Denver Broncos 2012 Mock Draft: Best-Case and Worst-Case 7-Round Scenarios

The Denver Broncos proved last year that their new brain trust has a relatively sound draft strategy based on the success of the 2011 class to date.

That is why it is hard to believe that a team will find themselves in a position on draft day that they didn't expect to be in regarding what players are left on the board.

Still, Denver will have its big board in the war room lined up with the players they "love" and the players they "like." Furthermore, it may not be that Denver is upset with any player that they land, but rather annoyed that they were forced to make picks that they deemed less than "optimal."

Here are some of the best and worst-case scenarios for each round.

Round 1: 25th Overall

The Denver Broncos are looking to defense for the first in almost every scenario, even the worst. So far, the team has been slow to dive into free agency (and everyone knows why), but that still leaves a few question marks as to what the team may be thinking in the first round.

The safe bet is for the team to bolster their defensive line, as many feel they should, but there are other needs that could match up at this pick as well.

In an extreme worst-case scenario, the team might be forced to take an offensive player, but more likely, it will be a success if the Broncos can take defensive lineman or linebacker. First-round talent is first-round talent, but Denver has more need on defense than offense. Taking offense in the first round forces Denver to find value on defense in the second and third round, which could be tougher.

BEST CASE: Dont'a Hightower or Jerel Worthy

WORST CASE: Lamar Miller

Round 2: 57th Overall

Denver will have some latitude in the second round in terms of which way they are able to go. A lot of that may depend on the decision of a certain All-Pro quarterback, but either way, the talent still on the board will determine the Broncos' pick and not the needs of the team right away.

I believe that Denver may eschew conventional wisdom and stay away from a first-round defensive lineman and instead take advantage of the depth at the position and take one in the second round. 

However, a running back could make sense here as well, since Knowshon Moreno will likely not be a Bronco long-term.

BEST CASE: Kendall Reyes DL, Doug Martin RB, David WIlson RB

WORST CASE: Marcus Forster DL, Isaiah Pead RB

Round 3: 88th Overall

It became more public than perhaps Denver wanted when they were linked to the Oklahoma State Pro Day as a result of the Peyton Manning courtship.

The secret is out that Denver is a big fan of Brandon Weeden, who, behind Andrew Luck, is rated as the top pure passer in the draft. That stands to reason because at almost 30 years old, he has had more time honing his throwing motion.

I am really not a fan of drafting a player whose rookie contract would take him to the age of approximately 33, but this is an evaluation of what Denver wants, and they seem to want Weeden.

BEST CASE: Brandon Weeden QB

WORST CASE: Brock Osweiler QB 

Round 4: 120th Overall

It's back to defense for the Broncos in this round, and the secondary should be the focus. If the Broncos are lucky, there will still be a National Champion on the board with amazing versatility in DeQuan Menzie.

Denver needs to add secondary help in free agency and the draft, but since injuries have been a problem at safety and cornerback, having a player like Menzie is more desirable than a player who has only lined up at corner.

BEST CASE: DeQuan Menzie CB/S

WORST CASE: Shaun Prater CB

Round 5: 129th Overall

In a big combine surprise, the once first-round worthy linebacker Vontaze Burfict out of Arizona State dropped significantly based on his performance.

That doesn't mean that he might not be an intriguing pick for Denver at this late juncture if no other team has decided to do the same. Without Burfict, and depending on how the prior rounds go, the next likely scenario for the Broncos could be to take depth on the offensive line, which would be too early to do.

BEST CASE: Vontaze Burfict ILB

WORST CASE: Lucas Nix OG

Round 5: 152nd Overall

The loss of Eddie Royal makes room in the Denver wide receiver stable, and this could be a good round to address that need if the right player remains on the board.

The leading receiver out of the Big Ten is projected to still be on the board, and his addition could make for a long, athletic group catching passes in Denver.

BEST CASE: Marvin McNutt WR

WORST CASE: AJ Jenkins WR

Round 7: 216th Overall

The final round is a hard place to go wrong, as the picks now become anyone's guess in terms of projecting to success in the NFL.

Denver will do well no matter which way they go, but it would be wise to look at players who can block or play special teams as the ones with the best chance of making the roster. An offensive lineman with size and hometown ties or a fullback who is a battering ram and special teams maven would be nice.

BEST CASE: Ryan Miller OG or Chad Diehl FB