Denver Broncos 2010 mock Draft V2.0

Last mock I talked a bit about how the Brandon Marshall situation would play out in Denver. I believe Marshall will return for another year with Denver and maybe sign long-term.

Now that McDaniels is out of the shadow of the drama of the Jay Cutler situation, look for him to draft a quarterback within the first three rounds. Orton is a stopgap quarterback but the Broncos need depth and talent to groom to start next season.

Chris Simms was absolutely horrid is his two starts last year and the Broncos can't afford to rely on Orton's arm to win games. With quite a few talented quarterbacks to be had in rounds two and three look for the Broncos to go for the best available player at No. 11.

Round One Pick 11- ILB Rolando McClain- Alabama

Though the Broncos might have to give serious thought to drafting Bradford or Clausen if either fall past the Seahawks (No. 6) and the Bills (No. 9), the need for talent on the defense is too great.

I think McClain is too talented a player at such valuable a position the Broncos simply can't afford to pass him up. He has the talent to become a Ray Lewis type playmaker and the Broncos have lacked a serious MLB since Al Wilson's good years. He would upgrade the play of the entire defense and surely be the front-runner for Rookie of the Year honors with Eric Berry.

Drafting a quarterback later makes more sense for the Broncos. Orton is a serviceable option and this draft has talented depth at QB. Bradford's shoulder and Clausen's size leave a lot of questions to be asked of and the defensive needs prevail.

Round Two Pick 13- DT Terrence Cody- Alabama

The Broncos give some back to back love to Alabama and take the massive "Mount" Cody to fill their need for a nose tackle. At 6'5'' 360 pounds Cody fits the bill as a run stuffing 3-4 NT.

Terrence has amazing lateral agility for a guy of his size and the Broncos have serious need for defensive talent. After selecting Rolando McClain in the first round and Cody in the second, the Broncos get the type of defensive upgrade they needed this offseason.

Round Three Pick 16- QB Tony Pike- Cincinatti

Though Colt McCoy is an option with our second round selection, the need for a nose tackle is too great to allow a talent like Terrence Cody to slip any further.

Kyle Orton is serviceable and McDaniels wouldn't start a rookie so picking up a talented quarterback in the 3rd round is our best option. Tony Pike is talented and more. At 6'6, 210 pounds, Pike has all the tools you look for in an NFL quarterback. Very little live game action but has the talent to become truly successful at the NFL level and McDaniels is a great teacher.

Jarrett Brown from West Virginia may also be an option after putting up and amazing workout at the combine and his 4.5 40 will make teams look at him differently. Brown also displayed great arm strength after being unable to show off his arm much in West Virginia's option offense.

Round Four Pick 16- OT Jason Fox- Miami

The Broncos offensive line needs some talent to help it out and Fox fits the bill. At 6'7", 314 pounds he definitely has the size to play OT at the next level. Would fit nicely in behind Clady and Harris and possibly replace Harris if his late season struggles continue next year.

Round Six Pick 14- C Jeff Byers- USC

Once again, a chance to grab a raw talent arises for the Broncos. Injury concerns have made Byers fall this far in the draft but he has all the skills to play G or C in the NFL. He brings quality depth to the Broncos line and enough talent to possibly be a starter in the future, if he can stay healthy that is.

Round Seven Pick 13- WR Marcus Easley- Connecticut

Easley has the type of skills the Broncos need in a receiver. 6'2", 215 pounds and a 4.46 dash at the combine will earn him a spot on someone's roster. Still raw, having only one real year of starting experience, but all the talent in the world to become successful in the NFL.