Denver Broncos 2009 Draft Projections (March 9): Could Broncos Trade Down?

The Denver Broncos have been one of the most active teams in the NFL in free agency thus far.  They have signed 11 new players to the roster, and have nine picks to use in the upcoming NFL Draft. 

As aggressive as the Denver Broncos have been, another team has been equally as active in the free agency period.  The New York Jets have signed Jim Leonhard, Bart Scott, and have traded for Lito Shepard among some other additions.  Could the Jets and Broncos work out a draft day trade?

Sources indicate that the Jets have organized a private workout for quarterback Mark Sanchez, but they may need to move up in the draft to get him.  The Broncos would be a perfect partner.

All indications right now are that defensive tackle B.J. Raji will be off the board by the time the Broncos are on the clock, and Rey Maualuga may not be there either. 

The trade value chart lists the 12th overall pick at 1,200 points.  The Jets, at pick 17, have a pick worth 950.  In all likelihood, the Broncos would also acquire the Jets' third round pick, acquired from the New Orleans Saints, valued at 210 points.

With the trade, the Broncos now would have 10 picks, four in the top 80. 

Round One

Tyson Jackson; Defensive End, LSU

Jackson fills a great area of need for the Broncos up front on defense.  He is a bruising run-stuffer at the defensive end position, and is the best five-technique in the draft by far.  Denver has Marcus Thomas and Carlton Powell, who could be good fits in the 3-4 as well, but Tyson Jackson is the complete package.

Round Two

Jairus Byrd; Cornerback, Oregon

What Byrd lacks in pure speed, he more than makes up for with his phenomenal ball skills and tackling.  In three seasons at Oregon, he intercepted 17 passes.  He was also a very good punt returner.  Byrd would benefit well from one year as the nickel back, as well as from the tutelage of Champ Bailey.

Round Three

Derrick Williams; Wide Receiver, Penn State

Now that the Broncos could potentially have two third round picks, they can use one on a premiere receiver prospect.  While Derrick Williams may have fallen off the map a bit due to his poor 40 time at the combine, he still has potential to be a great slot receiver at the next level.

David Veikune; Outside Linebacker, Hawaii

I'm a really big fan of Veikune.  He has a non-stop motor and has the potential to be a very disruptive pass-rusher at the next level.  He doesn't have very well developed coverage skills yet, but his pass-rushing talent is well worth this high of a pick.

Round Four

Mitch King; Defensive End, Iowa

As far as size goes, King is not ideal for the NFL.  However, of all of the defensive ends in this draft, he may have the longest career.  He is another one of those guys who is just a true football player, and does all of the little things well that will make him a great asset to any team.

Round Five

Jasper Brinkley; Middle Linebacker, South Carolina

Brinkley is a player I really like in this year's draft.  He was a tackling machine at South Carolina, and would fit perfectly in Denver's new 3-4 scheme. 

David Bruton; Safety, Notre Dame

Bruton has ideal size and speed for an NFL safety, but his skills are not fully developed yet.  He is a great special teams player, and if given the proper time and development, he could be a steal in this draft.

Round Six

Jason Watkins; Offensive Tackle, Florida

Watkins provides depth on the offensive line for the Broncos.

Round Seven

Blake Schleuter; Center, TCU

Center could be an area of need for Denver in the near future.

Ian Johnson; Running Back, Boise State

If the Broncos taught us anything in 2008, it is that you can never have enough running backs.