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Denver Broncos: John Elway’s top 10 NFL Draft steals

By Sayre Bedinger

SANTA CLARA, CA - FEBRUARY 07: Malik Jackson #97 of the Denver Broncos celebrates with teammates after recovering a fumble for a first quarter touchdown against the Carolina Panthers during Super Bowl 50 at Levi's Stadium on February 7, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - FEBRUARY 07: Malik Jackson #97 of the Denver Broncos celebrates with teammates after recovering a fumble for a first quarter touchdown against the Carolina Panthers during Super Bowl 50 at Levi's Stadium on February 7, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) /
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Matt Paradis
SANTA CLARA, CA – FEBRUARY 07: Matt Paradis #61 of the Denver Broncos reacts after a play against the Carolina Panthers in the second quarter during Super Bowl 50 at Levi’s Stadium on February 7, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

2. Matt Paradis, C

Draft info: 207th overall selection (6th round) in the 2014 NFL Draft

Every story needs some intrigue.

Matt Paradis’ measurables and size gave scouts pause to what his future could be in the NFL at center. For example, NFL Network’s Gil Brandt stated pre-2014 NFL Draft Paradis lacked the ideal measurables of a center.

He was considered a good football player with toughness, but most scouts didn’t believe he had the size or athleticism to measure up against NFL defensive linemen.

On the one hand, it’s fair to criticize Paradis for that due to many top NFL centers having measuring bigger, taller, or both than the former Boise State star.

However, if the talent is still there the Denver Broncos and John Elway did the right thing taking a chance on Paradis.

When healthy Paradis is a top-three center in the NFL and close to immovable when establishing his base after the snap. This alone makes Paradis a spectacular value in the sixth round of the 2014 NFL Draft.

Paradis’ recent hip injury is worth monitoring, but one year and 16 games with no missed snaps in three seasons say he’s clean. The confidence this alone provides to an ailing offensive line cannot be said enough. (Predominantly Orange staff writer Cameron Parker)

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