Denver Broncos 2009 Mock Draft: The Beginning of Rebuilding

2009 will be the first time in Denver Broncos history that the team has two picks in the first-round, and how they use them will be crucial.

Will the Broncos try to package the No. 12 and 18 picks together in order to move up drastically and have a chance at QB Mark Sanchez?

I say no because Denver would be better served taking two players in order to add as much talent as possible. Sayre Bedinger, B/R Broncos Community leader, agrees the Broncos won’t take Sanchez; read his reasons here.

Instead, Denver will use both picks separately and grab two different players-of-need.

Following is my Denver Broncos’ mock draft for 2009. Instead of speculating where Denver will trade picks, which is likely to happen with 10 overall, I will assume the Broncos will pick at the spots they currently own.

1. B.J. Raji DT (12th overall)

The Broncos' biggest weakness at this point is defensive line, and Raji could be a great DT in the NFL.

At 6’2”, 337 pounds, Raji is a beast of a tackle, and can create penetration when needed. In his senior season, Raji had 42 tackles (22 solo), 16 stops behind the line, and a team-high eight sacks.

This young player could be the centerpiece of the Broncos' new defensive line for years to come.

2. Brian Cushing OLB (18th overall)

Denver’s second most glaring weakness currently is at linebacker, and as they shift to the 3-4, an OLB is needed. While Rey Maualuga would be an awesome addition, he will likely go earlier than 18th. Some are predicting just a few earlier, 16th to San Diego.

Cushing though, is a great linebacker, “considered one of the finest strong side outside-linebackers in the game” according to NFL.com. He can blitz, track down running backs, and drop back into pass coverage.

Cushing would be an excellent complement to D.J. Williams on the weak-side, and would definitely improve the Broncos' defense.

3.  Sean Smith CB (48th overall)

Smith, a converted receiver to cornerback, is new to the position but could learn much under Champ Bailey and the other veterans in Denver’s defensive backfield.

He had 46 tackles (23 solo), a forced fumble, nine defended passes, and five interceptions in his senior season in which he started all but one game. At 6’4”, 214 pounds, Smith would be an imposing figure as a corner, matching up well with the bigger receivers in the NFL game today.

The Broncos need a CB, as many of their DBs are aging; if not Smith, look for them to take at least one somewhere.

4.  Rashad Johnson S (79th overall)

Johnson could be undersized at 5’11”, 204 pounds, but he left Alabama a captain and was considered the SEC’s premier safety in 2008.

The safety had 89 tackles (60 solo), caused a fumble, and led Alabama with five interceptions and 11 passes defended.

He could be a great complement to Brian Dawkins' hard hitting style as a safety that can cover.

5. Graham Harrell QB (84th overall)

The Broncos need a quarterback somewhere in this draft, so why not Harrell?

In 2008, Harrell passed for 5,111 yards, 45 touchdowns, compared to only nine interceptions for Texas Tech. He is heralded as a strong leader with decent mobility. However, a weakness could be his long ball, as he “does not have a cannon arm” according to NFL.com.

But Harrell would be a nice addition to the Broncos, competing for a job against Orton and Simms.

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