Broncos Draft Recap

The draft is officially over, but things are just getting started at Dove Valley. With nine rookies acquired over the weekend, the learning curve is Rocky Mountain steep. In the first half of the draft, the Broncos mostly focused on offense. They picked up a QB, 2 wide receivers, and three offensive linemen that can play either center or guard. In the later rounds, they got two cornerbacks who can also be used as return men, and a defensive end. 

All in all, I’m happy with the 2010 Broncos draft class. It was clear that while Josh McDaniels spent $50 million to beef up the defensive line through free agency, his motive for the draft was offensive improvement. In addition to Tim Tebow and Demaryius Thomas in the 1st round, the Broncos acquired Utah offensive lineman, Zane Beadles, and Baylor center, J.D. Walton, in the 2nd and 3rd rounds, respectively. Walton was ranked second in many positional draft rankings, just behind Maurkice Pouncey. Shortly after Walton was selected, the Broncos used their second 3rd round pick (87th overall) on Minnesota wideout, Eric Decker. 

The Broncos had some time to evaluate without a pick in the 4th round, but in the 5th round (137th overall), they picked up Oklahoma State cornerback, Perrish Cox. I’m excited about this guy. He was projected to go in the 1st or 2nd round prior to the Cotton Bowl, but was suspended for that game for missing his curfew. He’s a talented CB who had to battle Dez Bryant in practice at OSU. He’s also a difficult guy to tackle, making him an excellent option for kick/punt returns. I think with Champ Bailey’s guidance, Cox fill flourish in Denver. This was a great find late in the draft.

In the 6th round (183rd overall), the Broncos selected Notre Dame center, Eric Olsen. The last Broncos offensive lineman to be draft from ND? Ryan Harris. Harris has been a great guy up front and could teach Olsen a few things. With their first 7th round pick (225th overall), California cornerback, Syd’Quan Thompson was selected. The last Broncos pick in the 2010 draft was Indiana DE/OLB Jammie Kirlew.

For fans, football season seems so far away. For players and coaches, however, it’s time to work now. Workouts begin this week where the new guys will become familiar with the Broncos organization. As the veterans begin to pile in for off season workouts, they’ll tell the rookies that Super Bowl winning teams are built this time of year.

Josh McDaniels is building for the future, getting rid of the weaknesses (skill and character wise) he saw last year, and continuing to bring change into the organization. Most of the off season work is done now, but keep your eyes peeled for moves made in the free agency market.