Denver Broncos Draft Scouting Guide for the 2015 Reese's Senior Bowl
The season is over for the Denver Broncos, and now they turn their attention to the 2015 NFL draft. During this time of year, college all-star games are happening across the country.
There are two games that stand out above the rest. Last week, the East-West Shrine Game took place in Tampa, Florida. This week, the 2015 Reese’s Senior Bowl takes place in Mobile, Alabama.
For the last nine years, I have traveled to both games to scout the incoming crop of NFL talent. Once again I’m in Mobile looking forward to the week of practice for the Senior Bowl.
Here are a few players at positions of need that the Broncos should be monitoring at the 2015 Reese’s Senior Bowl.
Danny Shelton, Defensive Tackle
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The Broncos need to maintain their strength on the defensive line. Danny Shelton is currently graded as a first-round pick in the 2015 NFL draft, and he could go off the board as a top-20 selection.
The Broncos have the 28th overall pick, so they might need to move up if Shelton is a target.
He has outstanding strength and can walk blockers back into the pocket regularly. Shelton’s strong hands allow him to control the point of attack, and he often has to face double-teams.
Even though he’s huge (6’2”, 332 pounds), Shelton does a good job of staying light on his feet. His quickness and agility defy what most other big men can do. Shelton can split double-teams and has the burst to pursue ball-carriers down the line of scrimmage.
Shelton creates interior pressure on opposing quarterbacks, and he can also bat down passes at the line of scrimmage. He is football savvy and understands how to quickly diagnose plays at the line. Shelton has a nonstop motor, and his hustle is certainly something that could make him a coach’s favorite in the pros.
La'el Collins, Offensive Tackle
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We’ll see the Broncos look far and wide to find upgrades for the offensive line. There is a solid group of offensive tackles in this draft class, and La’el Collins from LSU could be a potential addition for the Broncos.
Collins could play either tackle or guard at the pro level. His large frame makes getting around him difficult for defenders. As a pass-blocker, Collins has long arms to keep defenders at bay. He also has the footwork to shadow more athletic pass-rushers outside.
When asked to run block, Collins stands out because of his functional strength and tenacity. He’s an aggressive player who likes to bully defenders at the point of attack.
Collins' athleticism also helps him get to the second level of the defense quickly. He’s fast off the snap, and Collins has no problem hitting a moving target at the linebacker level.
Clive Walford, Tight End
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With Julius Thomas, Virgil Green and Jacob Tamme all set to hit free agency, the Broncos have a need at the tight end position. Clive Walford is likely a second-round pick who could help the new Denver offense.
One of the Miami Hurricanes' most dangerous assets, Walford can attack the deep middle seam of the defense regularly. He’s a mismatch every time he’s on the field. Walford is too fast for linebackers to keep up with in space, plus he’s too big for safeties to cover.
Walford can take big hits and hang onto the football. He’s fearless when running routes over the middle, and he’s incredibly dangerous after the catch.
He can line up as a traditional in-line tight end, but Walford can also line up wide like a receiver. This versatility makes him an even larger threat, as defenses never know what kind of route he’ll run.
Walford has strong hands and a large catch radius. This helps him gather in passes that are above his head with ease. He can make difficult catches seem routine, and Walford is difficult to stop when he gets hot.
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Tyler Lockett, Wide Receiver
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The Broncos have one of the most dangerous passing games in the league, but they could still use playmakers at the wide receiver position. Tyler Lockett is an intriguing prospect the Broncos should have their gaze on.
Lockett is small (5’9”, 175 pounds) for a receiver, but he is an incredibly dangerous return man who could boost the Broncos return game.
His speed and quickness might be second to none in this draft class. Lockett can get off the line of scrimmage with ankle-breaking moves. Once in his route, Lockett can change direction on a dime and leave defenders in the dust. He’s fast enough to outrun defenders with good angles in pursuit.
Lockett can toy with defenders as a return man. He’s a threat to score any time he touches the ball, and he has the footwork to maneuver through traffic with ease.
His small catch radius is not ideal, but Lockett more than makes up for his lack of size with electric moves.
Garrett Grayson, Quarterback
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At this time, we don’t know if Peyton Manning is going to return for 2015. If Manning does return, the Broncos might consider adding another quarterback as a camp arm. This player would get a few reps behind Manning, Brock Osweiler and Zac Dysert.
However, if Manning doesn’t come back, the team would need to add better depth at the position. This is where Colorado State quarterback Garrett Grayson comes in.
Grayson is considered a mid-round pick at this time, but with a good week of practice at the Senior Bowl he could elevate his draft stock. For the last two years, Grayson has been a standout player for the Rams and a prolific passer in the Mountain West.
He does a good job of maneuvering within the pocket to subtly elude pass-rushers coming around the edge. Grayson does not have a rocket arm, but he can make all the throws required in the NFL. In addition, he can place passes accurately to receivers in stride to maximize their yards after the catch.
Grayson is a smart player who sees the field well. He’s not rattled by pressure, and Grayson is not afraid to take shots downfield. He’s an aggressive passer who can accurately throw from the pocket or on rollouts.
All quotes and injury/practice observations obtained firsthand. Draft grades provided by NFLDraftScout.com.
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