Denver Broncos Mock Draft V 4.0 McDaniels Finds His Next QB Project

This really is one of the most talented classes in the long time. There is so much talent, that not having a 5th round pick could lose you a franchise quarterback. I will explain what I mean later. However, here is the newest mock draft. In this mock draft, we have kept Marshall and Scheffler but traded Peyton Hillis to Washington for their 5th round pick. Therefore, we have one pick for each round. Let the fun begin.

1st Round Pick # 11

Mike Iupati- G from Idaho

Iupati is the best guard prospect in this years draft. He is a strong player with good upside. He would be an instant upgrade to the guards on our current team. For the McClain supporters, I pick Iupati because I don't believe Rolando McClain will be here. I do believe someone will pick him up before our spot. Iupati is not a flashy pick, but a necessary one.

2nd Round Pick # 45

Brandon Spikes- ILB from Florida

If Spikes falls to this spot, I would be thrilled. He is the second most talented linebacker in this draft behind McClain. He is a excellent 3-4 prospect. Some have said that he has top 20 talent. For us to get him here would be a steal. He is a physical, strong player who would be an upgrade over Andrea Davis.

3rd Round Pick

J.D. Walton- C from Baylor

With Weigmann gone, we need a center. If you have been reading my mock drafts, you know that I am fond of Jeff Byers because of his versatility. However, I decided to go with J.D. on this mock. Walton is a solid player from Baylor. He is tough, physical, and hardworking. He could challenge Olsen for the starting center position.

4th Round Pick

Mike Neal DT/DE from Purdue

Neal is a versatile player. He is able to play a DT in the 4-3 scheme or a 3-4 DE. He was one of the most impressive players in the Senior Bowl. He showed great quickness off the edge. He is high-motor player who would help give us depth at the defensive end position.

5th Round Pick

John Skelton QB from Fordham

Remember when I said that not having a 5th round pick could cost us a franchise quarterback? Well, here he is. John Skelton is a big quarterback from the little college of Fordham. If you follow the website closely, you will recognize the name from a post by Featured Columnist Sayre Bedinger back in December. If you do not follow his stuff then I urge you to start following as soon as possible. He is a beast. Anyway, Skelton makes so much sense to me.

His 6'5", 243 pound frame is not all that is attractive about him. He has a major league arm. He has arguably the best arm in the draft. Comparing his arm strength to Orton's is like comparing a lizard to a crocodile. Some of you are probably wondering why a quarterback with such great measures is rated this low. Well, he went to a college that few people in the NFL even knew about. Also, he never dominated at Fordham which is cause for concern. When he is drafted, he will have a very steep competition curve.

Lastly, he struggles reading coverage. He would need a lot of help with his reads. However, McDaniels is a whiz of a QB coach. I have no doubt in my mind he could make Skelton a star. In my opinion, Skelton could be the next late round quarterback turned into a star. Skelton would be a project, but could come with a huge payoff in the future.

6th Round Pick

Freddie Barnes WR from Bowling Green

This is the biggest reach in my mock. He is a projected 5th round pick. However, I am hoping he could drop to us in this position. Barnes is a highly respected player from Bowling Green with a good pair of hands. CBS Sports thinks that he "projects best as a West Coast possession receiver working slants and crossing routes." I like his potential in the NFL. If he can become the opposite of Marshall, it would open up our offense with Royal in the slot.

7th Round Pick

Zoltan Mesko P from Michigan

Anyone would be an upgrade over Mitch Berger. Zoltan could come in and compete for the starting position. He has a great leg. He would be tremendous value this late.

There is my version 4.0 of my mock draft. I have us selecting:

Mike Iupati G from Idaho

Brandon Spikes ILB from Florida

J.D. Walton C from Baylor

Mike Neal DT/DE from Purdue

John Skelton QB from Fordham

Freddie Barnes WR from Bowling Green

Zoltan Mesko P from Michigan

I believe that Iupati, Walton, and Neal would give us depth and talent in the trenches, Spikes would be an upgrade over the aging Andrea Davis, Skelton would be the next McDaniels project, Freddie could present a nice target for our QB and Zoltan would give us a big boost in the punt game. I would be very pleased with this draft. How about you guys?