Mocking the Broncos Mocks: WalterFootball.com Sends Shazier to Denver

November 3, 2012; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Ryan Shazier (10) tackles Illinois Fighting Illini running back Donovonn Young (5) after a short gain at Ohio Stadium. Ohio State won the game 52-22. Mandatory Credit: Greg Bartram-USA TODAY Sports

If you’re looking for some great NFL Draft content, I not only recommend NFL Mocks and With the First Pick, but I also recommend very highly the work done at WalterFootball.com.

Walter is one of the funniest football analysts out there, but he is also smart and has operated an incredible site for a long, long time. He recently did a five-round mock draft, the results of which would make any Broncos fan cry for joy come draft weekend. Here is a quick recap and summary of his five picks for Denver.

First Round: Ryan Shazier, LB, Ohio State

This has become the most popular pick for the Broncos in mock drafts, and it makes a lot of sense. If Shazier is available at 31, his ability to play all three downs as well as his athleticism and speed–not to mention leadership qualities and work ethic–would be extremely attractive for the Broncos. He would be penciled in as the starter at inside linebacker with the ability to move all over the formation and rush on third downs or drop in coverage.

Second Round: Cyrus Kouandjio, OT, Alabama

This would be like having an additional first round pick. Despite the injury rumors for Kouandjio, I still think he has potential to be a dominant player in the NFL if he dedicates himself. He is a powerful tackle/guard prospect who could kick inside in the NFL but he did a solid job holding down the left side of Alabama’s offensive line the last couple of years. This is a value pick that also fits a need for the Broncos. Win-win.

Third Round: Jackson Jeffcoat, DE, Texas

The Broncos lost a couple of key reserves on the defensive line in Robert Ayers and Shaun Phillips, who also doubled as a linebacker. I think Jeffcoat presents the same versatility as Phillips, though he’d need to be developed in that role. Getting Jeffcoat and Kouandjio would give the Broncos two former top 5 high school recruits who were very productive the last three years in college. I thought Jeffcoat had a chance to be a first round pick at one point but if the Broncos can get the pass rusher here I wouldn’t complain.

Fourth Round: Robert Herron, WR, Wyoming

Herron is a bit on the smaller side, but he has explosive speed and would be another good value pick (I have him as a third rounder) for the Broncos at this juncture. He could play the slot when Welker leaves.

Fifth Round: Storm Johnson, RB, Central Florida

As far as an upside pick, this is a high one. Johnson emerged this past season for UCF and has a ton of talent to give the Broncos another young, intriguing back to compete in their star-studded offensive cast.

What do you think of this mock draft?