NFL Network Mock: OG to Broncos?

On last night’s broadcast of NFL Network’s mock draft, Steve Mariucci was tasked with making the Broncos selection with the 31st overall pick. Who did he pick? Let’s take a look.

Draft week has finally arrived!! For many NFL fans, Draft weekend is an unofficial holiday. In an era where professional sports in America is dominated by the pigskin, the NFL Draft has morphed from an afterthought in the off-season to a full-blown primetime event.  From “team rumors” to mock drafts, anything and everything related to the draft has become headline news in the weeks leading up to the annual selection ceremony.  Speaking of mock drafts, the NFL Network had their 1st round Mock Draft last night.

In a roundtable setting, former NFL players, coaches, scouts and personnel people took turns making the team selections.  For the Broncos, it was former coach Steve Mariucci that was tasked with making the 31st overall selection for the reigning Super Bowl Champions.  Now you may think, “Ok, it’s  a QB. Maybe a Defensive Lineman.”

Well, Mariucci made a solid, but unsuspecting choice for the Denver Broncos.

He selected Kansas State Offensive Lineman, Cody Whitehair.  Who? Ok, he’s a more familiar prospect than most fans would care to think.  A projected late 1st-early 2nd round pick, Whitehair was a four year starter at Kansas State and played both Guard and Tackle(left and right) positions throughout his tenure there.  With more than 50 college starts under his belt, Whitehair is considered to be the most seasoned and pro-ready interior lineman prospect in this year’s draft.

How does he fit with the Broncos? To be brief, quite well.  Whitehair’s abilities or position may be not be considered sexy, but he is an instant impact player for whoever ends up taking him.  With his size (6’4, 301 lbs), position versatility and experience, Whitehair could be a day one starter for the Broncos and be a quality lineman for them for many years to come.

Although the team already signed Russell Okung/Donald Stephenson to help bolster the Offensive Line, it would definitely make sense to add another player to the position group with a premium pick.  With Okung’s injury history and questions surrounding Ty Sambrailo’s move to the inside, it never hurts to have another talented prospect at the position that can start and excel right away, if needed.

This may not be the funnest draft pick the Broncos make this year, but it could certainly be the safest.  Depending on who’s left on the board when the Broncos make their selection, I would certainly applaud a scenario where Denver selects Whitehair with their first pick.  We’ll see how it all shakes out this Thursday, but with Draft hype reaching its peak this week, it’s always fun to see where other people think the Broncos will go in the 1st round.

Stay tuned to Predominantly Orange ALL WEEK for in-depth Draft coverage!