7 Players That Peyton Manning Would Most Love for the Denver Broncos to Draft

What if Peyton Manning were the sole decision maker in the Broncos war room on draft day?

It's safe to assume that John Elway's job is quite safe, and even though the thought that Manning was going to be given more of a voice in personnel decisions than other players is likely true, it's a safe bet that Manning will not be present in the actual war room.

However, if the team did call up Manning in each round of the draft and asked for his input, there is a strong possibility that the ultra-prepared Manning would be prepared to weigh in on the offensive weapons available at that time.

Therefore, in the spirit of looking at the draft, and the Broncos, through Manning's eyes here are players in each round that Peyton Manning himself would advise John Elway to draft in each round.

Round 1: Cordy Glenn OG

The Denver Broncos have quite a bit of draft capital for the coming draft, and teams are obviously welcome to deal out future picks as well, so in the interest of daydreaming on behalf of Peyton Manning why not say that Denver trades up (way up) to secure the services of Justin Blackmon.

If Manning was simply being asked, "Who do you want the most?" the answer would probably be the game changer from Oklahoma State, who can turn a 10 yard cross into an 80 yard touchdown.

However, if the Manning is being forced to operate under the assumption that Denver will not move from the 25th spot, then the next most likely name the he may come up with is Cordy Glenn, the stud interior offensive lineman from Georgia.

No offense to JD Walton, Zane Beadles or Chris Kuper but Manning knows the value of protection and at this stage of his career it is extremely high. Bringing in some competition that could very well end up beating out one of the two guards currently slated to start would help Manning rest easy if Beadles gets injured or Kuper gets re-injured.

Many might wonder why Stephen Hill from Georgia Tech wouldn't be the choice for Manning here, but he already has an athletic freak of nature from Georgia Tech ready to catch balls from him in Demaryius Thomas. Glenn helps keep Manning on the field and at least throwing to someone. 

Round 2: Mohamed Sanu WR

Since Manning decided to pass on a wide receiver in the first round in favor of solidifying his protection, the time is right in the second round to find a player to haul in catches from No. 18.

That player would be Mohamed Sanu, the sure-handed Scarlet Knight from Rutgers. Sanu is a solid prospect who caught 115 passes last season, but is sliding down a little bit due to questions about his 40 time.

Manning will care less about his speed and more about his size and the fact that 115 balls thrown his way did not hit the ground. 

Round 3: LaMichael James RB

The name on the top of the list in the third round for Peyton Manning would most likely be the slippery running back out of Oregon, LaMichael James.

Manning has always been a fan of backs who can stretch out the defense on the edges, as well as gash them up the middle when the defense opens up like Manning tries to persuade it to.

James has a nose for the open field and would help keep Manning and the Broncos offense dangerous inside the red zone because of his speed and elusive running ability.  

Round 4: Juron Criner & T.Y. Hilton WR

Thanks to some recent transactions, Manning will get a chance to take two more weapons at the wide receiver position in this round, one for the outside and one to keep closer in at the slot position.

Juron Criner is a big physical wide receiver from Arizona who had a nice showing in the Senior Bowl, essentially orchestrating a scoring drive with his Wildcat teammate, Nick Foles, by themselves. Manning will appreciate the kind of focus, practice and comfort it took to develop such a connection with his quarterback and will try to cultivate that same relationship with Criner in Denver.

From the slot position Peyton would be excited to see T.Y. Hilton, out of Florida International still on the board and ready to become a Bronco. Hilton saw an injury force his profile to remain low and keep him out of the combine and Senior Bowl. Regardless, his pro day was impressive and his skill set makes him an ideal candidate to succeed in the slot at the NFL level.

Round 5: Dan Herron RB

What better compliment to the "lightning" that would be LaMichael James in Manning's backfield than Dan Herron, the former Buckeye running back with the nickname "Boom."

Herron would get the call when Manning is interested in pounding the center of the defense searching for a weakness, and eventually rumbling over the goal line if Peyton wants to finish off a drive with a physical flare. 

Round 6: David Molk C

In the final round of the draft Peyton would be feeling the lonely sting of Jeff Saturday deciding to sign with the Packers instead of Denver, and that would be the impetus for the arrival of former Michigan Wolverine, David Molk.

Those unfamiliar with Molk need only watch the beginning of last year's Sugar Bowl and see how inept the Michigan offense was when Molk was on the sideline being treated for an injury that should have kept him out of the game.

Molk didn't stay on the sideline, and instead came back in and helped revive the Wolverines offense and spur them to victory. That's the kind of leadership, savvy and determination that made Saturday a favorite of Manning's and Molk will be a fine replacement for that someday.