Denver Broncos 2009 Draft Update: B.J. Raji Emerges as Favorite For 12th Pick

The 2009 NFL Draft is only 94 days away, and offseason workouts for incoming rookies have already gotten underway.  Senior Bowl practices continued today, and my current first round projection for the Broncos is showing the ability that could warrant Denver selecting him with the 12th overall pick.

In the first two days of practice, no player has been more dominant defensively than B.J. Raji, the 6'2" 335 pound defensive tackle out of Boston College.  Not only has he dominated in the one-on-one drills against the best centers in the draft, he has also been impressive in the individual position drills.  Raji has shown excellent upper body strength, as well as quick feet for his size. 

He has a knack for busting through the line and creating havoc in the backfield, and if he continues the pace he is on, he will cement his status as a top 15 pick in the draft. 

Another defensive star who could be a candidate to be the Broncos' first round selection is Rey Maualuga, who was less than impressive in his first Senior Bowl practice.  Maualuga was very productive in his four years at USC, but questions about his character and an exposed deficiency in pass coverage could haunt him come draft day. 

The middle linebacker showed he does not have the most fluid of hips in coverage drills, and often was caught overpursuing.  Right now, he looks like he could fall out of the top 15.

Teaming up with the aforementioned Raji on the defensive line was former Iowa Hawkeye standout Mitch King, an undersized defensive tackle.  At only 275 pounds, King is being tabbed as a late-round pick by many experts. 

Let me be the first to tell you, he will be an impact player for whoever drafts him.  No defensive tackle in the draft has better quickness than King, and he would be an asset to any NFL squad.  I think the Broncos would be smart to spend a fifth or sixth round pick on this guy.

Staying on the defensive side of the ball, there were three electric defensive backs that have stood out so far in the practices.  Oregon State's Keenan Lewis, Virginia Tech's Victor "Macho" Harris, and Western Michigan's Louis Delmas would all be excellent fits in the orange and blue.

Lewis was arguably the best cornerback on the North squad in pass coverage skills.  He was most effective in bump coverage, and at times, the receiver didn't even get off the line of scrimmage to develop the play.  When taken deep, Lewis was a blanket for opposing receivers, and displayed excellent hip movement and ball reaction.  Lewis' draft stock is rising, and could fall to the Broncos in the fourth round.

Another cornerback who could merit first day consideration is Virginia Tech standout Victor "Macho" Harris.  Macho said to NFL Network's Lindsay Soto that he is getting tips from Denver receiver Eddie Royal, and Broncos fans probably wouldn't mind if this guy was taken by their team.  Harris has great speed and awareness, and probably has some of the best ball skills in the draft. 

He is a tough kid who has gone as high as the second round in some of my mock drafts, and with a good finish to the week he probably won't be available on day two.

At the safety position, Louis Delmas deserves consideration for the Broncos in the third round.  Delmas doesn't have timed speed, which could hurt his stock, so there's a good chance someone will get a steal on the second day of the draft.  The former Bronco plays very physical, and oftentimes bigger than his size. 

His "rover" mentality reminds me a lot of Troy Polamalu, and he has great ability to help in the running game as well as in pass coverage.

Elsewhere, in the East-West Shrine game, former Rice wide receiver Jarrett Dillard was extremely impressive.  A lack of size hasn't slowed down Dillard, and he has excellent leaping ability, making him a consistent red zone threat. 

The two characteristics that draw me to this kid are his route running ability and his high character and attitude.  He is virtually a clone of Brandon Stokley, and would be a terrific understudy.  A fourth or fifth round pick would be more than well spent on this kid.

In the later rounds, Denver would be wise to add some more size at middle linebacker.  In round six, they should look to a guy named Worrell Williams of California, who already has some Broncos connections.  His older brother, D.J., is a linebacker for the Broncos as well. 

Williams has excellent pursuit, and is a very good pure tackler, much like his brother.  The reason he may fall to the late second day is because he doesn't possess the best instincts, and needs to improve his pass coverage.

I'm still sold on Shonn Greene, and unless he vaults his draft stock I think Denver would be very, very wise to draft him in the second round.  This team's offense is excellent, but with a sound running game they could vault into the NFL's elite.  Greene is so tough and so agile, he has all the makings of an NFL superstar. 

I'll check back in later this week with more updates from the Senior Bowl practices and game.