the top 20 on his initial board?
Scenario 2
I would call this the ‘flash’ day two draft for the Broncos.
59. Quinten Rollins, DB, Miami (OH)
Rollins is perhaps my favorite defensive back prospect in this draft. This wouldn’t solve any woes on the offensive line, but would give the Broncos a guy with perhaps the best instincts and ball skills of any DB in this draft (yep, I said it) at the free safety position. He can also play corner.
This pick would greatly excite me.
92. Tyler Lockett, WR, Kansas State
Lockett combines quickness and toughness to be everyone’s favorite day two receiver in this year’s draft class. He is small, but packs a big punch and can also play special teams (phenomenal return specialist).
Scenario 3
I would call this the ‘Operation Grayson’ draft for the Broncos.
59. Garrett Grayson, QB, Colorado State
Many would hate this scenario. I would be okay with it, but I would have felt better with it if the Broncos had already taken an offensive tackle. This would put me on edge for the pressure whatever the offensive lineman taken would receive.
Grayson is one of my favorite day two players in this draft. If he goes to the Broncos, I’ll be delighted.
92. Daryl Williams, OT, Oklahoma
Certainly one of the best right tackles in college football last season, Williams has great size and the movement skills to be great in the Broncos’ zone blocking scheme.
Scenario 4
I will call this one the ‘Flying V’ mock draft.
59. Jake Fisher, OT, Oregon
After landing Shane Ray in round one, the Broncos get a player that might have even been on their first round radar with Jake Fisher. He can play tackle or guard, and needs to cut down on penalties, but he has the requisite athleticism to play in this scheme and excel immediately.
92. Hroniss Grasu, C, Oregon
Grass, who was Fisher’s teammate in college, is a perfect fit for the Broncos or any team that runs a zone scheme. He is lighter, but extremely athletic. He’s also smart, and a team captain that started a lot of football games.
This might be one of the safest picks in the draft.