Could The Denver Broncos Move Up In The NFL Draft And Get C.J. Mosley or Calvin Pryor?

Jan 2, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker C.J. Mosley (32) runs toward Oklahoma Sooners ball carrier during the second half of the Sugar Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

The Denver Broncos are in need of a more physical, aggressive defense in which they might try to move up on draft day. According to Cecil Lammey of ESPN Denver, this could may well be a possibility.

Denver is in dire need of a true middle linebacker and haven’t had one dating back to 2006 when Al Wilson was a member of the team. They tried converting Wesley Woodyard over to the middle where he would normally play on the outside and it wasn’t an easy process. Woodyard would eventually get benched in week 14 due to his play and the team would turn Danny Trevathan into the team’s play-caller on the defensive side. Woodyard is set to become a free-agent but Denver will certainly try to bring him back to line up on the outside.

This is where the possibility of drafting Alabama linebacker C.J. Mosley comes into place. According to Scout’s Inc.’s Top 32 for 2014, Mosley ranks at the number nine position on the big board. Also, according to CBSSports Mock Draft, Mosley could go as high as ninth in the draft to the Buffalo Bills. Here are his strengths and weaknesses via CBSSports.

"STRENGTHS: Mosley does a nice job using his length and lower body fluidity to keep himself clean through a crowd and finishes at the ball, wrapping and driving through his target. He is very smart and keeps his eyes on the ball to track and attack and rarely makes mental mistakes, which is a result of his high football IQ and preparation skills.WEAKNESSES: Isn’t always fundamentally consistent as a tackler, at times opting to throw himself at his target or drop his head on contact. Missed time in 2011 with a dislocated elbow."

Denver’s linebacking core could be one of the better ones in the National Football League if they can draft Mosley. Line him up with Woodyard, Trevathan, and Von Miller — that’s one fearsome 4-headed monster. Von Miller could also be lining up on the defensive-line on most snaps like his did last season.

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Calvin Pryor on the other hands is a hard-hitting safety that is excellent in pass-protection as well. According to CBSSports, Pryor can go as high as number fifteen to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Here are his strengths and weaknesses via CBSSports.

Oct 5, 2013; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Louisville Cardinals safety Calvin Pryor (25) during the second quarter against the Temple Owls at Lincoln Financial Field. Louisville defeated Temple 30-7. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports

"STRENGTHS: Prototype body type with good anticipation and explosive closing speed. Reliable open-field tackler and intimidating presence. Lowers his shoulder on impact to create collisions in run support and when protecting the middle of the field in coverage. Good vision and spatial awareness to slip amongst the mass of humanity near the line of scrimmage to locate the ball. Shows no desire for self-preservation when taking on blockers, dropping to take them out at the knees and often is able to take out the ballcarrier. Very good ball skills. Can extend and pluck outside of his frame and shows excellent awareness to get his feet inbounds.WEAKNESSES: Almost too physical in an era in which heavy hitters often draw penalty flags. Drops his shoulder into defenders but some of his hits could be interpreted as leading with the crown of his helmet. Wasn’t asked to cover slot receivers in Louisville’s scheme. A bit stiff when changing direction, allowing some separation by receivers, especially on double-moves."

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Generated 2/21/2014.

If the Broncos can move up and find the right trading partner to land a player like C.J. Mosley or Calvin Pryor, it will be a key part of their team not only this season as they try to contend for another Super Bowl bid, but moving forward as well. Denver has also has their eye on Louis Delmas and Daryl Smith as free-agency opens up March 11th.