Woody may be right about not taking a Defense Lineman in the first round but it can’t be denied that it’s a big position of need. If the Broncos don’t go DL in the 1st round then Alabama LB Dont`a Hightower would be a nice pick up for the Broncos because after Von Miller you have an aging DJ Williams, Joe Mays and Wesley Woodyard none of whom may be the answer. I hope Mays improves, in spots he played well and in others he didn’t. DJ had a nice comeback season and like Mays played well early but late in the season disappeared at times as did Mays.
No matter what the Broncos should nab the best defensive
player available in the first round. They need help at every position on D.
They could use another good Corner and Safety so that shouldn’t be ruled out.
In the later rounds the Broncos could use another WR, a good receiving TE and
maybe a Guard if Chris Kuper isn’t
at full strength by opening day. It’s good news he’s recovering nicely from the
knee surgery but one never knows how well he’ll be able to play once he comes
back.
As for the RB’s situation I’ve been one of the few who’s
pointed out the real weakness the Broncos have at that position since the
season ended. Knowshon Moreno is a
bust, a goner and while Willis McGahee
had an amazing year he’s now 30 years old with a banged up body and a knee
that’s been a chronic problem. Can he last another full season with that knee
at his age? I don’t question his desire to do so he’s a warrior but I think its
wishful thinking to believe that he’ll put up the same numbers as last year.
If Manning’s offense has any hope of succeeding in Denver he
must have at least one quality RB to execute it, one that can run between the
tackles and be a reliable pass catcher for him if nothing is open down field.
Without some threat of a running game Manning isn’t going to be as effective in
the passing game.
Personally I prefer RB’s with more size, strength and
average to better than average speed than drafting speedy super smurf RB’s.
More often than not they just end up being situational players.
Oregon running back LaMichael
James is listed at 5’9” and 195. Both are probably inflated numbers. He’s
more like 5’8” or 5’7” 180 or 185 pounds. James had a fine career at Oregon.
He’s a great Receiver and a fantastic punt returner. But once he gets to the
NFL I wonder if his little body can be effective as an every down RB or one who
can run between the tackles. He won’t be facing the weak defenses he played
against in the Pac 12.
Ronnie Hillman of
San Diego State another Super Smurf at 5’10” and listed at 190. He is fleet of
foot but no bigger than Yoda.
More than likely Hillman and probably James are both going
to end up as role players and not starters sort of in the Reggie Bush mold. Of the 2 James would be the better pick because
he does catch the ball well. James may suprize me and put up some big numbers
but those numbers will probably be as Receiver and a Punt Returner and not a
RB.
Utah State's Robert
Turbin 5’10” 222 recently had a work out in Denver but you have to wonder
he can make the jump from another weak and meek conference like the Western
Athletic Conference to the much bigger and faster NFL. Of the 3 mentioned in
Woody’s piece this guy seems to have more muscle mass. He may not have the
speed of James and Hillman but has a body better suited to play inside the
tackles.
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| RB Doug Martin may be the best RB in the draft. |
RB Doug Martin of Boise State might be a better pick than all 3 of these guys if he’s available. He’s a smurf too but has that compact massive frame that can run with power inside the tackles.
I just think after Trent
Richardson there’s a big drop off in the level of talent when it comes to
an every down smash mouth runner in combination with being a good Receiver.
The draft isn’t far away, soon enough we’ll know. Hopefully
they’ll be guys that can contribute immediately because we do have some big
holes to fill.
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