Mock Draft 2014: Seven Players That The Denver Broncos Could Draft In The First-Round

Jan 1, 2014; Pasadena, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal linebacker

(93) celebrates the touchdown against Michigan State Spartans during the first half at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports

Trent Murphy, DE, Stanford

The Denver Broncos could always use a boost in the pass-rush to go along with All-Pro linebacker Von Miller, and Trent Murphy could be that guy. He could be getting some extra looks, especially since he went to school at John Elway‘s alma mater. Murphy is a big defensive-end, standing at 6-6, 261 and put on a clinic in his senior season at Standford.

Murphy was arguably the best defensive player in the Pac-12 last season as he finished with 62 total tackles, 37 solo, collecting 15.0 sacks which was first in the Pac-12. He also finished his collegiate career off with some milestones in the Pac. He is now first all-time in the Pac-12 in tackles for loss with 52 and first among sacks with 32.

Here is some more information via EDraft.com on Murphy.

"Athleticism: Murphy possesses a unique blend of size, quickness, balance and agility that make him an ideal candidate for the NFL. He’s tall, but lean; with a frame capable of adding muscle easily.  But, for a big man, he is agile, sturdy and sure-footed.  It takes quite the effort to knock him off-balance.  And while he may lack quality high-end speed, he’s deceptively quick and can close on ball carriers in the backfield and out in space easily. Awareness: Murphy really shows off the mental prowess of a Stanford student in his ability to read and react to plays.  He can read a quarterback and know what the play is before his first step hits the ground, allowing him to make the necessary corrections to defend the play properly. Arsenal of Moves: A sign of a good edge rusher is the moves they use to break into the backfield, and Murphy has a bag full of tricks. He has an exceptional spin move, as well as a deceptive shoulder dip and an effective bull-rush technique, when blitzing out of a 3-point stance. This hat trick of moves allows Murphy to keep blockers on their toes and second guess themselves, as they never know what move is coming."

Murphy is projected to be a late-round, early second round pick as he is rated 43rd overall best prospect according to CBS.