Denver Broncos' Top Needs, Fits for 2015 NFL Draft to Build for the Future
With the Senior Bowl, NFL Scouting Combine and first wave of free agency over, the time is now for NFL teams to start looking at their team needs and how they can address them in the draft.
The Denver Broncos need plenty of help on both sides of the ball. Luckily for them, there is plenty of talent at positions of need in this year's draft. In fact, they will be provided with a bevy of options to solve their most pressing needs in just about every round of the draft.
Here is a look at some of the top candidates to fill the Broncos' biggest needs in the draft.
Right Tackle
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The Broncos spent a third-round pick on right tackle Michael Schofield in last year’s draft. He’ll compete for the starting job, but the Broncos need to add more talent to the position.
The team has made a couple of moves on the offensive line via free agency and trade so far this offseason. Now it’s time for them to address arguably their biggest hole on the team with a premium pick in the draft.
T.J. Clemmings, Pittsburgh
If the Broncos want a plug-and-play starting right tackle with tremendous upside, they should look no further than Pitt’s T.J. Clemmings.
A former defensive lineman, Clemmings has only been playing offensive tackle for two seasons. Because of his limited experience, Clemmings is somewhat raw in terms of technique. However, his rare physical attributes make him a player to watch.
Ereck Flowers, Miami
Another potential starter Denver could find in the first round of the draft is Ereck Flowers from Miami. He played in a zone-blocking system in college, so his transition to the pros could be somewhat smoother than others.
Flowers loves to drive his man out of the way as a run-blocker, but he sometimes suffers as a pass protector against quality edge-rushers. The Broncos may see Flowers as an asset for the rushing attack, but a work-in-progress for the passing game.
Daryl Williams, Oklahoma
If the Broncos wanted to wait until Round 2 for more help at right tackle, then Oklahoma’s Daryl Williams is a player who might be on the board at that time.
Williams has good size, measuring in at 6’5”, 327 pounds. He has a strong initial punch that will jar defenders after the snap. Williams is a mauler as a run-blocker, but he lacks the athleticism to be an elite pass-blocker. This is why he might have to move inside unless he’s drafted by a team with a power-blocking system.
Center
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Following the trade with the Baltimore Ravens for center Gino Gradkowski, the center position may not be as much of a priority as it was only a week ago.
Gradkowski will compete with last year’s sixth-round pick Matt Paradis and veteran Manny Ramirez for the starting job in camp. The Broncos could add more competition at center via the draft.
Cameron Erving, Florida State
Largely considered the best center in the 2015 NFL draft, Cameron Erving may be off the board by the time the Broncos pick at 28th overall. In order to secure his services, the Broncos would likely have to move up in the first round—something they haven’t done under the guidance of general manager John Elway.
Erving has experience at both right tackle and center. He has the nimble feet to work well in a zone-blocking system. Erving will be a “sticky blocker” at the second level and move his man out of the way.
He may not be fit for a team that changes the calls at the line of scrimmage, though. The Broncos should do that less this year under new offensive coordinator Rick Dennison, but calling audibles is still something Peyton Manning will be allowed to do. Erving could take some time to develop the leadership ability to work effectively for the Broncos.
Hroniss Grasu, Oregon
If the Broncos want a technically sound center, then Hroniss Grasu from Oregon should be on their board in the second round of the draft.
Grasu has the agility to work well in a zone-blocking system. He’ll regularly find and strike his man on the move at the second level of the defense. Grasu can be pulled if need be, and he does a good job working in space.
He’s not an overly powerful player, and larger nose tackles can control Grasu at the point of the play.
Shane McDermott, Miami
On the final day of the draft—perhaps in the final round, the Broncos should have a prospect like Shane McDermott from Miami on their board.
McDermott was a three-year starter for the Hurricanes. He’s known as a hard worker, and McDermott does a good job of working side-by-side with the guards next to him as run-blockers. He has good hand strength, and that helps him control his opponent in one-on-one situations.
He’s not overly quick or athletic, and that’s going to limit his potential as a pro. McDermott might be best suited serving some time on the practice squad to see if he can improve his functional strength.
Nose Tackle
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Outside of right tackle on the offensive side of the ball, nose tackle on defense might be the biggest question mark on the roster. The Broncos' 2013 first-round pick, Sylvester Williams, is penciled in as the starter right now. He’ll face competition from Marvin Austin—and perhaps a draft pick—in training camp.
This class of defensive tackles is a strong group with many different types of players available. The Broncos may not select a nose tackle with a premium pick (although it’s not out of the question), and they could find a capable player late in the draft.
Danny Shelton, Washington
There’s USC’s Leonard Williams at the top of the draft class at nose tackle, but Washington’s Danny Shelton has quality upside as well. He could go anywhere from the top 10 to the end of the first round, but Shelton’s upside as a pro is undeniable.
Shelton is huge, measuring in at 6’2”, 339 pounds. He’s a mountain of a man who is tough to move on the inside of the defense. He can anchor well against double-teams, and Shelton is a good run-defender.
He plays with a nonstop motor, and this helps him as a pass-rusher. Shelton doesn’t have any moves other than a bull rush, but he just won’t quit on the inside. He’ll push and push and push until his man is worn out. Unfortunately, this relentless playing style will also impact Shelton’s stamina.
Jordan Phillips, Oklahoma
At the end of the first round, Oklahoma’s Jordan Phillips should still be on the board. The Broncos might want to see if he’d make it to the end of Round 2 for better value.
Phillips has rare size (6’5”, 329 pounds) and explosiveness. He’ll get off the snap quickly, and his strength at the point of attack often requires more than one offensive lineman to contain.
He’s got a good closing burst, and Phillips is an intimidating sight when chasing the quarterback. He’ll build interior pressure as the game goes on because he’s so tough to slow down in the middle. Like all big men, Phillips will get tired and worn down due to his incredible effort.
Ellis McCarthy, UCLA
On the final day of the draft, the Broncos would be wise to target UCLA’s Ellis McCarthy if they haven’t addressed the nose tackle position to that point.
McCarthy has the length and size (6’5”, 338 pounds) to be a force to reckon with in the middle. Even though the Broncos play a one-gap scheme under Wade Phillips, McCarthy has the awareness and athleticism to play two gaps if necessary.
He’s capable of stacking and shedding his blockers quickly in an effort to get to the ball-carrier. McCarthy works hard in the middle, but he’s known to take some plays off from time to time. Perhaps he’s best suited as a part-time player at the pro level.
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Inside Linebacker
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The Broncos' new 3-4 defense creates the need for linebacker depth. The team selected not one, but two linebackers (Lamin Barrow, Corey Nelson) in the draft last year, but both of those players are likely outside linebackers in the new scheme.
Brandon Marshall (Sam) and Danny Trevathan (Bow) will start at inside linebacker for the Broncos this year, but the team needs to have quality players at the ready in case of emergency. Both Marshall and Trevathan battled through injuries (with varying degrees of severity) in 2014.
Eric Kendricks, UCLA
At the end of the first round, UCLA’s Eric Kendricks could be on the board for the Broncos. Some players are not the ideal size, but they shine on intelligence, heart and hustle—Kendricks is one of those players.
Measuring in at 6’0”, 232 pounds, Kendricks has sharp instincts that put him around the ball consistently. He’s an aggressive player who can be an intimidating force in the middle of the defense. Kendricks has the speed to play from sideline-to-sideline, and he’s a full-time player in the NFL.
Kendricks is known as a sure tackler who will bring his man down with a thud in open space.
Benardrick McKinney, Mississippi State
The Broncos may consider Mississippi State’s Benardrick McKinney in the first or second round of the draft. They may see him as a safe player to draft because of his rock-solid skill set.
McKinney is not a flashy player, but he gets the job done quickly and effectively. He’s an aggressive player who can stuff the run regularly. In addition to run defense, McKinney can benefit any team as an interior pass-rusher because of his closing burst to the ball.
He’s not going to succeed in coverage against the better tight ends in the league. This limits McKinney to a two-down player. He’s a stud for two downs, but teams may want to take him off the field in obvious passing situations.
Denzel Perryman, Miami
An option in the third round could be Miami’s Denzel Perryman.
Violence is the name of the game with Perryman. He arrives at the ball-carrier with natural violence, and he loves to take down opponents quickly and forcefully. Perryman plays with outstanding instincts, and he’s capable of scraping and flowing to the play while avoiding bigger linemen tasked with blocking him at the second level.
Perryman has the athleticism to cover from sideline-to-sideline. However, his lack of size (5’11”, 236 pounds) could hamper him against bigger tight ends.
Fullback
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The Broncos are going to have a new-look rushing attack as well in 2015. They’ll implement a zone-blocking system up front on the offensive line, but they are also going to be using a fullback for the first time in years.
The fullback is a dying position in the NFL, but there are a few options in this class who will likely be available on the last day of the draft. In addition to true fullbacks, there are a couple of running backs who might transition to fullback at the pro level.
Jalston Fowler, Alabama
Arguably the best fullback in this year’s draft, Alabama’s Jalston Fowler can line up as a running back, fullback or H-back in the NFL.
Fowler is a physical runner who can regularly win in a collision with a defender. He’s tough to bring down, and Fowler does a good job of fighting for yards after contact. While not creative or elusive as a runner, Fowler does push the pile in short-yardage situations.
As a blocker, Fowler can get to his man on the run and move him out of the way. He helped plow open holes for Alabama’s prolific ground game over the past four seasons, and Fowler should be able to take on a similar role in the pros.
Tyler Varga, Yale
Yale’s Tyler Varga could be a fullback the Broncos look at late in the draft.
Varga is a hard-nosed runner between the tackles. He keeps his pads low and his knees high as he plunges through the line of scrimmage, and this helps him pick up yards after initial contact. Varga is an experienced receiver out of the backfield, and he can also contribute regularly on special teams.
He’s not fast in NFL terms, and this will limit him to playing fullback at the pro level. Varga’s short-yardage prowess could earn him a job as a goal-line back when a team is near paydirt.
Zach Zenner, South Dakota State
The Jackrabbits of South Dakota State had a star running back in Zach Zenner. One of the most productive FCS running backs in recent years, Zenner rushed for over 2,000 yards each of the last three seasons.
Between the tackles, Zenner shows excellent patience and vision as a runner. He times his burst just right, and he can knife through holes before they disappear. A bruising running back, Zenner will make his presence felt against opposing inside linebackers. He doesn’t back down from a challenge, and Zenner loves to initiate contact.
Over his college career, Zenner also proved to be a capable receiver out of the backfield. He’s a late-round pick who could be a solid fullback or complementary back at the pro level.
Tight End
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With Julius Thomas moving on in free agency to the Jacksonville Jaguars, it leaves a big hole in the passing game—especially in the red zone. The Broncos re-signed Virgil Green, and they signed free agent Owen Daniels on the open market.
Those two will be relied on as the starting duo this season, as the Broncos will use two-tight end sets as essentially the base formation of the offense. Behind Green and Daniels, there is nothing but question marks. This isn’t a great draft for tight ends, but there are a few options Denver could be considering both early and late in the process.
Maxx Williams, Minnesota
There may be only one tight end selected in the first round of the 2015 NFL draft, and Maxx Williams from Minnesota is likely that player.
Williams is a smooth athlete who can create mismatches when he’s on the field. He’s too fast for linebackers to keep up with him, and Williams is too big for safeties to cover. Williams is not a seam-ripper because he lacks elite speed, but he plays with deception to his game and can get open underneath.
When watching film of Williams, he reminds me of Jason Witten (Dallas Cowboys) because of the way he attacks the middle of the defense. I feel like he could be a Pro Bowl player in the NFL.
Clive Walford, Miami
There’s a chance that Miami’s Clive Walford sneaks into the first round, but it’s more likely that he’s going to be a second-round pick in the 2015 NFL draft.
Walford stands out on film because of his playmaking ability. He has no problem diving for catches that seem out of reach, and Walford can make difficult catches seem routine. Walford wins at the point of the catch, and he can rip away contested passes from a defender's clutch.
The problem with Walford is that he’ll disappear for stretches during a game. He needs to be more consistent as a hands-catcher too, as Walford will often drop or body catches he should be snaring with his hands extended away from his body.
Blake Bell, Oklahoma
If the Broncos want a developmental tight end in the mold of Julius Thomas, then Oklahoma’s Blake Bell should be an option on the final day of the draft. Like Thomas, we could see the Broncos select Bell in the fourth round of the draft.
Also like Thomas, Bell only has one year of college football experience at the tight end position. He was not a basketball star like Thomas was at Portland State. Instead, Bell was a quarterback for the Sooners before switching positions for his senior season in 2014.
Measuring in at 6’6”, 252 pounds, Bell is incredibly athletic. He can certainly create mismatches over the middle of the field, and he has the speed to be a threat after the catch. His size and wingspan make him a great target in the red zone as well. Bell only needs to work on technique because his game is so raw, but the upside is huge.
Free Safety
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The Broncos lost Rahim Moore in free agency to the Houston Texans, and they were prompted to add Darian Stewart from the open market. There has also been some conversations at Dove Valley about moving second-year corner Bradley Roby to free safety in an effort to get the defense’s best talent on the field at the same time.
We might see Denver address the free safety position further in the draft. Any player added at the position in the draft will likely be asked to sit and develop behind the players already in place on the roster. Thus, Denver will be looking for developmental talent with huge upside.
Cody Prewitt, Ole Miss
With a question mark at free safety, a player like Cody Prewitt from Ole Miss could be an option for the Broncos if he’s on the board in the second round of the draft.
Prewitt is arguably the top free safety in this class. At 6’2”, 208 pounds, Prewitt has good size for a player who is known as a center fielder. He can close quickly on the ball, and he is known as a sound tackler.
He’s not a banger who can intimidate near the line of scrimmage. Prewitt also needs work on his man-coverage skills, but he’d be right at home sitting back in a zone system.
Durell Eskridge, Syracuse
On the third day of the draft, a free safety like Durell Eskridge from Syracuse may still be available. The Broncos should consider Eskridge if he’s on the board in the fourth round of the draft.
Eskridge is huge (6’3”, 200 pounds) for a free safety, and his size makes him an intimidating presence for the defense. He’s athletic enough to stay back in coverage, but he can also play in the box to help support the run.
His aggressiveness can occasionally get the best of him. Eskridge sometimes takes bad angles to the football, and he’ll take false steps biting on play- and pump-fakes from the quarterback.
Kurtis Drummond, Michigan State
Another player who could be a target in the fourth or fifth round is Michigan State’s Kurtis Drummond.
His range may be among the best in this class of safeties who could be available late in the draft. He can cover from sideline-to-sideline, and Drummond does a good job of diagnosing plays as they unfold in front of him.
Drummond is not a physical player, and he misses too many tackles in the open field. He’ll stay in place when covering his man, but if Drummond is tested, he’s known to make mental mistakes.
Defensive End
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Even with the team adding veteran Vance Walker in free agency, the defensive end position seemed like one the team would address in the 2015 NFL draft. Then, last week they added veteran defensive end Antonio Smith off the open market.
Now, defensive end may not be the priority it once was. There is still quality talent available both early and late that the Broncos should be looking at when constructing their draft board.
Arik Armstead, Oregon
Arik Armstead is arguably the top 3-4 defensive end in this draft class. In addition to playing defensive end, he could also line up at defensive tackle if need be. This versatility makes him a virtual lock for the first round of the draft.
Armstead is huge (6’7”, 292 pounds) and has the strength to push his man back at the point of the play. In addition to bull-rushing, Armstead understands leverage and can toss his blocker out of the way. His violent striking hands help him shed his blocker quickly on the way to the quarterback.
He’s freakishly athletic, but Armstead needs to develop a better bag of tricks as a pass-rusher. Armstead needs to improve his technique, but the potential he has is off the charts.
Mario Edwards Jr., Florida State
At the end of the second round, a potential star like Mario Edwards from Florida State may still be on the board. If the Broncos don’t address defensive end in the first round, then he’s certainly a quality option if available.
Edwards is explosive off the snap, and he can win with quickness. He has the functional strength to set the edge as a run-defender. Edwards does a good job of keeping containment on the outside, and he’ll regularly force the ball-carrier back inside where his teammates are waiting to make the tackle.
The potential is there with Edwards, but he needs to improve his consistency and effort.
Shaquille Riddick, West Virginia
On the final day of the draft, West Virginia’s Shaquille Riddick might be on the Broncos radar.
Riddick has good length, measuring in at 6’6”, 242 pounds. That length can help him quickly reach the quarterback as a pass-rusher. Riddick plays with a good motor, and that extra effort can make him a coach’s favorite.
He obviously needs to add more weight to his frame, but an NFL weight program should be able to add 10-15 pounds without losing any of Riddick’s speed and quickness off the edge.
All quotes and injury/practice observations obtained firsthand. Record/statistical information provided via the Broncos' media department unless otherwise noted.
Contract and salary-cap information provided by Spotrac. Transaction history provided by Pro Sports Transactions. Draft grades provided by NFLDraftScout.com.
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