NFL Draft 2012: 20 Players Who Must Be on the Denver Broncos' Big Board

Of the hundreds of draftees in the 2012 NFL Draft, there are 20 players in particular the Denver Broncos need to consider taking in the first two rounds.

Some will be gone by the time the Broncos select at No. 25 and again at No. 50, but this draft class has plenty of quality options to help fill needs.

Should any on this list still be available in the first round or fall to the second, Denver would be forced to heavily contemplate spending a pick on each.

Trent Richardson

If by some kind of magic Alabama running back Trent Richardson falls far enough for the Denver Broncos to select him, they must do it.

Willis McGahee had an admirable season in 2011 running for nearly 1,200 yards. The problem with McGahee, though, is both his age and consistency.

In 2012, he'll be 31. He's only run for more than 1,000 yards four times in eight seasons of play.

Richardson is a beast of a back in size and strength. His work ethic is inspiring. He can catch, he can block and he secures the football having only fumbled one time in his collegiate career.

Richardson is the best running back in the draft so it's unlikely he will hang around past the 15th pick. But just in case, he has to be on the big board to start.

Dre Kirkpatrick

Champ Bailey isn't getting any younger.

There are a number of quality cornerbacks in the 2012 NFL Draft. Dre Kirkpatrick is one of the best of them.

Like Trent Richardson, however, the likeliness of Kirkpatrick falling to the No. 25 pick is slim.

Kirkpatrick is a playmaker. He possesses immeasurable athleticism, shows the ability to cover effectively and has the instincts to win the ball in the air.

The Alabama cornerback would be a fantastic addition to the Denver Broncos' secondary.

Quinton Coples

North Carolina defensive end Quinton Coples would be a welcome addition to the Denver Broncos' staunch defense.

Coples is forceful on the defensive line, relying on his immense strength to bully offensive linemen. Adding Coples to a defense already featuring Von Miller and Elvis Dumervil only gives offensive coordinators more headaches to deal with.

Michael Brockers

One position the Broncos must upgrade is defensive tackle.

Denver's defensive front seven have the athletes to get to the quarterback. Now they just need a big, strong body to open up larger holes and stop the run.

At 6'5'', 306 pounds, Michael Brockers fits the bill.

Brockers maintains speed for his size and dominates the line of scrimmage with his overwhelming strength.

Janoris Jenkins

If Dre Kirkpatrick is off the board, then Denver has to consider taking Janoris Jenkins.

The cornerback mirrors Champ Bailey in his coverage skills and foresight. His advanced awareness allows him to make big plays; Jenkins is an interception threat and ferocious tackler.

Jenkins is a tough, durable corner and could complement Bailey well before sending him off.

Michael Floyd

Why Notre Dame wide receiver Michael Floyd and not Baylor's Kendall Wright?

Wright has electric speed but lacks in size. He may be best suited for the slot, but the Broncos already have that type of player in Eddie Royal.

Floyd, on the other hand, is a strong, physical wide receiver. He may be just the type to complement the receiving corp. Quarterback Tim Tebow hesitates to make throws into tight spaces, preferring to throw the ball away.

Perhaps with a receiver such as Floyd, Tebow can gain confidence making those throws, knowing Floyd will muscle his way to the ball.

Jerel Worthy

At 6'3'', 310 pounds, Jerel Worthy stuffs up the line of scrimmage.

He won't get after the quarterback as well. He won't get to the outside very fast. But Worthy won't let much happen up the gut. Worthy could do for the Denver Broncos what Vince Wilfork does for the New England Patriots, and that is to eat up some space in the middle.

Peter Konz

If the Denver Broncos are considering any upgrades or changes on the offensive line, Wisconsin center Peter Konz should be on the list.

At 6'5'' and 315 pounds, Konz is a big body with the tenacity to push defensive linemen around.

Most impressive, however, is his athletic ability and quickness, especially for an athlete of his size. Konz owns good foot-speed, allowing him the mobility to block in a variety of play designs.

Ryan Tannehill

The probability of Denver selecting a quarterback in the 2012 NFL Draft are slim. The chances of Denver taking a quarterback in the first or second round are even lower.

But should they decide to renege on the decision to start Tim Tebow in 2012, Texas A&M quarterback Ryan Tannehill is a sensational option.

Tannehill maintains superb passing accuracy and outstanding composure in the pocket. Like Tebow, Tannehill has the speed necessary to keep the play alive once he's flushed out of the pocket.

He's definitely worth considering for the big board should Denver decide to go that route.

Cordy Glenn

Not that Chris Kuper is too old, but just in case the Denver Broncos consider going younger at right guard, Cordy Glenn fits the spot well.

By "fits" I'm strictly talking size.

The guard out of Georgia stands 6'5'' and weighs 348 pounds. He is simply a massive presence who makes it very difficult for defenses to get around.

The likelihood of Denver targeting an offensive guard with their first pick of the draft is extremely low. But if Glenn remains on the board while other picks are being lifted, he brings enough to the table to be considered.

Fletcher Cox

Mississippi State defensive tackle Fletcher Cox is a great alternative if the Broncos miss out on Michael Brockers or Jerel Worthy.

Though he lacks (barely) in size for a defensive tackle, Cox makes up for it in speed. He has adequate strength already but there's room to grow.

With time and the right coaching staff, Cox could become even more forceful on the line of scrimmage.

Zach Brown

North Carolina linebacker Zach Brown benefits heavily from his speed and agility.

He may not be a big, strong tackler, but he is a capable option for covering tight ends. He can drop into coverage effectively and allow other players to hurry the quarterback.

Denver could also utilize Brown as yet another option to rush the passer off the edge.

Mohamed Sanu

Rutgers wide receiver Mohamed Sanu would be a terrific addition to the Broncos' wide receiving corp if he's still around at the No. 50 spot.

Sanu is a smaller version of Demaryius Thomas. A tough, physical presence, Sanu is strong off the line and he runs his routes very well.

He may not be the fastest receiver on the team, but he'll fight for the ball and earn extra yards after the catch.

Dwayne Allen

The Denver Broncos lack a quality tight end.

Dwayne Allen is the best tight end in the 2012 draft.

At 6'4'', 255 pounds, Allen is a big, strong tight end. But it's his route-running and catching ability that have him consistently slated as the top tight end in this year's draft.

His strength allows him to get off the line effectively and gain yardage after the catch. Allen is a difficult receiver to bring down.

He may be worthy of the No. 50 selection.

Lamar Miller

If the Broncos feel running back is an early priority, Lamar Miller should be considered in the second round.

Trent Richardson will be taken in the first round, leaving Miller as one of the next best options.

His style is much like Willis McGahee's. When Miller finds open space, he makes the best of it. He has the awareness and agility to read the field and make plays. Miller can also catch passes out of the backfield.

If the Broncos are satisfied with McGahee's production, they might as well go after the younger version.

Stephon Gilmore

An absolute ball hawk, South Carolina cornerback Stephon Gilmore plays his position much like safety Ed Reed.

Less of a coverage corner, Gilmore makes big plays picking off quarterbacks or lighting up receivers and running backs.

His style would fit the already hard-hitting defense that likes to get after the ball.

Alshon Jeffery

Nearing the build of a tight end, South Carolina wide receiver Alshon Jeffery compares similarly to Mohamed Sanu or Dwayne Allen.

Jeffery's routes aren't particularly clean and his speed is below average for a wide receiver. His talent is purely in his physicality and hands.

He'll be much like Rob Gronkowski; throw it in his direction on short to mid-yardage plays and he'll find a way to get the ball in his hands.

Chris Polk

If Denver truly wants to build around Tim Tebow with complementary pieces, they need to consider running back Chris Polk.

Polk is a bull whose best qualities are breaking tackles and making blocks. His hands make him a decent option out of the backfield as well.

He may not be a 1,000-yard runner, but with Tebow running draws and options, the Broncos may not necessarily require one.

Lardarius Green

Tight end Ladarius Green has a fantastic combination of size and speed.

Green has outstanding speed at the tight end position and great hands, much like Vernon Davis. At 6'6'', he has the ability to to get up high and snatch the ball out of the air at its highest point.

The Denver Broncos need playmakers on offense and tight end is their weakest position.

Vontaze Burfict

Adding linebacker Vontaze Burfict to a defense consisting of Von Miller, Elvis Dumervil, D.J. Williams and Champ Bailey would create quite a force to reckon with.

Burfict can do many things well.

He has impressive speed and agility at the linebacker position, which gives him the ability to rush the passer and drop into coverage.

An aggressive linebacker, Burfict is a fierce tackler with overpowering strength.