2014 Denver Broncos Draft – College Rivals Now Teammates

May 8, 2014; New York, NY, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell introduces cornerback Bradley Roby (Ohio State) as the thirty first overall pick in the first round of the 2014 NFL draft by the Denver Broncos during the 2014 NFL draft at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

The 2014 draft class for the Denver Broncos is set. Only time will tell if the players chosen by John Elway will help the Broncos win another Lombardi Trophy. Of the six individuals chosen by the Denver Broncos, I want to focus on two particular individuals – Bradley Roby (Broncos 1st round pick)and Michael Schofield (Broncos 3rd round pick). Both players bring something different to the table obviously, but I find their past more intriguing today than the value they may add to the team in the near future, although I believe both could be impact players.

If you’re a college football fan of any team, you’re probably aware of one of college footballs biggest rivalries each fall, and that is the Ohio State Buckeyes against the University of Michigan Wolverines. Unless you were born in Ohio or Michigan, or call one of the states home today, it is probably hard to comprehend the meaning and passion that this one game generates. The rivalry is so huge that in that region of the country, or on either one of the campuses, all you have to do is mention “The Game”, and people will know exactly what you are talking about. Enter Bradley Roby and Michael Schofield; alumni of the aforementioned educational institutes. Bradley Roby attended Ohio State from 2010-2013 and started all 37 games from 2011-2013. Schofield, who like Roby, was redshirted his freshman year, started 36 out of 52 games for the Wolverines from 2010-2013 as a fifth year senior.

During the time period when Roby and Schofield were in college and competing against each other, Ohio State managed to get the upper hand against Michigan, winning two of the three games they played against each other (see scores below). Given where each player finds themselves at this point in their football career, it is time to move past this collegiate rivalry and definitely view it as water under the bridge. While the last few years have been focused on winning the Big 10 and beating the other school, their focus now needs to shift toward the Denver Broncos and doing what they can to help this team get better each day and eventually bring home a third Lombardi Trophy. Considering that both players will obviously make very a decent living playing a game, I am sure they will have no problem doing that.

All that being said, my assumption is there will be a lot of trash talking leading up to “The Game”. One player, either Roby or Schofield, will no doubt have the last laugh! As long as all the fun doesn’t interfere with the true business at hand – a Super Bowl win!

Bradley Roby and Michael Schofield, welcome to Colorado and the Denver Broncos!

Say goodbye to red, silver, and Michigan blue, and embrace your arms around your new team colors – orange and blue!

Michigan / Ohio State football games while Roby and Schofield played:

2011: Michigan 40-34

2012: Ohio State 26-21

2013: Ohio State 42-43 

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Dec 28, 2013; Tempe, AZ, USA; Michigan Wolverines offensive linesman Michael Schofield (75) against the Kansas State Wildcats during the Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl at Sun Devil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports