2010 NFL Mock Draft: Denver Broncos, V3.0 (Mar. 9)

With Brandon Marshall still in town and no trade looming in the immediate future, I still think the Broncos go defense in the first round.

Picking up a QB of the future is still high on the meter since no one honestly believes Tom Brandstater is the answer.

The Patriots always showed a knack for being willing to wheel and deal draft picks for proven veterans over taking chances in the draft. For the first time in one of my mocks I've thrown in a trade that would make sense for the Broncos to take a look at.

Note: The Broncos signed Jamal Williams, reducing our need for a DT in the draft. Williams and Justin Bannan should share snaps at NT, with Bannan possibly getting some time at RE as well.

Round One, Pick 11: S Taylor Mays, USC

Although Rolando McClain is the trendy option with this choice (including my former mocks), you'll see why I went a different route.

The Broncos aren't getting any younger in the secondary. Darcel McBath and Alphonso Smith were drafted last year to help with the secondary, but neither possesses the skill set of Taylor Mays.

He would instantly fight for playing time in the Broncos' secondary and is the safest selection at this point.

G Mike Iupati is also an option, but I think the Broncos will agree that No. 11 is too high for him. Mays would add speed and ball-hawking skills to a Denver secondary looking towards the future.

Round Two, Pick 13: Traded to Cleveland

TRADE TRADE TRADE!!!

Broncos trade:

Second Round Pick (13th)

Cleveland Browns send back:

MLB D'Qwell Jackson
Third Round Pick (71st Overall)
Fifth Round Pick (130th Overall from Tampa Bay)

Round Three, Pick Eight (From Browns): QB Dan LeFevour, Central Michigan

Josh McDaniels finds his QB of the future with the Browns' draft choice—how ironic.

LeFevour has every skill you look for in an NFL QB. He also holds one record you can't overlook: most total TDs in NCAA history. He won more awards than I have time to list in his amazing career with Central Michigan.

LeFevour is a four-year starter and has great pocket awareness, as well as the ability to scamper out of the pocket and keep plays alive. At 6'3", 238 pounds, LeFevour definitely possesses NFL size and would be a nice addition for the Broncos franchise.

The biggest concern with LeFevour is that he may have peaked already and will never show any substantial improvement. The other flaws some see with him are lack of elite arm strength and little playing time in a pro-style offense.

(Hmmm, where have we heard that before...think that's what they said about Tom Brady too.)

Round Three, Pick 13: OG Jon Asamoah, Illinois

After finding the QB of the future, the Broncos pick Asamoah up to help keep their investments in LeFevour and Knowshon Moreno safe.

Though he needs to learn to sustain blocks better, Asamoah excels in pass protection and will most likely get the chance to contribute for the Broncos right away with a good offseason.

Round Four, Pick 16: WR Eric Decker, Minnesota

Though considered to be a fifth round selection by most experts, the Broncos draft for need. Bottom line is the Broncos need another big target in the red zone to help Kyle Orton score touchdowns and free Brandon Marshall from double teams.

Eric Decker fits the bill at 6'2", 215 pounds. He has excellent hands and is willing to go up and get the ball in traffic.

Decker would instantly come in and start in the slot or possibly split out wide and let Eddie Royal slide back into the slot. He kind of reminds me a bit of Ed McCaffrey, and I'm sure that's someone the Broncos would be glad to find a copy of.

Round Five, Pick Three (From Browns): C Eric Olsen, Notre Dame

The Broncos currently have no centers on the roster after releasing Casey Wiegmann last week.

Olsen comes from a underrated offensive line that protected possible top 10 selection Jimmy Clausen from injury.

Though he would need to work on his stance to avoid being pushed off balance in the NFL, Olsen definitely has the talent to develop into a starting offensive lineman.

Round Six, Pick 14: CB Akwasi Owusu-Ansah, Indiana (PA)

This guy's so far off the radar he doesn't even have a photo available.

However, at 6'1", 200 pounds with 4.4 speed, this small-school prospect could be getting some big-time love. He has amazing size for a CB, as well as the speed to keep up on stretch routes.

His only real flaws are a lack of quality opponents and the need to be a bit more physical for a player his size.

Owusu-Ansah would need more work on his coverage skills to become a starter in the NFL, having a tendency to give up the outside shoulder and have to play catch up. That worked for him in college but won't in the NFL, where the QBs will burn you on out routes (just ask Jason David).

Round Seven, Pick 13: DT Abe Koroma, Western Illinois

At 6'2", 317, Koroma is a typical two-down NT for a 3-4 defense. He has good upper body strength and the room to add a good 15 more pounds to his frame.

He needs to learn play lower off the snap. He tends to let linemen get under his pads and stand him up too often.

At this point in the draft, finding someone who makes the roster is a long shot. At least Koroma would have a decent shot at sticking around.