2014 NFL Draft: Denver Broncos Select Bradley Roby, CB, Ohio State

Sep 21, 2013; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes cornerback Bradley Roby (1) against Florida A&M Rattlers at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

With the 31st pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, the Denver Broncos have selected Bradley Roby, CB, Ohio State.

The talented but sometimes inconsistent and troubled corner is a phenomenal value for Denver, given they had a number of players on the board that would have been just that.

Here’s what I wrote about Roby and the Broncos back on April 14th:

Roby is an aggressive player at the cornerback position who has really solid size at 5’11″ 195 pounds with 4.39 speed. He’s been inconsistent but has proven to be a versatile weapon for the Ohio State defense and special teams, showing an ability to block punts and make plays in the backfield blitzing.

I think for the Broncos, Roby could play inside or outside. Eventually, I believe he has number one corner potential but he’s going to need some good coaching in the NFL to get him more consistent. His tools are as good as almost every corner in the draft this year, but in addition to a suspension to start the 2013 season, he was beaten like a drum against Wisconsin and has shown some lapses in judgment on the field.

This is a player who doesn’t shy away from contact, which the Broncos have obviously placed a priority on in some of their recent investments in the defensive backfield. Aqib Talib can hit, Chris Harris is one of the best tacklers on the team, and Kayvon Webster came to Denver with a reputation for laying the wood.

Not only the corners, but T.J. Ward and Rahim Moore pack a punch on the back end of the defense as well.

If the Broncos want to take a cornerback in the first round of the draft, Roby has as much upside as anyone they can get with their first round pick and I think athletically, he’d be a fantastic value.

Fantastic value indeed. More to come.