By Peter Cordi Edited by Peter Cordi
If Peyton Manning chooses to play for the Denver Broncos in 2015, they will continue to be an AFC powerhouse and a lock to make the playoffs. This is the most likely scenario so this mock draft is based off Manning staying in Denver.
Round One:
The Broncos may be down an offensive tackle if Orlando Franklin walks in free agency so they may need to acquire a new one this offseason. Protecting Peyton Manning is vital to this Broncos offense, as he is old and at high risk of a career-ending injury. If he injures his neck next season, he may never have an opportunity to win his second Superbowl. They can either draft or sign an offensive tackle. The best tackle in free agency besides Orlando Franklin is Bryan Bulaga, who may be re-signed by the Green Bay Packers. It would be best for the Broncos to avoid signing the injury-prone 25 year old, and attack their hole at the offensive tackle position in the draft. The Broncos will be drafting at the 28th position on April 30th in a deep draft where prodigious talent will be available from rounds one through seven.
The Pick: Cameron Erving, OT FSU
Cameron Erving spent the last two years of his college career blocking for potential first overall pick, Jameis Winston. Winston is an accurate pocket passer, and was able to stay in the pocket so long partly because of Cameron Erving. He is best at pass-protection, but is still well above average at run-blocking. Erving is as athletic as they come, strong and quick, and uses his athleticism to cover up any technical mistake he makes. He does have kinks in his technique, but that definitely can be taught by an NFL offensive line coach. The 6’5” 313 lbs monster would do a great job filling in for Orlando Franklin if he wins the starting job in his first year. If he doesn’t, it will be because the Broncos’ coaching staff needs to work with him on his form. This is the best pick for the Broncos because Erving is a great athlete with an amazing work ethic and will keep learning and practicing proper technique until he masters it.
Round Two:
With superstar Julius Thomas likely leaving in free agency, the Broncos will definitely need to find a replacement. Peyton Manning loves to throw the ball to his tight end, especially in the red zone. Due to the lack of tight end talent in free agency, the Broncos will likely elect to acquire their next star tight end in the 2015 NFL draft.
The Pick: Clive Walford, TE Miami (FL)
Clive Walford is a large tight end with wide receiver-like capabilities. He is an excellent fit for the Broncos’ offense. While he struggles in blocking due to his weak frame, Walfod is a force in the red zone and in the seam. Peyton Manning will instantly develop a rapport with Walford due to this. He is a very athletic tight end, who accelerated quickly off the line of scrimmage and creates mismatches all the time. He is too quick for a linebacker and too athletic for a cornerback to cover. His excellent size, 6’4” 251 lbs, gives him a size-edge on almost every defensive back who tries to cover him. The problem with Walford is his inconsistent hands. Tight ends have to take jarring hits from safeties and linebackers and cant afford to drop the ball, as they are often looked to in crucial situations like short yardage first downs. He can overcome this, and become tougher when he begins NFL training camp. The Broncos would be lucky to get him in the second round.
Round Three:
The Broncos may have to part ways with defensive tackle Terrance Knighton in free agency despite claims that Knighton wants to stay. There is a lot of defensive line talent in the 2015 NFL draft, highlighted by Leonard Williams, Shane Ray, and Randy Gregory, but the Broncos won’t nearly be able to draft these players as they are almost undoubtedly all top fifteen draft picks in the first rounf, while the Broncos will be drafting at pick number 28. By the third round, there is still a lot of defensive line talent. The Broncos should take their next starting defensive tackle in the third round of the draft.
The Pick: Joey Mbu, DT Houston
Joey Mbu is slow, heavy-footed, and cannot rush the passer for his life. But he doesn’t need to. Mbu is one of the best run-stuffers in the game due to his great size, 6’3” 313 lbs, and greater athleticism. His incredibly massive lower body anchors him and his formidable upper body strength does the rest of the work. Mbu is not much different from Terrance Knighton in this respect, as neither can rush the passer, while both possess elite run-stopping ability. They are also similar in size, as Knighton is 6’3” 335 lbs. The difference between the two is Mbu is even more athletic, with a higher ceiling than Knighton. Also, Knighton is 28 old, while Mbu is just 21. Mbu will be the defensive tackle the Denver Broncos can rely on for years to come.
Obviously, these picks depend on who the Broncos keep for the 2015 season and who they sign in free agency.
If Peyton Manning chooses to play for the Denver Broncos in 2015, they will continue to be an AFC powerhouse and a lock to make the playoffs. This is the most likely scenario so this mock draft is based off Manning staying in Denver.
Round One:
The Broncos may be down an offensive tackle if Orlando Franklin walks in free agency so they may need to acquire a new one this offseason. Protecting Peyton Manning is vital to this Broncos offense, as he is old and at high risk of a career-ending injury. If he injures his neck next season, he may never have an opportunity to win his second Superbowl. They can either draft or sign an offensive tackle. The best tackle in free agency besides Orlando Franklin is Bryan Bulaga, who may be re-signed by the Green Bay Packers. It would be best for the Broncos to avoid signing the injury-prone 25 year old, and attack their hole at the offensive tackle position in the draft. The Broncos will be drafting at the 28th position on April 30th in a deep draft where prodigious talent will be available from rounds one through seven.
The Pick: Cameron Erving, OT FSU
Cameron Erving spent the last two years of his college career blocking for potential first overall pick, Jameis Winston. Winston is an accurate pocket passer, and was able to stay in the pocket so long partly because of Cameron Erving. He is best at pass-protection, but is still well above average at run-blocking. Erving is as athletic as they come, strong and quick, and uses his athleticism to cover up any technical mistake he makes. He does have kinks in his technique, but that definitely can be taught by an NFL offensive line coach. The 6’5” 313 lbs monster would do a great job filling in for Orlando Franklin if he wins the starting job in his first year. If he doesn’t, it will be because the Broncos’ coaching staff needs to work with him on his form. This is the best pick for the Broncos because Erving is a great athlete with an amazing work ethic and will keep learning and practicing proper technique until he masters it.
Round Two:
With superstar Julius Thomas likely leaving in free agency, the Broncos will definitely need to find a replacement. Peyton Manning loves to throw the ball to his tight end, especially in the red zone. Due to the lack of tight end talent in free agency, the Broncos will likely elect to acquire their next star tight end in the 2015 NFL draft.
The Pick: Clive Walford, TE Miami (FL)
Clive Walford is a large tight end with wide receiver-like capabilities. He is an excellent fit for the Broncos’ offense. While he struggles in blocking due to his weak frame, Walfod is a force in the red zone and in the seam. Peyton Manning will instantly develop a rapport with Walford due to this. He is a very athletic tight end, who accelerated quickly off the line of scrimmage and creates mismatches all the time. He is too quick for a linebacker and too athletic for a cornerback to cover. His excellent size, 6’4” 251 lbs, gives him a size-edge on almost every defensive back who tries to cover him. The problem with Walford is his inconsistent hands. Tight ends have to take jarring hits from safeties and linebackers and cant afford to drop the ball, as they are often looked to in crucial situations like short yardage first downs. He can overcome this, and become tougher when he begins NFL training camp. The Broncos would be lucky to get him in the second round.
Round Three:
The Broncos may have to part ways with defensive tackle Terrance Knighton in free agency despite claims that Knighton wants to stay. There is a lot of defensive line talent in the 2015 NFL draft, highlighted by Leonard Williams, Shane Ray, and Randy Gregory, but the Broncos won’t nearly be able to draft these players as they are almost undoubtedly all top fifteen draft picks in the first rounf, while the Broncos will be drafting at pick number 28. By the third round, there is still a lot of defensive line talent. The Broncos should take their next starting defensive tackle in the third round of the draft.
The Pick: Joey Mbu, DT Houston
Joey Mbu is slow, heavy-footed, and cannot rush the passer for his life. But he doesn’t need to. Mbu is one of the best run-stuffers in the game due to his great size, 6’3” 313 lbs, and greater athleticism. His incredibly massive lower body anchors him and his formidable upper body strength does the rest of the work. Mbu is not much different from Terrance Knighton in this respect, as neither can rush the passer, while both possess elite run-stopping ability. They are also similar in size, as Knighton is 6’3” 335 lbs. The difference between the two is Mbu is even more athletic, with a higher ceiling than Knighton. Also, Knighton is 28 old, while Mbu is just 21. Mbu will be the defensive tackle the Denver Broncos can rely on for years to come.
Obviously, these picks depend on who the Broncos keep for the 2015 season and who they sign in free agency.