NFL Mock Draft 2014: Who Will The Denver Broncos Take With The 31st Selection?

Oct 6, 2012; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Ryan Shazier (10) celebrates in the first quarter against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

With the Denver Broncos season ending Sunday night as they failed to collect the Lombardi Trophy, it’s time to start looking ahead to the NFL Draft. I have put together a NFL Mock Draft 2014 for the first and second round that the Denver Broncos can target to help rebuild their team for another title run. With Paris Lenon and Wesley Woodyard set to become free agents, this choice becomes easy for the Broncos.

31. Denver Broncos select Ryan Shazier, OLB, Ohio State:

Denver converted Wesley Woodyard to the middle linebacker role this season and at times looked lost. Woodyard excelled with the Denver Broncos are the outside linebacker position where he made his name to the Bronco faithful. Broncos will look to retain the linebacker and slide him back to the outside. The Broncos will likely let Paris Lenon walk, leaving a hole at MLB. Denver could move Shazier to presume the role but the issue with the linebacker is his size. He is listed at 6-foot-2, 225 points and ran the forty in 4.58; good for a linebacker.

The linebacker in his junior year this past season would collect 144 total tackles, 102 solo, while achieving 7.0 sacks in 13 games. During his three-year stint with Ohio State University, he would collect 15.0 sacks, 1 interception and 317 total tackles.

Dec 21, 2013; Albuquerque, NM, USA; Washington State Cougars safety Deone Bucannon (20) returns an interception in the second quarter against the Colorado State Rams during the Gildan New Mexico Bowl at University Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

63. Denver Broncos select Deone Bucannon, SS, Washington State:

This is a popular choice as Predominantly Orange; the Denver Broncos blog on FanSided has Deone Bucannon going to Denver. Denver’s secondary struggled with defending the pass this season as well as inconsistent play from the safety position. Duke Ihenacho started out the season playing well but would be benched a couple of times down the line. Mike Adam’s filled in pretty well for Rahim Moore who suffered a leg injury against the Kansas City Chiefs and would end up on Denver’s injured-reserve.

According to CBSSports.com, they have Bucannon going in the 2nd-3rd round with a projection going 65th overall. Deone stands at 6-foot-1, 216, running the 40-yard-dash at just under 4.6. Here is their take on the safety:

"STRENGTHS: Physical, imposing hitter at 215 pounds who made his mark as a senior by producing big plays and turnovers. Well-built safety who delivers bone-rattling hits."

Bucannon would be a solid addition to the Denver Broncos secondary that looks to bounce back in 2014. We already know they can stop the run so they have that going for them, but will need to add key players via draft or free agency to rebuild their secondary to contend for another Super Bowl bid.

With the Denver Broncos potentially losing Eric Decker in free agency, the Broncos could also look to add a wide receiver in the second or third round and could look at a player that played in state from the Colorado Buffaloes. Paul Richardson forgo his senior season to enter the NFL Draft and stands 6-foot-1 inches tall, 172. Richardson will need to bulk up as well or defensive backs will take advantage of him at the line.