Draft Review: Denver Broncos

Denver Broncos

1st Round, Pick #28:  Sylvester Williams DT North Carolina
This was one of the best values of round one.  Denver's run defense was patched together last year with retreads, and they needed to infuse some talent.  They signed Terrence Knighton to play the NT spot and now have a new starting 3 technique defensive tackle.  Williams is a stout defender who can play the run and has the speed and quickness to be a disrupter.  Williams also fits in extremely well because on passing downs they'll be able to slide Williams down to the NT spot when they move Derek Wolfe from DE to the 3 technique spot.  Need meets value
Pick Grade:  A

2nd Round, Pick #58:  Monte Ball RB Wisconsin
It was only a matter of time before the Broncos went after a new running back to be their starter.  However you have to wonder if they made a mistake here.  Ball is talented and proven (1,830 yards and 22 TDs last year), but he has a TON of mileage (983 touches if four years).    Either the Broncos found their next back or they got somebody who will be out of the league in a couple of years.  Also throw in that Ball isn't very explosive athlete and you wonder how much more punishment he will take.  Not saying this is a bad pick, but you would have liked to see this in the third or fourth rounds.
Pick Grade:  D

3rd Round, Pick #90:  Kayvon Webster CB South Florida
Champ Bailey can't play forever can he?  The Broncos take Kayvon Webster here who not only is fluid in and out of his cuts but is one of the top run defenders at the cornerback position.  He can play outside or move inside and take advantage of his quick feet.  This should help him get on the field quicker.
Pick Grade:  B

5th Round, Pick #146:  Quanterus Smith DE Western Kentucky
So because of a fax/communications error the Broncos lost Elvis Dummervil and now have a huge hole at defensive end.  Shaun Phillips was signed and him and Robert Ayers (remember him?) will get the first look.  However they also went out and brought in the talented but questionable Quanterus Smith.  Smith is a flat out rush the passer as he showed with three sacks against Alabama, but isn't always consistent.  They'll bring him along as a situational player but their hoping he can be the full time player that Dummervil was.
Pick Grade: A

5th Round, Pick #161:  Tavarres King WR Georgia
Peyton Manning has had all sorts of luck with late round or unknown receivers and King might just be another success story.  King has elite speed and excels in deep routes.  With the exception of Demaryius Thomas, the Broncos dont' have anybody to take the top off.  Adding King's speed to the unit along with Thomas could do wonders to open up the field for Welker and Decker.
Pick Grade: A

6th Round, Pick #173:  Vinston Painter OT Virginia Tech
Armed with good size and length and surprising mobility for his size Vinston Painter is a prototypical  zone blocking tackle that the Broncos have had success with in the past.  Unfortunately Painter comes to Denver without much production at the college level.  If Alex Gibbs and the coaching staff can develop him he could turn out to be a great steal.
Pick Grade:  B+

7th Round, Pick #234:  Zac Dysert QB Miami (OH)
Knowing that Peyton Manning probably only has a couple of years left, the Broncos add another promising quarterback who could become the next starter.  Sure Brock Oseweiler is more than likely the future, but Dysert has the arm that NFL teams love.  Having him learn behind Manning could only improve his decision making and preparation skills.
Pick Grade:  A

Overal  Grade:  B

AFC Team Needs (West)

West

Denver Broncos
Defensive Tackle
The biggest weakness on Denver's team last year was stopping the run.  A big part of that was the utter lack of talent at the defensive tackle spot.  When Kevin Vickerson is your best tackle, you have issues.  The Broncos brought in Terrence Knighton but he's nothing more than a rotational player.  Their first round pick will likely be a tackle and they could get a good one with either Sylvester Williams or Kawann Short.


Defensive End
What a mess was the Elvis Dumervil's contract situation was.  They thought they had him with a renegotiated contract, but then they didn't and had to cut him.  That means that they are short a starter on an already thin position.  If they can't get something worked out to get him back, they'll have to draft somebody to fill his void.  Sam Montgomery could be an option on day two.


Middle Linebacker
Keith Brooking was forced into the starting role and played pretty well.  But at age 37 he will probably retire.  Joe Mays is the other options, but he isn't very good.  Denver will have the opprotunity to take Manti Te'o or Kevin Minter in the first round, but probably wait till the second day to nab somebody like Kevin Reddick or John Bostic.

Running Back
Under former coach Josh McDaniels the Broncos had a stable of mediocre running backs.  Well they are in year three of John Fox, but they still don't have a bell cow back.  Willis McGahee was that back last year till he got injured.  Age and chronic issues isn't good.  Denver could go with a back in round one and get Eddie Lacy or Le'Veon Bell.  But they'll likely wait till the second or third round where they can get somebody like Stepfan Taylor or Monte Ball.

Safety
Everybody remembers the mental lapse Rahim Moore had against Baltimore that lead to the Ravens winning and getting the the Super Bowl.  But Moore played well for the season and one play isn't going to ruin his career.  It's opposite of him where they need help.  Mike Adams needs to be replaced.  DJ Swearinger could be an option at the end of round three.

Kansas City Chiefs
Offensive Tackle
Kansas City shocked everybody when they franchised Brandon Albert.  But when they released Eric Winston things made a lot more sense  Baring anything shocking, the Chiefs will draft Luke Joeckel and move Albert to the right side.  Also don't be surprised if the Chiefs draft somebody in the 5th or 6th round to take over for Albert when he leaves.

Defensive End
Even after drafting defensive lineman in the first round three times in the past five years, the Chiefs still have a big need.  Tyson Jackson has been a complete bust while Glen Dorsey left for the 49ers in the free agency.  Kansas City signed Mike DeVito but could still use another impact player.  If Jonathan Hankins makes it out of the first round, he could be their guy.

Inside Linebacker
Derrick Johnson has developed into a playmaking force in the middle of the Chiefs defense.  However their is a big hole next to him.  Brandon Siler attempted to fill in last year, but he isn't anything more than a backup in the league.  Kansas City could take somebody like Manti Te'o or Kevin Minter in the second round.  If they pass they probably will have to wait till round four to get a good value.

Guard/Center
The Chiefs had a great free agent pickup with Ryan Lilja who was a pro bowl caliber guard and also step up big time moving to center when Rodney Hudson became injured.  Jeff Allen is the projected starter at left guard but his play last year was uninspiring.  The Chiefs could target Barrett Jones in round two who could play guard and be their backup center if needed.  Because they still have nothing behind Hudson. 

Rush Linebacker
What a steal they got in Justin Houston in the third round.  He's developed into a top flight pass rusher and given them somebody opposite of Tamba Hali.  However behind those two they really lack anybody that can make an impact.  They could look to Combine standout Cornelius Washington in the third round to be that third rusher.

Oakland Raiders
Defensive Tackle
Both starting tackles are free agents.  Desmond Bryant signed with the Browns, while Seymour is still out there.  Seymour probably won't be back anyways.  Backup Tommy Kelly isn't starting material.  So they realistically need two new starters.  Picking at #3 they should have the pick of the litter.  If Star Lotulelei's heart checks out it he could be a Raider.  If not, Sharrif Floyd could provide that athletic tackle they've lacked.

Cornerback
When you have to move one of your safeties to cornerback shows how poor this situation is.  They've never really been the same since they let Nnamdi Asomugha walk.  But the good news is Nnamdi is a free agent and the Raiders could return at a discounted rate.  In the draft they could go after Demarcus Milliner with the third pick, but they'll likely have to wait till the third round.

Linebacker
Needing potentially three new linebackers the Raiders have been active in free agency bringing in Nick Roach and Kevin Burnett.  However they could still use another linebacker who can give them some splash  plays.  How good would Jarvis Jones look as a Raider?  Jones could become their strongside linebacker and give coach Dennis Allen his version of Von Miller who he had so much success with in Denver.

Quarterback
Trading for Carson Palmer gave them a solid starter the past couple of years, but they need to look to the future.  Terrelle Pryor wants his chance and he very well may get it.  However they may still take somebody to compete with Pryor.  Geno Smith and Matt Barkley will be in play at three, if not they may take a developmental quarterback in the later rounds.

Safety
Despite moving to cornerback to help out, Michael Huff was released.  Finding somebody to step up in his place and give them help in deep center field will really help this defense.  There isn't anybody worth taking in the first round and without a second round pick they are really missing out on the talented corners.  However in the third round they could look north to Fresno State and Phillip Thomas.

San Diego Chargers
Offensive Tackle
The biggest issue facing he Chargers last year was protecting Phillip Rivers.  Rivers couldn't be kept upright and that made the offense come to a halt.  Left tackle was the biggest issue where Jared Gaither played awful.  San Diego has to hope that Lane Johnson falls to them at #11.  However with a couple teams ahead of them they may have to move up to ensure they can get one of the elite tackles.

Offensive Guard
Not only do the Chargers need two tackles, they could really use an upgrade at guard.  They lost their top guard Louis Vasquez to divisional rival Denver which is a huge loss.  Their top target in the first round will be a tackle, but if they can't get one of the top guys they could look to the two elite guards.  Both Chance Warmack and Jon Cooper would really help this line out.  If they do get a tackle they could take Larry Warford or Kyle Long in round two.

Rush Linebacker
With Shawn Merriman and Shaun Phillips the Chargers once had the two best rush linebackers in the league.  But now Merriman is long gone and Phillips is a free agent.  Melvin Ingram should develop into a good starter, however if they can't resign Phillips they have a gaping hole next to him.  They could target somebody like Ezekial Ansah or Barkevious Mingo at eleven.  However taking somebody in the second round like Jamie Collins might be a better choice.

Inside Linebacker
For the longest time the Chargers have always had a need for inside linebackers.  They brought in Takeo Spikes, but was cut in a cost saving move.  San Diego could go for an impact linebacker like Manti Te'o in the second round, but might be better off waiting till round three to get somebody along the lines of Kevin Reddick or Kiko Alonso.

Wide Receiver
Once they lost Vincent Jackson they really lost their explosive playmaker.  All the guys they currently have a basically possession guys.  They don't have a single player that can make splash plays.  Danario Alexander is the top receiver and he's really good when healthy.  But staying healthy is a big question.  Adding a Robert Woods or Markus Wheaton would really help Phillip Rivers out.

Underrated Free Agent Moves

Going into this abbreviated free agency period we all heard about the big names like Nnamdi Asomugha, Sidney Rice, Logan Mankins, and Santonio Holmes but there are plenty of other free agents that have signed with new teams that are going to pay immediate dividends this upcoming season. Here is a look a ten moves that weren't talked about much, but will be crucial to that teams success.

1. Jonathan Joseph CB to the Houston Texans
It surprises me how little attention Jonathan Joseph got during this time period. Now he isn't on the same level as Nnamdi Asomugha but he is just a notch below. ESPN.com did a great job breaking down the numbers between Joseph and Asomugha and Joseph was actually on level with him. The problem was that Jospeh was targeted more frequently than Asomugh. The Texans with this signing solved a big issue they had last season. Glover Quinn and Kareem Jackson were torched last season and there was nobody else behind them. Jackson is going into his second season and should improve, while Quinn will likely move to FS which better suites his skills. A great pick up for the Texans which should allow them to make the playoffs for the first time in franchise history.


2. Steve Breaston WR to the Kansas City Chiefs
When you have Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin on your team you often times get overlooked. Now Breaston isn't a #1 type receiver but he does a great job stretching the field and making it easier for the #1 guy. Breaston is reuniting with Todd Haley who was the offensive coordinator a couple years back in Arizona and it won't take long for him to get adjusted. Breaston will fit in well with Dwayne Bowe and Jonathan Baldwin and give Matt Cassell three very good options. Lets just say touchdowns will be aplenty this season in Kansas City.


3. Robert Gallary G to the Seattle Seahawks
A lot of people think that Robert Gallary is a colossal bust. After being drafted #2 overall, Gallary struggled at left tackle. But being moved inside to guard Gallary has really come into his own and has performed at a Pro Bowl level. You still don't think of a guard as being #2 overall worthy, but he is a starter in the league and you can't say that about every top 10 pick. Gallary here follows former Raider head coach Tom Cable to Seattle (now the O-line coach) and will fill in at the left guard spot that hasn't been filled since Steve Hutchinson left years ago. Gallary fits great into the zone blocking scheme that the Seahawks run and help improve the group that Seattle has really tried to make a strength.


4. Darren Sproles RB to the New Orleans Saints
This signing really surprised me. With the Saints drafting Mark Ingram it looked like that move would force Reggie Bush out. The last thing I thought they would do would bring in another running back. This must mean that either Chris Ivroy or Pierre Thomas might be out as well. Sproles comes in and takes over Bush's role as the back that will catch passes out of the backfield and return kicks and punts. Sproles has regress the past two seasons but is still an upgrade over Bush.


5. Willis McGahee RB to the Denver Broncos
Now McGahee isn't the every down workhorse that he use to be. But John Fox really loves to run the ball and after DeAngelo Williams decided to return to Carolina, there wasn't many options left. Denver doesn't have many options at the position and somebody had to be brought in. Knowshon Moreno has the talent to be the feature back, but hasn't shown that he can stay healthy. McGahee gives the Broncos a tough runner who will go between the tackles and hopefully allow Moreno to fill a complementary role before eventually taking over the position.


6. Justin Durant LB to the Detroit Lions
One of the biggest weaknesses the Lions had this past season was their linebacking core. DeAndre Levy has emerged as a starter at either MLB or SLB. Other than Levy there wasn't much talent there. Durant has a lot of talent, but is often injured. If he can stay healthy he'll do a lot to improve the linebackers and help out what looks to be one of the best defensive lines in the NFL.


7. Stewart Bradley LB to the Arizona Cardinals
When healthy Stewart Bradley was a Pro Bowl Caliber middle linebacker a perfect fit for the Eagles attacking defense. However Bradley hasn't been healthy the past two years and the Eagles weren't willing to take the risk anymore. Now Bradley goes out to Arizona and should fit very well in the Cardinals 3-4 defense. Bradley is an excellent blitzer and does well in coverage too. If healthy he could help fill the shoes of Karlos Danby who left before last year. This is a nice low risk high reward possibility.


8. Dwan Landry S to the Jacksonville Jaguars
Dwan Landry is a very solid safety who was often overshadowed by the likes of Ed Reed, Ray Lewis, and Terrell Suggs. However Landry is a very good strong safety that help out the run and not be a liability in coverage. He helps out the Jaguars whose secondary is awful. Landry should step in immediately and help to improve a group that is void of a lot of talent.


9. Barry Coefield DT to the Washington Redskins
The plan was for Albert Haynesworth to be a force in the middle of the Redskins 3-4 defense. However Haynesworth wasn't too keen on being a NT in the 3-4 and his effort showed. Now that he is gone the Redskins needed a new person in the middle and went out on got Coefield who had been with the Giants. Coefield hasn't played in the 3-4 so it will be interested to see how he does. But the Redskins are getting a solid run stuffer to add that they haven't had the past two years.


10. Harvey Dahl G to the St. Louis Rams
Now that the Rams have their franchise quarterback its important to build around him. They have drafted their two bookend tackles and now they get some help on the interior. Dahl is a nasty guard who plays on edge. He'll be a huge help in the run game and give the rest of the offensive line some toughness that they could really use.