Denver Broncos 2010 Mock Draft V4.0 (Mar. 15)

So let's take a look at the Broncos 2010 offseason so far. The Broncos have been very active in free agency, signing several players to cost-efficient contacts.

Signed:
RB J.J. Arrington
DT Justin Bannan
DE Jarvis Green
DT Jamal Williams

Broncos Trade:
FB Peyton Hillis, 2011 sixth-round draft pick, and a conditional pick in 2012 to Cleveland Browns for QB Brady Quinn

Looks good so far. Williams and Bannan represent a significant improvement at DT and Green will replace Kenny Peterson at DE.

Quinn is tailor-fit for the Broncos offense. It's the same system he thrived in at Notre Dame under Charlie Weis. Weis, coincidentally, was Josh McDaniels' mentor in New England. Bringing Quinn in provides competition for Kyle Orton and takes some of the pressure off the Broncos to draft a QB.

Round One Pick 11—MLB Rolando Mcclain—Alabama

After looking it over, it just makes sense for the Broncos to draft McClain. It allows them to move D.J. Williams back to OLB where he belongs and bring a physical smash-mouth MLB to the defense that has been missing one since Al Wilson got injured/cut several years ago.

Round Two Pick 13—C Maurkice Pouncey—Florida

Center is most likely the biggest position of need for the Broncos right now. After releasing Casey Weigmann last week, the Broncos either have a trick up their sleeve or are going to draft one early.

Pouncey has consistently bounced around draft boards anywhere from an early first to late second-round grade. I personally think the Broncos will have to move up to the end of Round One to nab Pouncey, but he's worth the price paid.

He's most likely the most NFL-ready center to enter the draft since Nick Mangold. Pouncey is completely overpowering off the snap, has great lateral agility for a big man, and is an excellent pass blocker. Paired with Ryan Clady, he gives the Broncos a great young core of talent on the O-line.

Round Three Pick 13—OG Jon Asamoah—Illinois

One of the best natural pass protecting guards in the draft, Asamoah would instantly come in and compete for a starting spot. He has excellent balance and body control, is explosive off the snap, and shows good footwork.

Asamoah tends to let defenders get the inside when trying to sustain blocks while moving up-field. He has all the talents needed to become a starting lineman in the NFL either this season or next.

Round Four Pick 16—WR Eric Decker—Minnesota

The Broncos need another receiver to help free up Brandon Marshall as well as provide Orton with another big target in the red zone. Prior to breaking his leg last season he was Minnesota's biggest offensive weapon, showing great catching ability in traffic, explosiveness, and that he was willing to go up and make the tough catches.

If he's able to work out before the draft, he most likely won't be available here. However, in the fourth he's a steal and the Broncos would be glad to have him.

Round Six Pick 14—OLB/DE Brandon Sharpe—Texas Tech

Sharpe has a great pass-rush motor, but at 6'3'' 254 lbs. would be better suited to play OLB in the NFL. The Broncos found a gem in Elvis Dumervil and want to see if they can rekindle that magic with another same-type player.

Great at rushing the passer, Sharpe has deceptive speed and prefers to race around linemen. He lacks the strength to shed blocks and tends to get pushed around.

Round Seven Pick 13—TE Jeron Mastrud—Kansas State

Mastrud (6'6'' 253 pounds) is a pass-catching TE that may make the roster. He needs to work on his strength to improve his blocking skills but runs the middle of the field well.

Mastrud is not very elusive but has the lower body strength to run players over for extra yards. He catches the ball very nicely away from his body and uses his hands well.