Very exciting time of year, my fellow Broncos fans. The event that can make or break a draft prospect's stock is only a couple of days away. Free agency is shortly after that, being a short month of February. I will probably be posting this mock offseason along with 2 more before free agency starts. Hope you enjoy the reads.
Retain:
New Additions:
Josh Johnson (QB)
Johnson or Dixon would be great options as our backup QB, but Johnson would probably be cheaper, and I like him more for some unknown reason. He has a very strong arm and elite speed for a QB. Johnson would be a perfect fit for the offense we run and would be very capable coming into games for emergency starts. Did well in his lone start for Josh Freeman last year.
Scott Wells (C)
Scott Wells's course in Green Bay has come to an end, and it's a shame. Wells has been the anchor for the Packers' o-line for the majority of his 8 year career. Hopefully he can come to Denver and do the same. Walton could really use some time to develop, especially under a savvy veteran such as Wells. The Packers tried for years to replace Wells with some bigger, stronger centers, but he outperformed them all. Welcome to Denver, Mr. Wells, most likely for a very ideal price.
Larry Grant (MLB) - RFA
The Broncos need a nice signing that will bring in competition, but not state that they have moved on from Irving after only one season. Grant is a young MLB at age 27, who really stepped up last season when Patrick Willis went down with an injury. In the 3 games he started, Grant racked up 28 tackles, 1 sack, and 5 PDef. In the midst of this run, broadcasters, writers, and 49er staff alike, praised Larry. He seems to have great potential and would be a very nice signing, as he'd only cost a 7th rounder.
Dwight Lowery (FS)
After struggling a bit with the Jets as a CB, Lowery was traded to the Jaguars for a conditional pick. Del Rio shifted him to the safety position where he was a solid presence in the secondary for 11 starts. He would be a young veteran, at age 26, and could be a mainstay at safety with Carter for years to come.
Brandon Carr (CB)
Despite recent reports that the Chiefs still would like to re-sign Carr, I just don't see that happening. Neither does Bill Williamson of ESPN, who reported the news; he even wrote an article saying that he expects the Broncos to make a run at the unsung "Brandon" in the Chiefs' secondary. He goes on to state that Carr would be a perfect fit as our #2, eventually taking over the #1 spot when Champ moves to safety or retires. The 6'0 207 lb, 25 year old would be the golden fleece of our offseason if we can sign him.
Draft
*I have the Broncos placing an original draft status tender on Ryan McBean (4th round). Hopefully a DT needy team (pretty much every team in the top 10) takes a chance on him, coming off a nice season. For the sake of the mock, I have the Panthers signing McBean, who they can couple with Brockers to form a nice DT rotation. Better than their current starters, Andre Neblett and Frank Kearse...
1st round: Fletcher Cox (DT), Mississippi State, 6'4 295
Cox's stock has been steadily rising, as he has shed the late 1st/early 2nd label to a clear cut 1st rounder. Cox is a disruptive force in the middle who can collapse the pocket at will, using a combination of his athleticism and power. A solid run defender and an even better pass rusher, Cox finished his junior year with 56 tackles and 5 sacks.
2nd round: Cam Johnson (DE), Virginia, 6'3 270
The Broncos need another end to really push Ayers for the starting job. Just like Moreno, I'm not exactly ready to give up on our former 1st round pick, but something must be done. If Ayers does not impress in camp, or falters when the season begins, we can have Johnson in waiting for the starting job with open arms. An athletic freak, Johnson combines tremendous explosion with good speed and excellent power to provide nice pass rush. However, he needs to develop more to his repertoire than his wide and bull rushes, and must also find more consistency. An Ayers/Johnson rotation wouldn't be bad either.
3rd round: Brian Quick (WR), Appalachian State, 6'4 222
I'm really eager to see how MHR responds to this pick. After laying dormant in free agency at the WR position, I have us taking the receiver out of Appalachian State, who is oozing with potential. Quick has daunting size, good hands, and terrific hand-eye coordination. If he can run a sub 4.5 40 yard dash (his projected low is 4.48), or even low 4.5, he could set MHR afire. He is raw, but unique; has the makings of an all around talent at WR - possession game (good hands), deep threat (good speed and very long strides), and a huge red zone threat.
4th round (via Carolina): Nigel Bradham (OLB), Florida State, 6'2 237
Bradham has the typical size and athleticism Fox and Del Rio look for in their LBs. As you saw, I don't see Woodyard returning to Denver, so that opens up a need at WILL. He would be a solid backup for DJ, and would eventually take over the starting spot when the former's contract is up. He has a perfect injury record. Ferocious against the run and very good in coverage. Heck, the scouting report says he can play any 4-3 LB position, maybe he can be looked at as a MIKE if all else fails!
4th round: Robert Turbin (RB), Utah State, 5'9 216
Turbin is my favorite RB in the draft, just ahead of Miller, mostly because of the value in the late 4th. The guy is an absolute monster. He does have an injury history, but he would be splitting carries in Denver. There is also a concern for his "lack of competition," but if that is a reason why teams pass on him, that is BS. Other than that, there aren't many negatives. See for yourself.
5th round (via St. Louis): Akiem Hicks (DT), Regina, 6'5 324
Hicks is a very intriguing prospect to me. Coming out of a Canadian college, it is tough to find a decent scouting report on him. I read what I could and watched highlights of him. What I saw was this: the former LSU recruit is a disruptive force up the middle. His amazing size allows him to bull through offensive linemen, collapsing the pocket against the pass and destroying running lanes against the run. Posted very nice sack numbers in college, and helped himself greatly in the East-West Shrine game, flashing that great potential.
5th round: Russell Wilson (QB), Wisconsin, 5'11 203
Wilson is another very interesting player. Many make the case that if he were a couple inches taller, Wilson would be an early round prospect. I am one of those people. He has good accuracy and has the arm to make all the NFL throws, as well as exhibiting top QB speed. He would be a great developmental prospect at QB for us.
Final 53
QB: Tebow, Johnson, Weber/Wilson
RB: McGahee, Turbin, Moreno, Fannin
WR: Thomas, Quick, Decker, Hill, Goodwin
TE: Fells, Thomas, Green
LT: Clady, Harris
LG: Beadles, Hoch
OC: Wells, Walton
RG: Kuper, Hoch
RT: Franklin, Clark
DE: Dumervil, Hunter
DT: Bunkley, Vickerson, Hicks
DT: Cox, Warren
DE: Ayers, Cam Johnson
WLB: DJ, Nigel Bradham
MLB: Irving, Grant
SLB: Von, Haggan, Mohamed
CB: Champ, Carr, Harris, Goodman, Sydquan
FS: Lowery, Moore
SS: Carter, Bruton
K: Matt Prater
P: Britton Colquitt
KR: Goodwin
PR: Goodwin
LS: Lonie Paxton
That's how the cookie crumbles this time around. Just trying to put a new spin every time I do a mock, so hopefully you enjoyed this one. If you're about to complain about the lack of a 7th round pick, refer to my signing of one, Grant, Larry. Tell me what you think in the comments.
This is a Fan-Created Comment on MileHighReport.com. The opinion here is not necessarily shared by the editorial staff of MHR
1 recs | 36 comments
Why does noone think that moore can step up and make it next year?
it just seems like everyone has written him off already. I think the guy could be very good in a couple of years.(hopefully sooner)
Mike Agnew - February 21, 2012
I don't think people are writing him off long term.
But this team would be best served with some veteran presence at safety should Dawkins retire. A secondary of Carter and Moore would get killed next year, no doubt about it. I still like Moore and that’s why I don’t think we should draft a safety when we have enough young guys at the position already with Burton, Moore, Carter. I just want a veteran who can come in and do a good job until one of or both Carter and Moore have improved enough to be starters. I don’t want to watch them go through the growing process during the season as our secondary gets shredded even more than it did last season. You add a veteran safety who can play from day 1 and give the other starting safety job to whoever the best one out of those three guys is and you should have competent safeties.
Eddie.Teach - February 22, 2012
I don't think anyone is writing him off but expecting that he will and not preparing for if he can't is crazy.
He might be able to make it but he needs competition. If he wins the job great but he has done nothing to prove that he should get it so a replacement for Dawkins who has shown he can start and be effective is necessary.
BroncoMath101 - February 22, 2012
Amen.
broncos7life - February 22, 2012
Nice draft...
I really like getting Hicks and Fletcher Cox both and the addition of Cam Johnson will help too. Not sure if we can sign all these FA’s but who knows. I look for Moore and Irving both to come of age this season.
kansas bob - February 22, 2012
I don't know...
What has he shown us? But, just like the Grant pick up, it’s not like Lowery is Ed Reedmand will be named the starter right off. There would be a good, old fashioned competition for the starting job. I really hope you’re right.
broncos7life - February 22, 2012
Sorry, that was meant for Mike Agnew.
Thanks Kansas Bob.
broncos7life - February 22, 2012
Absolutely love the Brian Quick pick!!!
Brandon Marshall without the diva attitude.
One of the more solid/realistic mocks I’ve seen, nice work.
ElwayFanJ - February 22, 2012
I agree about Quick!
Thanks very much, ElwayFan.
broncos7life - February 22, 2012
love this off season.
I love that you got us a good safety who has had experience under Del Rio. And I love the addition of Carr. He is the only expensive free agent that I think the Broncos should make a run for. A secondary of Lowery and Dawkins (I think he goes one more year) at safety and Carr and Champ makes me all warm and fuzzy inside. With our outside pass rush and that secondary our D would become a lot better against the pass. And great pick with Fletcher Cox! The only DT I have ahead of Cox is Brockers from LSU and that’s mostly due to potential. I am one of the few that think Cox is better than Still and Worthy so I really like that pick. Him and Bunkley would give us a great run stuffing duo and some pass rushing as well. Also like the Quick pick. He has a lot of potential. This is probably my favorite mock so far that I’ve seen.
Eddie.Teach - February 22, 2012
Eddie I'm with you on Cox
I have been on the Fletcher Cox bandwagon since he announced he was entering the draft . To me he is the best D Tackle in this draft for what the Broncos need even more than Brockers . People say that Cox is raw but always talk about Brockers potential and forget he is a red shirt sophomore . I think it will take Brockers over a year to be at the same level that Cox is at right now . Fletcher Cox has gotten better each year in college . Still is he a one year wonder ? worthy is he a tad on the lazy side its been said he takes plays off . I love the upside of Brockers but he will be a bit of a project for whatever team drafts him and if you are going to take a project you can get Akiem Hicks the kid from Canada that started his career at LSU in the fourth or fifth round .
ultraclassic04 - February 22, 2012
Still I think is the most questionable.
He has had a lot of injury problems and has had more discipline problems off the field than you would like out of a guy who will go in the 1st round, especially considering he’s only been productive for 1 year. I think Brockers will be really good once he develops and I agree that if I had to play a game right now I take Cox over Brockers, not so sure long term though. The only problem I have with Cox is his name. I feel dirty telling everyone how much I love Cox, and then talk about his penetrating skills and his ability to take on a double team ;)
Eddie.Teach - February 22, 2012
Let’s hope the day never comes when we have to cut Cox.
Ramblin'man - February 22, 2012
Forget about Parrish and remember Brian cox instead
ultraclassic04 - February 22, 2012
Loved Cox for awhile.
I think he is the best pass rusher in the DT class. 2nd overall. Basically, I agree with the above comments
broncos7life - February 22, 2012
LOL E.Teach
I see what you mean… just read what I wrote
broncos7life - February 22, 2012
Haha. Funny stuff.
What a dirty old man.
Digger24 - February 22, 2012
Good job.
I think the team would be better if this happened. This is definitely something I could get behind – particularly…well, all of it actually. That final roster looks good.
Agent Jerry Fletcher - February 22, 2012
Awesome FA and draft.
I absolutely love the first 5 picks and even really like the Hicks pick. the only one I don’t like is Russell Wilson but if EFX pick all those other guys first then I’ll live with it :).
BroncoMath101 - February 22, 2012
Doubt the guy we draft even makes it to the final 53 anyways if we draft him 5th round or lower.
I really want Weber on our active roster.
broncos7life - February 22, 2012
yeah personally I'd like to have Tebow, a young veteran like Dixon or Johnson and Weber make the final.
I wouldn’t mind bringing in a guy like Chad Henne or Jeff Garcia as a backup as well.
BroncoMath101 - February 22, 2012
Saw the Fins were gonna let Henne walk, and was very intrigued about him being our backup.
The consensus seems to be to bring in a young vet like Dixon or Johnson (which I’m fine with), but I want Weber to eventually be our 2nd stringer. In last year’s camp, he was supposedly the best-performing QB.
broncos7life - February 22, 2012
I read KC wants him.
I guess that means they don’t want Orton. I wonder who does. Maybe SF.
Digger24 - February 22, 2012
Mixed thoughts on this
I like the signings of Carr and if possible Wells, although I think he will stay with the Packers. Lowery would be an interesting move at the right price.
I like Johnson but I think the team take a guy who is going to accept being a back up and players who want to compete for the job will be very weary of coming to Denver after the Quinn article and what happened to Orton.
Larry Grant is RFA so is likely to stay with 49ers and Willis is also an RFA so likely to stay with the Broncos in the off season (he is fantastic special teams gunner). Will be very surprised if there is an offer for McBean. Teams will rather wait for cuts and wire moves.
The Broncos will need
SteveUK - February 22, 2012
Like it
Only problem is the 4th round tender for McBean. Good luck with that guy is terrible I doubt we place anything higher than a 6.
BroncofanfromBoston - February 22, 2012 via mobile
33 tackles, 4 sacks is good production.
But last year was his only good year. It was just wishful thinking on my part.
broncos7life - February 22, 2012
The more I read about him, the more unlikely it seems that Fletcher Cox will last to 25. Too much versatility. Too much upside. But I’d love the pick.
Pigskin - February 22, 2012
NFL draft "insiders" tell SI.com's Tony Pauline that
Mississippi State DT Fletcher Cox could make a leap up draft boards ala Tyson Jackson in 2009.
Jackson was considered a late first- to early second-round prospect for most of the 2009 draft process. He wound up going No. 3 overall. Per Pauline, Cox is expected to run a sub-4.8 forty time at the Combine and is currently tipping the scales at 300 pounds. An explosive interior pass rusher, Cox was a first-team All-SEC pick as a junior, playing most of the season at age 20.
Digger24 - February 22, 2012
Great. So then we trade out. It looks like there won't be a good pick at 25 that fits our needs
Although im warming up to the idea of taking Vinny Curry in the 1st. Doubt the Pats pass on him in the 30s so maybe we can grab him. Almost made that pick this mock draft.
broncos7life - February 22, 2012
They can't all go before it's our pick.
For every riser there has to be a faller. Someone will be there. I saw a mock today with Still there for us. That would be cool. I want Kirkpatrick to fall to #25.
Digger24 - February 22, 2012
I think Gilmore would be a nice pick at 25 too. But Kirkpatrick would be amazing.
broncos7life - February 22, 2012
About a month ago
I wanted to trade up for him.
Digger24 - February 22, 2012
So I'd I. After the pot charges I wanted to draft him
And people were being big babies about his “issues”
broncos7life - February 22, 2012
I think this is a solid mock. I really like how you selected Cox and Johnson. Those two will provide the D-line with excellent depth. Picking up Grant would be nice. This mock seems to be very close to how Fox has hinted he would like it to go down. Nice job!
AvalancheRescueDog - February 22, 2012
Excellent...
I like your blue collar FAs and the draft, except Wilson. I like BJ Coleman there.
bfree2bronc - February 22, 2012
I was going to out Coleman, but...
I’ve picked him almost every draft. And I’m not sure he is there that late in the 5th
broncos7life - February 22, 2012
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