Broncos Mock Draft: Auburn Center Reese Dismukes

Jan 6, 2014; Pasadena, CA, USA; Auburn Tigers quarterback Nick Marshall (14) scrambles with protection provided by center Reese Dismukes (50) against the Florida State Seminoles during the first half of the 2014 BCS National Championship game at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

As we progress toward the midway point of the NFL season, the time is appropriate to start filing away some names of college prospects that could be of interest to the Denver Broncos next offseason.

The draft is still a long way away, but the scouting world never sleeps, and it’s easy to see at this point in the year what teams have needs in certain areas. For the Denver Broncos, the needs are not many. They have shown some weaknesses up front on the offensive line, which is why I think they might look into a young, blue-chip center prospect with their top pick in next year’s draft.

Taking a center is not a sexy selection by any means. It’s an under-appreciated position that cost the Broncos ghastly in last year’s Super Bowl when Manny Ramirez channeled his inner Aaron Brewer and long-snapped the ball over Peyton Manning’s head into the end zone for what wound up being the first two points in the worst Super Bowl loss ever.

So far in 2014, Manny Ramirez has been one of the Broncos’ worst graded offensive linemen and has been responsible for more than a few errant snaps, costing the Broncos yet again.

That’s not to say that the majority of the time Ramirez doesn’t do an okay job, but the Broncos need stability up front and especially with the possibility of soon (year or two) bringing in a new, young quarterback. That’s why today we’re taking a look at the early favorite as the top center in the 2015 draft class, Auburn’s Reese Dismukes.

Dismukes is the former top high school center prospect who came to Auburn in 2011 and has been stellar, starting all but two games of his collegiate career thus far. A four-year starter, Dismukes is touted by scouts as being a perfect fit for a zone blocking scheme because of his athletic ability, movements skills, and ability to seal on pull blocks.

The Broncos need a young, athletic guy like this anchoring their offensive line. Giving Peyton Manning and Brock Osweiler an anchor like this is exactly what the doctor ordered, though Dismukes or any center prospect coming in would have some competition from sixth round rookie in 2014 Matt Paradis, who is developing on the Broncos’ practice squad.

Dismukes is a great combination of footwork, power, and movement ability and is really everything you’d look for in a starting center at the next level. He’s been consistent, reliable, and part of a National Champion college team. What more could you ask for?

This is a pickup I like, and as we continue to explore options, I would consider this to be one of the best out there right now.