Broncos Mock Draft: Who Are the Experts Projecting to Denver?

The 2013 NFL Draft is 72 days away, but that hasn't stopped the experts from pumping out pre-combine mock drafts. This April, the Denver Broncos are scheduled to select 28th overall, so it is hard to predict who will be available when Denver is on the clock.

Once the combine has come and gone and the Broncos start meeting with players, it will be easier to narrow down the list of first-round prospects for Denver. Until then, we'll been following the mocks.

In this slideshow, we take a look at seven different mocks, with a few of them projecting the same player. Denver is now on the clock!

Sharrif Floyd — DHQ, CBS, NEPMD

Pick: Sharrif Floyd, DT/DE, Florida

Mocked By: Shawn Zobel of DraftHeadQuarters.com, Dan Hope of NEPatritosDraft.com and Rob
Rang of CBSSports.com.

Weight/Measurements: 6'3", 303-pound junior.

Notable Stat: Floyd had 8.5 tackles for loss last season.

Quote: "(Floyd) could be both a consistent run-stopper and give the Broncos a terrific interior pass-rush combination alongside Derek Wolfe." — Dan Hope.

My Take: Even if the Broncos don't lose both of their starting defensive tackles (Kevin Vickerson and Justin Bannan) to free agency, the team could use more depth on the defensive line. Floyd is a logical selection, just not a flashy one.

Robert Woods — NEPD

Pick: Robert Woods, WR, USC

Mocked By: Jame Christensen of NEPatriotsDraft.com.

Weight/Measurements: 6'1", 190-pound junior.

Notable Stat: Woods caught 111 passes and scored 15 touchdowns in 2011.

Quote: "A dynamic receiving threat at USC, Woods has flashed that he is ready to make an impact in 2013 as a rookie." — James Christensen.

My Take: It's hard to imagine the Broncos not going defensive with their first pick, but if they do go offensive, it will probably be for a receiver. Woods fits the bill and would provide another dynamic target for quarterback Peyton Manning in Denver.

Johnthan Banks — B/R

Pick: Johnthan Banks, CB, Mississippi State

Mocked By: Matt Miller of BleacherReport.com.

Weight/Measurements: 6'2", 185-pound senior.

Notable Stat: Banks proved to be a playmaker in college, recording 158 tackles, 11 interceptions, four sacks and three touchdowns.

Quote: "The Broncos need speed and youth at cornerback, and with Banks, they'll also get someone who projects as a long-term starter at the position." — Matt Miller

My Take: The Broncos have one of the better cornerback tandems in the NFL (per ProFootballFocus.com), but Champ Bailey won't last forever and may be moved to safety within the next few seasons. Banks would provide a nice option to start across from Chris Harris down the road.

Kawann Short — ESPN

Pick: Kawann Short, DT, Purdue

Mocked By: Mel Kiper of ESPN.com (via BleedingGreenNation.com) and Todd McShay of ESPN.com (also via BleedingGreenNation.com).

Weight/Measurements: 6'3", 315-pound red-shirt senior.

Notable Stat: Short notched six sacks last season.

Quote: "The Broncos will likely take the best available defensive player. Right now, I think it is Short. Denver has gotten better at this position, but it could use some more help." — Bill Williamson.

My Take: As of February, Short seems to be the favorite to go off the board 28th overall. Such a selection wouldn't be surprising; the Broncos have been lacking productivity at defensive tackle.

Arthur Brown — CBS

Pick: Arthur Brown, OLB, Kansas State

Mocked By: Dane Brugler of CBSSports.com.

Weight/Measurements: 6'1", 231-pound redshirt senior.

Notable Stat: Brown recorded 91 tackles (six for loss) last season.

Quote: "(Coach John) Fox has had success with Jon Beason who's about the same height and weight as Brown." — Scotty Payne.

My Take: Brown is an outside linebacker, but he would probably move inside if he came to Denver. Currently, Von Miller is the outside 'Sam' backer and Wesley Woodyard is across from him as 'Will" backer. Denver does not need to replace either player, so drafting a pure middle linebacker would make more sense to me.

Other Options

Other first-round options include LSU middle linebacker Kevin Minter and Notre Dame's Manti Te'o. Mid-round prospects for Denver include Wisconsin running back Montee Ball, Arkansas State running back Michael Dyer, Oklahoma safety Tony Jefferson and Texas A&M wide receiver Ryan Swope.

The Broncos currently have six selections and are expected to go defensive with their first pick.

Who would you like to see the Broncos draft in the first round?  Share your mock in the comments below!