Denver Broncos: A Suggested “Fill the Need” Draft Class
The Denver Broncos will be looking to shape their future in the upcoming NFL Draft. April 25-27 will feature the NFL Draft and many dreams being achieved by talented, young athletes.
While not everyone is happy by the end of draft days due to disagreement, their player was not picked, or their player went to a team they dislike, the future is coming for the Denver Broncos.
The Broncos, John Elway specifically has been “puppy-dog following” a few potential draft picks this season, most notably Drew Lock (QB from Missouri).
That is an available choice for the Broncos, but will Elway’s quarterback crush lead them to another wasted draft pick on a “flash in the pan” athlete?
Disregarding the Elway stalking saga, we will look at who can add to the Broncos roster and what that could mean for them.
Of course, new developments come out on an hourly basis in the NFL and ESPN dominated sports news 24/7 culture, but we will look to give three strategies that Denver could adapt.
How the Broncos handle Chris Harris and what his attitude is like could influence the importance of the corner-back position.
This will also not include any of the craziness of draft pick trading as strategy is thrown to the wind in those cases.
Here are the Broncos draft picks for 2019:
Round 1: 10th-overall pick
Round 2: 41st-overall pick
Round 3: 71st-overall pick
Round 4: 125th-overall pick (from Houston)
Round 5: 148th-overall pick, 156th-overall pick (from Minnesota)
Round 6: 182nd-overall pick
Round 7: 237th-overall pick (from Houston)
Denver Broncos Draft Class: Fill the Need
1st Round: Ed Oliver DT, Houston – 6’3″ 285 lbs.
In recent mock drafts Oliver is slipping beyond the top ten picks.
As the best pass rushing DT of this year’s draft this could take the Broncos pass rush from superior to elite.
While Shelby Harris is a good player and Derek Wolfe and Adam Gotsis contain the run, adding Aaron Donald-like pressure in the middle of the defensive line could destroy opposing teams.
2nd Round: Elgton Jenkins C, Mississippi State – 6’4″ 310 lbs.
Picking Dalton Risner would be a great homecoming for the Colorado kid, but recent success at the Senior Bowl may make him a late first round or too early second round pick.
Elgton Jenkins is a smart, heavy anchor, and solid hands strength center that could make an impact in the gaps assignments immediately.
The Denver Broncos should keep a close eye on behavior as this was an issue early in college, but is no reason to hold him back as a professional.
3rd Round: Hakeem Butler WR, Iowa State – 6’6″ 225 lbs.
Emanuel Sanders may only be in Denver one more season and the Broncos must prepare for a possible departure.
The current receivers all have possession or finesse availability, but few are true play-makers.
With his mismatch ability due to his size Butler could provide “Megatron”-like catches when he is able to get open.
4th Round: Kris Boyd CB, Texas – 5’11” 190 lbs.
This physical corner could provide an “IT” factor for the pass coverage.
With lock-down man coverage already on the roster, a pass deflecting and hard-hitting corner who takes chances could be a bruiser to opposing pass catchers.
Although Boyd has lost many match-ups, if paired with a floating safety and not necessarily in a starting role could give him time to develop his route running and ball awareness.
5th Round: T.J. Edwards ILB, Wisconsin – 6’1″ 242 lbs.
A four-year Big Ten starter would prove to have needed experience to fill in for Todd Davis when he needs a substitute.
His pass coverage is not as developed as one would hope, but a solid wrap-up tackle form that could offer run support is still a valuable pick to teach and train up.
6th Round: Oli Udoh G, Elon (FCS) – 6’5″ 327 lbs.
Udoh was a solid performer in one of the top FCS football conferences.
With a massive frame and long arms, Udoh presents himself as a promising developmental player.
He does lack some technique and explosive qualities, but continuing to get himself in shape and professional line coaches can give him the tools to improve.
7th Round: Wes Hills RB, Slippery Rock – 6’1″ 218 lbs.
Hills is a Division II prospect, but possess down hill running, a stout frame and good pass catching ability.
This utility type running back is a safe risk for the Broncos in the 7th Round since Phillip Lindsay is the franchise back.
The variability and determination Hills brings will be perfect for scout team reps in practice and waiting for a chance to perform if injuries pile up.