Could the Broncos take a risk on Maurice Hurst on day three?
Could the Denver Broncos take another risk on a Michigan Wolverines player this year and draft Michigan’s Maurice Hurst at defensive tackle?
With the top pick of the fifth round in the 2017 NFL Draft, the Denver Broncos took a chance on Michigan Wolverines tight end Jake Butt, who had two knee surgeries in college and was just a couple of months off of his latest corrective procedure.
Could John Elway and company take a risk on another Wolverine on day three of the draft in Michigan defensive tackle Maurice Hurst?
Hurst was graded a unanimous first round prospect by almost everyone with an opinion about the NFL Draft, and rightly so.
Take a look at what he brings to the table as an interior defensive lineman:
Hurst is a really unique type of player on the defensive interior. The Broncos are not lacking for defensive linemen at this point in time, but with looming questions about Adam Gotsis’ future as well as the Broncos’ flexibility if Hurst needs a year off from football (teams are worried about a potential heart condition), this could be a wise investment.
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When you watch defensive linemen, it’s impossible not to be impressed by what this kid brings to the table as a disruptor at the snap.
He is so quick off the ball and plays with relentless effort.
If his heart condition is significant enough, he might not be drafted at all. If teams are able to medically clear him, specifically the Broncos, this would be a great pick.
Hurst is such a unique type of athlete at defensive tackle with incredible get-off and finishing ability.
Where would he fit with the Broncos?
I would put him at nose tackle.
He’s not as big as Domata Peko, but the kind of push he gets up the middle when lined up over center or as a 1 or 2 technique defensive tackle is unmatched in this league.
The Broncos have a number of players they can use in different matchup situations, and Hurst would come in and provide them with even more firepower in the pass rush department.
He is quick, physical, and nasty up front.
Every team’s fan base is probably thinking this exact same thing right now, but if he checks out health-wise, he’s a steal on day three. Perhaps the biggest steal of the draft this year.