Denver Broncos: A Suggested “Aggressive Strategy” Draft Class
The Denver Broncos can define their future in the upcoming NFL Draft. April 25-27 will feature the NFL Draft and many dreams being achieved by talented, young athletes.
There are times to play it safe and then there are times to write destiny, for better or worse. Some would say the Denver Broncos front office will be on red alert for this upcoming season after having two losing seasons in a row.
While Elway may have been a Denver hero in previous decades, others are seeing the decline of the team management as his fault.
If the Broncos cannot get back to winning ways the front office will indefinitely be seen as villains of the franchise.
Since 1984, there have only been seven losing seasons under Pat Bowlen‘s reign.
Never have there been back-to-back losing seasons, until last year.
With Pat Bowlen being enshrined into the NFL Hall of Fame in August there will be special attention on the team to produce a respectable season.
If Elway and company do not produce improvement, if not a success, there could a search for new front office staff.
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: Aggressive Strategy
Round 1: Andraez “Greedy” Williams CB, LSU – 6’2″ 185 lbs.
Waiting to see how committed Chris Harris is and what he has left in the tank could be dangerous.
Denver should commit to a strong pass coverage future by taking the best corner at the 10th pick.
Some say there is not a need due to Callahan and Jackson from free agency, but those are not long-term fixes to the pass coverage.
Comparisons to Williams have been Patrick Peterson and Aqib Talib.
Round 2: Michael Deiter G, Wisconsin – 6’5″ 328 lbs.
Deiter played multiple positions at the Big Ten level, showing off his versatility on offensive line.
His hefty build is perfect for the ideal guard, but he shows high athleticism too.
The ability to open holes and pull for the run game could be paramount to the Broncos success with Phillip Lindsay.
Round 3: Tytus Howard T, Alabama State – 6’5″ 322 lbs.
Another massive offensive lineman would be a huge addition to a functional, but ordinary offensive line.
Howard may come from a small HBCU university, but his excellent performance at the Senior Bowl shows he can handle high-caliber talent coming at him.
He is a massive player, but his speed and athleticism is an added bonus.
Round 4: Justin Hollins OLB, Oregon – 6’5″ 242 lbs.
Hollins is a ball-hawking tackler and a fluid coverage linebacker.
While his hit power is less than his size suggests, the ability to get tackles for a loss and sacks is quite impressive.
This hybrid style linebacker that built like a defensive end, but plays like a linebacker would be a smooth fit into the Denver Broncos 3-4 blitzing style.
Round 5: Brett Rypien QB, Boise State – 6’2″ 204 lbs.
Despite the NFL blood lines, Brett is not highly rated by many sources due to his lack of arm strength.
In the Broncos balanced style offense this is not a problem as deep throws are not a highlighted part of the game-plan
Rypien’s impressive accuracy is a large part of why he is so dangerous and such an appealing option.
Round 6: Anthony Johnson WR, Buffalo – 6’2″ 211
Although he is from a smaller MAC school, Johnson produced two 1,000 yard seasons and 25 touchdowns during his time at Buffalo.
His size and athleticism make him a dangerous possession catcher.
Some critics worry his route running ability will not shake off NFL defenders and that his acceleration after catch is not elite.
Round 7: Andrew Wingard S, Wyoming – 5’11” 209 lbs.
Once a high draft pick prospect, he had a disappointing senior season which may risk him being drafted at all.
Despite not being a hard hitter Wingard offers run support with 25 tackles for a loss, while also recording 10 career interceptions.
Denver could benefit from another versatile player that could develop as a backup and, or special teams player.