Denver Broncos 2010 Mock Draft: Part Three

For my first few mock drafts, I have projected the Broncos to make a trade out of their first round pick, acquired from the Chicago Bears. This time is no different.

The Broncos would be extremely wise to trade down. This is a deep draft, and they could address multiple areas of need with a bevy of picks acquired through trade.

As it stands, the Broncos' draft would currently look as such:

Round One, Pick 9
Round Two, Pick 25
Round Three, Pick 24
Round Four, Pick 23
Round Six, Pick 27
Round Seven, Pick 26

In my projected trade, the Broncos trade the ninth pick in the first round to New England for the 21st pick in the first round, the 20th pick in the second round, and the 21st pick in fifth round.

Round One, Pick 21: Brandon Spikes, LB, Florida

I know Spikes had some anger issues earlier this season, but this guy really is a proven leader on the field. He is an instinctive player with the perfect size (6'3" 252 lbs.) and ideal speed to play the position in the 3-4 scheme.

Spikes would give the Broncos—provided they can re-sign Elvis Dumervil—the best young core of linebackers in the NFL with Dumervil, D.J. Williams, Robert Ayers, and Wesley Woodyard.

He is arguably the most productive linebacker, statistically speaking, in this draft, though his stock has taken a small hit due to the amount of talent possessed by this draft class. Denver would be wise to trade down and hope for an elite defender like Spikes to fall into their laps as the eventual replacement for Andra Davis.

Round Two, Pick 20: Javier Arenas, CB, Alabama

This would be the steal of the draft in my opinion. I believe Arenas to be the most versatile player in the entire draft, and if the Broncos could get him in the second round, it would be absolute robbery.

Arenas is probably the best return man in the nation, as well as an All-SEC performer at defensive back. His talents will go unnoticed as we near closer to draft day due to his lack of elite speed and short stature.

Make no mistake about it—this kid can play.

Arenas is a ball—hawking cornerback who also puts pressure on the quarterback out of the nickel package. He would be a much welcome addition to the Broncos who clearly value his type—versatile, smart, and able to contribute to special teams.

Round Two, Pick 24: Colt McCoy, QB, Texas

I know many Bronco fans are not in favor of drafting a quarterback, especially early, but if McCoy falls to this point in the draft, the Broncos would be foolish to pass on him.

McCoy is one of the winningest and most productive collegiate quarterbacks of all time. He is accurate, smart, and capable on the run.

He is the perfect fit for Josh McDaniels' system, and he has more raw talent than any other quarterback on Denver's roster.

For some reason his draft stock is plummeting, and the Broncos would be wise to take advantage. This kid is an outstanding leader who could learn behind Kyle Orton for a year or more if needed.

Round Three, Pick 23: Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa

As much as it pains me to say this, it would make sense for junior sensation Adrian Clayborn to bolt from Iowa City for the NFL next season. If he waited another year, his stock would drop immensely because of his age (would be a redshirt senior) and there is always the risk of being less productive or getting injured.

Clayborn, like many players from Iowa, is a very underrated prospect. There is a chance that if he tests well, he could go well higher than the third round.

Clayborn is a very versatile defensive lineman. He can play inside or outside in a 4—3; he has the athleticism to play five technique for the 3—4 or even stand up if asked to.

He is having his most productive collegiate season and is quietly one of the better defensive linemen in the nation.

Round Four, Pick 27: Mike Johnson, OL, Alabama

This is another guy who has a lot of versatility, which is attractive to the Broncos' regime. Johnson has been a stalwart on the Alabama offensive line and he is known for his prowess against the run.

The Broncos would love to pick him up in the fourth round, though some scouts feel he could go higher. Ideally, Johnson would be the heir apparent at center while Seth Olsen, a fourth round pick in 2009, would take over at left guard, giving the Broncos a great group of young offensive linemen.

Round Five, Pick 21: Dexter McCluster, RB/WR, Ole Miss

How many times have the Broncos been burned by Darren Sproles over the last couple of years?

Now, they have the opportunity to pick up their own version.

Ole Miss' Dexter McCluster is a very versatile player. He is being considered at both running back and wide receiver, with the potential to be a deadly kick or punt return man as well.

He has elite speed, but his stature has caused scouts to shy away. At only 5'7" and 170 pounds, he is not the most imposing physical specimen, but he is a weapon nonetheless.

His stock is on the rise, and by my next mock draft he could be projected as a third-round pick.

Round Six, Pick 26: Anthony Moeaki, TE, Iowa

As an Iowa fan, this pick might be a little bit of wishful thinking, but this kid is an underrated prospect who can play. Again, notice the theme of versatility.

Moeaki can catch, block, and has good vision with the football in his hands. The Broncos might look to him in the draft if Tony Scheffler leaves via free agency.

Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz calls Moeaki "the best tight end I've ever coached," which is pretty lofty praise considering Dallas Clark once played in Iowa City.

Moeaki has been injured frequently in his time at Iowa, and that could cause him to free fall on draft day. Some team could be getting a steal, and the Broncos could be that team.

Round Seven, Pick 25: Zoltan Mesko, P, Michigan

I would love for the Broncos to be able to get Iowa punter Ryan Donahue in next year's draft, but Mesko is a similar prospect with a booming foot who would be good value in the seventh round.

Mitch Berger has improved since his horrible start with the Broncos, but he is obviously not the long-term answer at the position.

Can the Broncos Upset the 12-0 Colts?

Check out my article on the Broncos' chances of upsetting Indianapolis this weekend as they travel to Lucas Oil Stadium.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/304710-why-the-denver-broncos-can-and-just-might-upset-the-12-0-colts-sunday