NFL Draft 2014 Rumors: Denver Broncos First Pick Likely To Be A Cornerback
By Andrew Dill
Apr 25, 2013; New York, NY, USA; A general view of the NFL shield logo and main stage before the 2013 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
We are less than two days away from the 2014 NFL Draft which means football is just around the corner. It’s time to start analyzing what the Broncos will be doing with their 31st overall pick.
The Broncos have some holes they need to fill on both the offensive and defensive side of the ball. Offensively, they are set with everything but the offensive line. Per reports, Orlando Franklin is likely to slide to the left guard spot along side left tackle Ryan Clady, leaving the right tackle position open to possibly Chris Clark. There have been some rumblings that they could look at an offensive guard in the second to fourth round.
Moving to the defensive side of the ball they recently signed three key players: defensive end DeMarcus Ware (Cowboys), safety T.J. Ward (Browns), and Aqib Talib (Patriots). Ward filled the need in the secondary for a ball hawking safety that Denver desperately needed while they added Ware on the other side of All-Pro linebacker Von Miller to apply more pressure to the quarterback. Despite the signing of Talib, Denver has to address the cornerback position in the draft.
"They bring experience and a clenched fist. Yet the Broncos aren’t done. When the best reality show in sports — the NFL draft — begins Thursday, the Broncos will consider stocking their defense. Cornerback is among the chief areas of need. (The Denver Post)"
I know, I know — Denver has Aqib Talib on one side with Chris Harris Jr. on the other, but health will be a big part of their games this season. Talib has never been able to stay on the field for a full season while Harris is coming off of a torn ACL he suffered in the Divisional Round Playoffs against the San Diego Chargers. Here are the corners that are projected to go in the first-round, via The Denver Post:
"Many mock drafts project five cornerbacks — Darqueze Dennard, Justin Gilbert, Kyle Fuller, Bradley Roby and Jason Verrett — going in the first round Thursday. The Broncos draft in the 31st slot, leaving them on the edge of having a defender fall to them."
Denver also has a glaring hole in the middle of their defensive at the middle linebacker position. There have been reports that they have been interested in trading up from their 31st overall spot to try to grab Alabama star C.J. Mosley plugging the middle alongside breakout linebacker Danny Trevathan. Others suggestions and Mock Drafts have Denver taking Ohio State linebacker Ryan Shazier.
We are just less than two days away but this draft has more uncertainty regarding Denver’s selection. They have been linked to rumors about either trading up or down in the draft but they do have needs at the middle linebacker and cornerback position — that’s for sure.