2015 NFL Draft: 5 First-Round Targets for the Denver Broncos
Because free agency hasn't happened yet, the Denver Broncos have numerous needs that need to be filled.
They will be able to fill some holes through signing veterans. However, they won't be able to fulfill all of their needs.
That's where the NFL draft comes in.
Last season, the Broncos used most of their rookies sparingly. However, first-round pick Bradley Roby solidified the nickel corner position. A similar impact can be expected from Denver's first-round pick this year.
Who will the Broncos look at to make that impact?
Jordan Phillips, DT
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The hope for the Broncos is that they re-sign defensive tackle Terrance Knighton or a suitable replacement, but they might decide that it's not worthwhile.
Knighton does well when he's in the game, but weight problems have come up. And he also doesn't stay on the field very long. According to Pro Football Focus, Knighton played less than half of the team's snaps in 2014.
There's a possibility he leaves to follow former Broncos defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio to Oakland or that he follows the money elsewhere. In fact, if the Broncos re-sign Demaryius Thomas, they might not have the money to sign Knighton.
In that scenario, the Broncos would need a nose tackle to fill their 3-4 defense. Jordan Phillips looks the part, and he's done a nice job playing the part as well.
Phillips is similar in stature to Knighton. He weighs 334 pounds and is 6'6", so he could plug gaps and create lanes for his linebackers. However, he would come at a much cheaper rate than Knighton.
The downside is his work ethic. CBS Sports notes that he could be the second coming of Albert Haynesworth, an insane talent without the work ethic to produce insane results. He's risky, and the Broncos can't afford to take risks.
If the Broncos want better character, they would have to sacrifice size. Malcom Brown (6'2", 320 lbs) isn't an ideal fit as a nose tackle, although he's a tremendous player. Phillips is the best fit for this particular position, but he's risky.
Still, the Broncos don't have anyone on their roster suited for this role. They would benefit from replacing the soon-to-be overpaid Knighton with a similar but more durable player at a cheaper rate.
Other options at defensive tackle: Malcom Brown, Eddie Goldman
Ereck Flowers, OT
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The Broncos will explore all of their options, but there's a good chance that they spend their first draft pick on an offensive lineman.
Among the starting 2014 offensive linemen, only Louis Vasquez, Manny Ramirez and Ryan Clady are under contract. Ramirez had an awful 2014, and he's unlikely to start again in 2015.
That leaves three openings for the Broncos to fill on the offensive line. They could probably add a top-tier free agent and a top-tier draft pick, but even that wouldn't be enough. They're likely going to need to draft two starting-caliber offensive linemen.
To do that, they'd need to start in the first round. Ereck Flowers would be a viable selection.
At 6'5", 324 pounds, Flowers is a monstrous tackle who CBS Sports ranked 24th among all prospects. It notes he is a powerful run-blocker and takes up a lot of space as a pass-blocker, although he can struggle against undersized rushers.
However, in Denver's zone-blocking scheme, he wouldn't need to move too quickly, and he would have an easier time against quick, undersized rushers. He covers a lot of the zone, so he would be a great fit.
There's a good chance he isn't available when Denver picks, but if he is, the Broncos would be fortunate to select him.
Other options at tackle: T.J. Clemmings, Ty Sambrailo, Daryl Williams
Cameron Erving, C
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If the Broncos select an offensive lineman, it would almost certainly be a guard or a tackle.
If they sign a tackle in free agency (which is likely—there are many quality tackles available), they would most likely look for a center in the draft. That's where Florida State's Cameron Erving comes into play.
CBS Sports ranks Erving 26th, and it lists his size at 6'5", 308 pounds. He's not huge, but he is extremely athletic. Since he started his career as a defensive tackle, his technique could use improvement, but good coaching would go a long way to help his technique.
Erving was able to pick up the center position in just one year, and while he is raw, he has done a phenomenal job adjusting. According to PFF, in the Rose Bowl, Erving earned a tremendous plus-5.5 grade.
He can also start at tackle, although the Broncos might decide to address the tackle position in free agency. If they sign a center, though, they could draft Erving and pencil him in at tackle.
He's a risky option, but he's far and away the best center. CBS Sports lists Reese Dismukes of Auburn as the best center in the draft (it has Erving listed as a tackle), and Dismukes is ranked 58th.
However, Erving is already inexperienced as an offensive lineman, so a transition to Denver's zone blocking might take too long for him. Denver has Manny Ramirez, so it might be best suited either signing a free-agent center, sticking with Ramirez or drafting, say, Dismukes in the second round.
But if the Broncos want the best center in the draft and think he's ready to start right away, they'd need to draft Erving.
Other options: Hroniss Grasu, Reese Dismukes
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Eddie Goldman, DT/DE
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I already mentioned Jordan Phillips as an option for the Broncos, but they might not only be looking for a defensive tackle in the draft.
They also could be in the market for a 3-4 defensive end. If Knighton returns, the Broncos would be looking at a starting defensive line of Malik Jackson, Knighton and Derek Wolfe. Wolfe is an average defensive end, and if the Broncos don't have other needs, they might look to replace him.
Eddie Goldman would be a perfect fit to replace Wolfe.
CBS Sports' Rob Rang compares him to San Diego Chargers defensive end Corey Liuget. Liuget isn't known for excessive sack totals, but he makes a positive impact by filling gaps for other players.
That's exactly what the Broncos, who are switching to the Chargers' 3-4 defense, need.
Additionally, even if the Broncos feel comfortable with Wolfe at defensive end, if they lose Knighton, Goldman could be a fit. He stands 6'4" and weighs 320 pounds, so he has the size to play anywhere on the defensive line.
PFF gave him a minus-1.3 grade in the Rose Bowl, which is concerning, but his college production in general was solid. He could realistically fall to Denver in the 28th spot, and he would be a nice addition.
Denver would need to fill out its offensive line, but it would be fortunate to add a player like Goldman. The defensive line's status is up in the air, and Goldman could help in many areas.
Other options: Alvin Dupree, Arik Armstead
Maxx Williams, TE, Minnesota
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If the Broncos decide they're comfortable with Manny Ramirez, Michael Schofield or another in-house candidate filling out their last offensive line spot, they might not need to draft a lineman in the first round.
It's not likely, but the Broncos could pursue a tight end to fill the void that Julius Thomas' likely departure would create.
They should re-sign Virgil Green, but in Gary Kubiak's offense, the Broncos would likely need two tight ends. Unless they sign a second one in free agency, they would need to add one through the draft.
Maxx Williams would be an ideal fit. He's known as an athletic tight end, and while he's more of a pass-catcher than a blocker, he would be a much cheaper version of Thomas.
He caught 36 balls for 569 yards in 2014, but he finished strong with 289 receiving yards and four touchdowns in his last five games. His overall stats may seem somewhat underwhelming, but they're similar to the ones Rob Gronkowski put up in college.
Dane Brugler of CBS Sports compares Williams to Jason Witten and forecasts the Broncos choosing him in the first round. With Green manhandling defenders as a blocker and Williams catching passes, the Broncos offense would be more cost effective and possibly more effective.
The offensive line is the first priority, but if the Broncos feel comfortable there and if Williams is available, it might be hard for them to resist taking the athletic tight end.
Other options: Devin Funchess, Clive Walford
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