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Scouting Denver Broncos Rookie Matt Paradis, C, Boise State

By Sayre Bedinger

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Dec 24, 2013; Honolulu, HI, USA; Boise State Broncos quarterback Grant Hedrick (9) takes the snap behind linemen Matt Paradis (65) and Marcus Henry (72) against the Oregon State Beavers in the 1st quarter of the 2013 Hawaii Bowl at Aloha Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marco Garcia-USA TODAY Sports

The Denver Broncos are set to begin rookie mini camp, so I want to make sure the fans know as much about the rookies as is possible.

Today, we’re going to take a look at the Broncos’ sixth round pick, former Boise State center Matt Paradis.

I’ll be honest that when the Broncos picked a center in the sixth round, I was slightly surprised based on their current depth at the position with Manny Ramirez and Will Montgomery, but then again, they could use a young player after letting go of J.D. Walton last year and especially after former fourth rounder Philip Blake didn’t pan out.

The Broncos need to start grooming someone who could take over as the center if Ramirez leaves after his contract is up, and they may have unearthed a bit of a gem here in Paradis.

Here’s everything you need to know about Paradis, what he brings to the table, and how he can make an impact for the Broncos.

Vitals

Ht: 6’3″
Wt: 306 lbs.
10-yd: 1.75
Bench: 23 reps
Vert: 26″

2013 Accolades, Career Highlights

2nd-team All-MWC performer in 2013
1st-team All-MWC Performer in 2012
26 consecutive starts to finish career at BSU

Positive Attributes

  • Smart
  • Gritty
  • Gets the ball to the QB quickly and accurately
  • Phenomenal work ethic
  • Good student of the game
  • Shows effort on every play
  • Good hand usage and placement
  • Good balance
  • Not afraid to go up against anyone
  • Converted DT

Weaknesses

  • Average athlete
  • ACL injury history (2007)
  • Can he add strength, be physical against NFL DL?
  • Overall durability concerns?

Other than not being 320 pounds and some potential concerns about durability (knee, hip) this is a guy who started every game the last two seasons, has a fantastic work ethic, is highly intelligent, and plays with good initial pop. You don’t see Paradis getting pushed around very often and he played in a potent offensive attack at Boise State.

Rumor has it, the Broncos were impressed by what Paradis was able to show them in terms of his knowledge of the game of football, and he is going to come in with the chance to compete for a backup spot as a center or guard and give veteran Will Montgomery a run for his money.

You don’t want to get hopes too high for a later round pick, but the Broncos have proven in recent years that they aren’t looking for throw-away picks in the late rounds. They have significant contributors offensively and defensively that were day three picks in recent years, including Julius Thomas, Danny Trevathan, and Malik Jackson — all breakout players in 2013.

It seems like a longshot to view Paradis as a starter in 2014, or maybe even for the Broncos as they have such a deep roster, but if he can stick even on the practice squad and get a call up at some point, this is a guy who works really hard, is determined to make an impact, and is a technically sound offensive lineman who understands the game really well.

This was a very bland pick by the Broncos, as all offensive line picks are, but it was potentially a very useful one.

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