Denver Broncos Forecast
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Denver Broncos (13-3)
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(15) Santonio Holmes, WR. Ohio State
(37) Mathias Kiwanuka, DE. Boston College
(61) Dominique Byrd, TE. USC
(68) Bernard Pollard, S. Purdue
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The Denver Broncos were surprising last year. In a division that was widely considered to become a battle between the Chiefs and the Chargers for dominance, Jake Plummer led a mistake-proof offense efficiently as the defense amassed impressive numbers, playing with the lead often. Most of the Broncos needs lie on the offensive side of the ball. Though showing no signs of slowing, Rod Smith is aging and Ashlie Lelie has lacked enough consistency to never be relied upon as a #1 option. With the loss of Jeb Putzier to the Texans, the Broncos would prefer to add a pass catching specialist at tight end. At running back, the Broncos have fancied trade offers for Tatum Bell. Clearly, they think he can not shoulder the load all by himself. Defensively, the team has needs up front and in the secondary. They would love to add a pass rusher on the edge; evidence of this was their extreme interest in John Abraham. In the secondary, a ball-hawking safety would give an added dimension to the defense.
(15) Santonio Holmes, WR. Ohio State
Ashley Lelie is not the long term solution at wide receiver for the Broncos. He simply has not been reliable enough to hinge the success of the passing game on his shoulders. Santonio Holmes is one of the most underrated players in the draft class. At 5'11"/185, he is indeed undersized. However, he has everything and more that you look for beyond size. His 4.32 speed is blazingly fast, giving him the chance to go the distance each and every time he touches the ball. He has proven that he is able to get separation downfield from anyone. He is physical and strong, something not expected from a receiver of his stature. Unwilling to give up on any play, he is an excellent blocker that is willing to sacrifice his body to give his running back room for the extra yard. He is a high class individual who has the selfless, humble make-up of a quiet superstar. Santonio Holmes is the #1 receiver that Denver has been looking for since drafting Lelie 19th overall in 2001.
(43) Mathias Kiwanuka, OLB. Boston College
It is no secret that the Broncos pursued John Abraham this off-season. Finding a pass rusher would help their defensive line substantially. Mathias Kiwanuka has been slipping down draft boards since the end of the college season this fall. Originally considered a prospect capable of cracking the top ten, Kiwanuka is now lost in the shuffle among some dynamic defensive ends in this draft class. Nevertheless, Kiwanuka was a force at Boston College. He is a pure pass rusher that is just what the Broncos desire. His 6'6"/256 size is excellent. He is simply a physical specimen. A team leader on the field, he has all the intangibles to be great. His productive career will be something not easily forgotten by the Browns management since they are targetting a premier pass rusher.
(61) Dominique Byrd, TE. USC
It seems funny that a team would be missing the likes of Jeb Putzier enough to address his loss on day one. However, with the value that is scheduled to be present at tight end in the second round, the Broncos will not be able to help themselves. Dominique Byrd is one familiar with the spectacular. He makes one-handed catches look easy. He has shown that he can stretch the seam reliably with the body control to use his 6'4"/255 frame to go up and get the jump ball. While Byrd is only an average blocker at best with very average speed (4.79), he has the elite pass receiving skills to counter all negatives. Ultimately, all he does is execute in the passing game, and that is exactly what the Denver offense needs.
(68) Bernard Pollard, S. Purdue
The Broncos are looking to acquire an eventual replacement for the elder, John Lynch, in this draft. At 6'2"/224, has the ideal size to develop into a big-hitting safety. He is extremely effective against the run, much like Lynch. His 4.59 speed is by no means elite, but his big-hitting and tackling abilities help to cancel out this negative. He is very instinctive, making him very effective in center field. Most of all, Pollard has the ability to tackle a la John Lynch. With the right development, Pollard has the potential to be an absolute intimidator in the NFL.
(*) Ko Simpson, S. South Carolina
The Broncos are the most intriguing team in the draft. They have so many reasonable alternatives to take with their picks. Ko Simpson is a playmaker. He hawks the ball with his 4.45 speed and can lay the big hit at 6'1"/205. He offers an ideal long-term solution to John Lynch at safety. The team may value Simpson enough to delay grabbing help for their pass rush. Instead of Hali in round two, do not be surprised if the Broncos grab their franchise safety in the form of Ko Simpson.
Denver Broncos (13-3)
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(15) Santonio Holmes, WR. Ohio State
(37) Mathias Kiwanuka, DE. Boston College
(61) Dominique Byrd, TE. USC
(68) Bernard Pollard, S. Purdue
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The Denver Broncos were surprising last year. In a division that was widely considered to become a battle between the Chiefs and the Chargers for dominance, Jake Plummer led a mistake-proof offense efficiently as the defense amassed impressive numbers, playing with the lead often. Most of the Broncos needs lie on the offensive side of the ball. Though showing no signs of slowing, Rod Smith is aging and Ashlie Lelie has lacked enough consistency to never be relied upon as a #1 option. With the loss of Jeb Putzier to the Texans, the Broncos would prefer to add a pass catching specialist at tight end. At running back, the Broncos have fancied trade offers for Tatum Bell. Clearly, they think he can not shoulder the load all by himself. Defensively, the team has needs up front and in the secondary. They would love to add a pass rusher on the edge; evidence of this was their extreme interest in John Abraham. In the secondary, a ball-hawking safety would give an added dimension to the defense.
Holmes is the #1 receiver Ashley Lelie hasn't been
(15) Santonio Holmes, WR. Ohio State
Ashley Lelie is not the long term solution at wide receiver for the Broncos. He simply has not been reliable enough to hinge the success of the passing game on his shoulders. Santonio Holmes is one of the most underrated players in the draft class. At 5'11"/185, he is indeed undersized. However, he has everything and more that you look for beyond size. His 4.32 speed is blazingly fast, giving him the chance to go the distance each and every time he touches the ball. He has proven that he is able to get separation downfield from anyone. He is physical and strong, something not expected from a receiver of his stature. Unwilling to give up on any play, he is an excellent blocker that is willing to sacrifice his body to give his running back room for the extra yard. He is a high class individual who has the selfless, humble make-up of a quiet superstar. Santonio Holmes is the #1 receiver that Denver has been looking for since drafting Lelie 19th overall in 2001.
Mathias Kiwanuka is a pass-rushing DE prototype
(43) Mathias Kiwanuka, OLB. Boston College
It is no secret that the Broncos pursued John Abraham this off-season. Finding a pass rusher would help their defensive line substantially. Mathias Kiwanuka has been slipping down draft boards since the end of the college season this fall. Originally considered a prospect capable of cracking the top ten, Kiwanuka is now lost in the shuffle among some dynamic defensive ends in this draft class. Nevertheless, Kiwanuka was a force at Boston College. He is a pure pass rusher that is just what the Broncos desire. His 6'6"/256 size is excellent. He is simply a physical specimen. A team leader on the field, he has all the intangibles to be great. His productive career will be something not easily forgotten by the Browns management since they are targetting a premier pass rusher.
Dominique Byrd offers the Broncos a pass catching
tight end better than cap-casualty, Jeb Putzier
(61) Dominique Byrd, TE. USC
It seems funny that a team would be missing the likes of Jeb Putzier enough to address his loss on day one. However, with the value that is scheduled to be present at tight end in the second round, the Broncos will not be able to help themselves. Dominique Byrd is one familiar with the spectacular. He makes one-handed catches look easy. He has shown that he can stretch the seam reliably with the body control to use his 6'4"/255 frame to go up and get the jump ball. While Byrd is only an average blocker at best with very average speed (4.79), he has the elite pass receiving skills to counter all negatives. Ultimately, all he does is execute in the passing game, and that is exactly what the Denver offense needs.
(68) Bernard Pollard, S. Purdue
The Broncos are looking to acquire an eventual replacement for the elder, John Lynch, in this draft. At 6'2"/224, has the ideal size to develop into a big-hitting safety. He is extremely effective against the run, much like Lynch. His 4.59 speed is by no means elite, but his big-hitting and tackling abilities help to cancel out this negative. He is very instinctive, making him very effective in center field. Most of all, Pollard has the ability to tackle a la John Lynch. With the right development, Pollard has the potential to be an absolute intimidator in the NFL.
Ko Simpson may be just too talented to pass up
(*) Ko Simpson, S. South Carolina
The Broncos are the most intriguing team in the draft. They have so many reasonable alternatives to take with their picks. Ko Simpson is a playmaker. He hawks the ball with his 4.45 speed and can lay the big hit at 6'1"/205. He offers an ideal long-term solution to John Lynch at safety. The team may value Simpson enough to delay grabbing help for their pass rush. Instead of Hali in round two, do not be surprised if the Broncos grab their franchise safety in the form of Ko Simpson.