Dear Santa...College Football Christmas Wishlist for the Denver Broncos

Dear Santa,

This Christmas, I want my list to be a little bit different. This year, I want to give all of my presents to the Denver Broncos.

In college football, there are a select group of players that may or may not enter this year's NFL Draft, and the Broncos could use some of them.

Obviously, it would be great if they could have all of them, but I realize you are Santa Claus and not God himself.

The following is a list of the players I feel best define what Josh McDaniels and Brian Xanders are looking for on the Denver Broncos.

Players with high character, toughness, and versatility. Players who are willing to be coached, and players who fit our system well.

P.S. Say thanks for me to the Big Man upstairs for Jay Cutler's karma. If not for the newest Chicago Bears quarterback's horrible start, the Broncos would not have a shot at the top ten of the draft and would have only their likely playoff appearance to rub in his face.

Your friend,

Sayre

Quarterback: Colt McCoy, Texas

As you know, I have been high on Colt McCoy for a while. I think he is a perfect fit for the Denver Broncos, and here's why:

1. The revolving door that is McPatriotDaniels quarterbacks

When Drew Bledsoe went down, Tom Brady stepped in. When Brady went down, Matt Cassel led the Pats to 11-5 and threw for 4,000 yards.

When Jay Cutler demanded a trade, Kyle Orton came in and quietly has been having the most efficient season of his career.

Because of McDaniels' success developing quarterbacks, a large portion of the Bronco fan base believes even sixth round pick Tom Brandstater can be a solid NFL quarterback in this system.

McCoy has been labeled a "system" quarterback, and could very well end up flourishing in this system as well.

2. McCoy's talent

Clearly, McCoy is a much more talented prospect than any of Brady, Cassel, or Orton when they came out of college. He is athletic, accurate, and has an above average arm. With the correct coaching, he could be a star.

3. That coaching thing...

Oh yeah, McDaniels' track record of developing quarterbacks is outstanding. Colt McCoy has a good head on his shoulders and seems like a very coachable kid. The Broncos are not going to ask him to be a superstar, just a playmaker.

That's the thing many fail to realize. The Broncos do not have to ask a QB prospect to lead this team, the team will lead him.

4. The Team around him

Many say you are only as good as the team around you. In that case, McCoy would be a star with the Broncos. Denver has an elite offensive line, a top two defense, and a group of offensive skill players that could rival any in the NFL. McCoy is just another piece to the puzzle.

Any more doubt about McCoy being a good fit for an NFL team?

Didn't think so.

Running Back: Toby Gerhart, Stanford

Gerhart is an outstanding player, and the Broncos may have their own version of him in running back/fullback Peyton Hillis.

The breakout star from Stanford just won the Doak Walker award as the nation's top running back after a season in which he ran for 1,736 yards and 26 touchdowns.

Three times he ran for over 200 yards, and he helped the Cardinal to upset wins over USC, Oregon and Notre Dame.

He is a tough runner with great vision, and he rarely goes down on initial contact. The Broncos have struggled scoring touchdowns in the red zone this season.

If Gerhart was drafted, problem solved.

Running Back: Dexter McCluster, Ole Miss

If I have said it once, I have said it a hundred times: The reason I'm sold on McCluster is because of his versatility, which is a theme you will find a lot in this list.

McCluster has rushed for 985 yards and six touchdowns, and caught 39 passes for 475 yards and three more scores.

This kid is not necessarily the most punishing runner, but he reminds me a lot of San Diego's franchise player Darren Sproles, who is also a "Jack of all Trades."

McCluster has the potential as a weapon in the running and passing game, but also the return game. He has blazing speed and once he gets to the edge?

See ya.

Wide Receiver: Jordan Shipley, Texas

Did I mention I'm a big fan of versatility?

Texas' Jordan Shipley defines what it is to be a Bronco under Josh McDaniels.

He is tough. He is instinctive. He is versatile.

In 2009, Shipley has 106 receptions for 1,363 yards and 11 touchdowns, all of which lead the Longhorns.

He is also a big time threat in the return game, running back three punts and one kickoff for scores in his time at Texas.

Shipley seems like a great possession receiver and a player that compares very favorably to New England's Wes Welker, and no, not just because he's white.

Wide Receiver: Golden Tate, Notre Dame

The Broncos will likely not wind up with Golden Tate as the draft progresses, but that does not mean he would not be a great fit in their offense.

Tate won the Biletnikoff award for the nation's best receiver, and led the Fighting Irish in every major receiving category.

Though he only stands at 5'11", he was able to catch 93 passes for 1,496 yards and 15 touchdowns. He is a magician with the ball in his hands, and has a knack for the big play.

Tight End: Anthony Moeaki, Iowa

This one may shock some people, but I firmly believe Moeaki to be the most versatile tight end prospect in this year's draft.

Kirk Ferentz had lofty praises for his fifth year senior tight end, saying he's the "best tight end I've ever coached." Those are some pretty lofty praises from Ferentz, who has seen his share of top tight ends.

Moeaki is oft-injured, but a great pass receiver and an even better blocker in the running game.

He is deceptively quick, though he's not that fast, he has great vision in the open field and excellent ball skills.

Left Tackle: Bruce Campbell, Maryland

This was a tough one, because the Broncos really don't need help at left tackle. If they did, I think Bruce Campbell out of Maryland would be an excellent fit.

He is big, athletic, and a great pass protector. I certainly don't believe he is destined to be a backup in the NFL, so the Broncos should shy away from him in the draft to maximize his potential elsewhere.

Left Guard: Mike Johnson, Alabama

Johnson is a prospect I really like, and for the common theme of versatility. He has played both tackle and guard in his time at Alabama, and he seems to have the athletic ability to make the transition to center if needed, though that is my own personal observation.

A run-blocking specialist who would really give the Broncos some stability and depth on the interior line.

Center: Maurkice Pouncey, Florida

There is no guarantee (sadly) that Pouncey or his brother Mike will declare for the 2010 NFL Draft, though it might be smart.

If Pouncey declared, he would be the unquestioned top center by far, and likely would go in the first round.

He is a great athletic specimen and would fill a great void as center of the future for the Broncos, who lack a lot of size on the interior line.

Right Guard: Mike Iupati, Idaho

Iupati is a physically gifted player who is an imposing nose guard blocking for the quarterback and running back.

At 6'5" 330, he definitely looks the part for an NFL guard, but he lacks real experience against top competition coming from Idaho.

The Broncos' offensive line coach, Rick Dennison, is certainly one of the best in the business, and he would work well with Iupati if he were drafted to Denver.

Right Tackle: Sam Young, Notre Dame

Sam Young is a very durable offensive lineman who would back up Ryan Harris very well in Denver.

Clearly, there is a need for depth at offensive tackle on the Broncos, and Young could provide that. He is an athletic lineman coming from a similar system the Broncos run in Notre Dame.

Defensive End: Adrian Clayborn, Iowa

If you read my recently posted mock draft, you would know how high I am on Clayborn at the moment.

The junior from Iowa is having the best season of his career, and is really proving that he can make a significant contribution at the next level.

He can play outside in the 4-3 or 3-4, can play inside in the 4-3 or standing up in the 3-4. He is athletic, strong, a relentless pass rusher, and he is always in the backfield to stop the run.

Clayborn is an ideal fit for the five technique in the Broncos' 3-4 defense, but like I said he has the versatility to stand up and rush the passer as well.

Nose Tackle: Terrence "Mount" Cody, Alabama

I think the picture says more than 1,000 words.

Terrence Cody is extremely athletic for his 6'5" 365 pound frame, and he is a dominant force against the run.

He is an ideal fit for nose tackle in the 3-4 defense, though his work ethic is questioned at times.

In college though, he has been able to dominate games, and single-handedly won the game for Alabama against Tennessee by blocking a late field goal attempt.

Cody would be a nice addition to the middle of Denver's defense.

Defensive End: Ndamukong Suh, Nebraska

So here's to wishing Suh would become a Bronco, but it's probably not going to happen.

That's why this is a wish list.

The Heisman candidate is having the best season of his collegiate career, and he has emerged as possibly the best player in the entire draft pool for 2010.

He dominates games, and is probably the most athletic defender to come along in a while.

The Broncos will not be able to get him without trading up, but they can hope and pray.

Outside Linebacker: Brandon Graham, Michigan

Brandon Graham is a relentless pass rusher who reminds me a lot of Jerome Harrison, Elvis Dumervil, and LaMarr Woodley.

He is an undersized pass rusher who can play end in the 4-3, but is probably better suited as an outside linebacker in the 3-4.

The fact that he is only 6-feet tall has caused him to slide down draft boards, but make no mistake about it, this kid can play.

He will prove to be a steal in this year's draft if he goes overlooked because of his height and speed.

Outside Linebacker: O'Brien Schofield, Wisconsin

Another great, hard-working player who at 6'2" 240 pounds is listed as a defensive tackle on Wisconsin's roster.

He likely will make the move to outside linebacker in the NFL, as he is the ideal fit for the suddenly trendy hybrid position.

Schofield is a top pass rushing prospect, but he is equally capable against the run, leading the nation in tackles for loss.

Middle LInebacker: Rolando McClain, Alabama

McClain is a player a lot of Bronco fans are really high on, especially if they decide to keep the top 15 pick the Bears have virtually guaranteed the Broncos.

At 6'4" 250 pounds, McClain is the ideal fit for the 3-4 defensive scheme and would provide one of the top young one-two punches with D.J. Williams in Denver.

He has the potential as a three-down linebacker, and projects as a perennial Pro Bowler at the next level. He is an outstanding physical specimen with great range.

Middle Linebacker: Brandon Spikes, Florida

Probably not coincidentally, I get Brandon Spikes mixed up with Takeo Spikes far too often.

Still, like Takeo, Brandon is primed to be an excellent NFL defender. Like McClain, he has the potential to be a three-down linebacker at the next level.

His only weakness is his range against the run, which is something current starting linebacker Andra Davis excels with.

Spikes has natural leader skills, and would help give the Broncos one of the top linebacker quartets in the NFL.

Cornerback: Joe Haden, Florida

Haden is probably the best cover corner in the draft this year, provided he comes out.

The Broncos could easily wind up drafting him if they stay where they are right now, though trading down seems like a very likely option at this point.

With Haden's arrival, the Broncos would have the best secondary arguably in the NFL with Champ Bailey, Andre' Goodman, Alphonso Smith, Brian Dawkins, Renaldo Hill, Darcel McBath, David Bruton, Josh Barrett, and Haden.

He is the closest thing to a shut down corner in this draft, and he will be a welcome addition to any NFL team. Why not have him learn from the best in Champ Bailey?

Cornerback: Walter Thurmond, Oregon

Though Thurmond has been injured for a good portion of this season, he is a very underrated prospect in the up-coming draft.

He is a speedy corner who is also capable of returning kicks and punts. He is a great tackler for the cornerback position and a ballhawk.

Before his season-ending injury, he had 11 interceptions in the past three seasons, and four total touchdowns.

Thurmond is also the ideal size at 6'1" 180 pounds, and has great speed.

Safety: Taylor Mays, USC

Mays has been one of the top prospects at the safety positions for a couple of years now. He is the most imposing physical specimen to come along since Sean Taylor at 6'3" 235 pounds.

To run a sub 4.4 second 40 yard dash at that size is simply remarkable.

Mays' athletic ability and nose for the football make him an ideal potential replacement for Brian Dawkins, though the Broncos already invested some high picks in safeties in 2009 (Darcel McBath, David Bruton).

That's not to say they wouldn't welcome Mays to the team, especially if he fell into their laps later in the first round.

Safety: Myron Rolle, Florida State

Rolle is probably the most intriguing player in the draft, and I will be paying close attention to wherever he winds up after a year off in 2009.

Rolle was awarded the Rhodes Scholarship and has spent all of his senior season studying at Oxford, an honor only a small few people achieve.

On the football field, Rolle is no slouch. He is a great athlete and the ideal size for a safety at 6'2" 225 pounds.

This kid is instinctive, hard-hitting, and a phenomenal athlete. He reminds me of a young Brian Dawkins, and he can be had for a bargain price due to the fact that he has spent the past year out of football.

Kicker: Brett Swenson, Michigan State

The all time points leader in Michigan State history.

Need I say more?

Swenson has improved so much in his senior season with his accuracy, and he will make some NFL team happy for drafting him.

With the emergence of Matt Prater this season as both a great field goal kicker and kickoff specialist, the Broncos are not in desperate need of a kicker.

Punter: Ryan Donahue, Iowa

Donahue is the best punter in the nation in my opinion, but there is about a 99 percent chance he will be back in Iowa City in 2010 for his senior season.

He has a booming leg, and also great accuracy on his kicks. He can also kick field goals if needed, and is a strong candidate to be a kickoff specialist at the next level.

His booming leg is one of Iowa's biggest offensive weapons, as sad as that may sound.

Return Specialist: Javier Arenas, Alabama

This is a player I am enamored with.

Arenas needs only one return touchdown to break the NCAA record, and you could make a case for him as Alabama's offensive MVP though he does not even line up on that side of the ball.

The senior has helped Alabama so much in the field position game that the Crimson Tide find themselves in the BCS Title game. In addition to being an elite return man, Arenas is a fine defender.

He projects as a nickel back at the next level, and a very effective one at that. In his senior season, he has over 50 tackles and five sacks to go along with his seven career return touchdowns.

If You Liked This Slideshow

Take a look at my third Denver Broncos mock draft of the season!

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/305754-2010-denver-broncos-mock-draft-pt-three