Denver Broncos 2015: Predicting Their Draft Picks

The Denver Broncos were known for their prowess during free agency and their less than stellar performance in the NFL draft.  It is now time for a reversal. 

This was a brutal free agency for the Broncos.  Gone is tight end Julius Thomas, gone is defensive tackle Terrance Knighton, tackle Orlando Franklin and defensive back Rahim Moore.   Not to mention an entirely new coaching regime. 

Their losses in free agency outweigh their gains.  So it is time for the Broncos to step up during this year's draft.  It is something that they haven't quite mastered yet.

This year the Broncos have four compensatory picks in the draft.  Their first pick is 28th.  This gives the Broncos ten picks in the draft to address their top needs at OL, ILB, and TE.  

Ten times to do good or ten times to be bad?

Round 1: 28th pick

Tackle T.J. Clemmings:

The Broncos are counting on aging quarterback Peyton Manning.  In order to do that he needs to stay healthy.  A premium is on the offensive line doing its job.  Right tackle Michael Schofield is on the roster, but the Broncos know competition at this position is the way to go. 

Clemmings was a defensive lineman.  Two years ago he made the switch.  So he plays on the offensive side with a defensive mind set. 

Round 2: 59th Pick

Offensive Tackle La'el Collins

Staying on the offensive side of the ball.  With a win now attitude, keeping Manning healthy especially in the month of December and January is the only goal. 

With Gary Kubiak at the helm and Rick Dennison making the offensive play calls, expect the Broncos to run the ball alot.  Collins is a great run-blocker. 

The only problem is Collins may not last until the second round.  In fact many mock drafts have the Broncos picking Collins at number 28. 

If that is the case

Center Reese Dismukes

Round 3: 92nd Pick

Denzel Perryman, ILB

Okay so the draft is going to be ridiculous with teams trading up and down.  If Perryman somehow gets lost in translation the Broncos will be doing the happy dance if he is available with the 92nd pick.  It's possible.  Most mocks have him going late in the second round.  I'm a gambler. 

Round 4: 133rd Pick

ILB, Ramik Wilson

Wilson finished 2014 with the SEC's highest tackle-quality grade among starting linebackers.  NFC area scout, "I think he can play inside in a 3-4 as long as he's not the 'take on' linebacker."  Demarcus Ware and Von Miller are there to help him, that's alot of help. 

Round 5: 143rd pick

Tight End, Ben Koyack

Yes, Kubiak's shadow Owen Daniels is on the team.  As is Virgil Green.  So Koyack is what the offense needs.  His NFL scouting report states, " Strong understanding and execution as a run blocker with the physical traits to be a tough matchup in the passing game."  That is just what Kubiak's offense needs. 

Round 5: 164th pick

Safety, Clayton Geathers

NFL Draft profile: Active, physical safety with short area coverage ability and a willingness to get his hands dirty near the line of scrimmage.

Round 6: 202nd Pick

Defensive End, Shaquille Riddick

Has potential as a 3-4 outside linebacker. 

Round 7: 250th pick

Running Back, Karlos Williams

There are questions regarding his character.  Outside of that Williams has potential in a zone-based scheme. 

Round 7: 251st pick

Defensive Tackle, Joey Mbu

Has good football character and size. 

Round 7: 252nd Pick

Quarterback, Connor Halliday

Halliday broke his leg in November playing against USC.  Before that he was leading the nation in passing yards, passing touchdowns and completions per game.  Manning can't play forever and don't kid yourself no one has any faith in Brock Osweiler. 

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