2011 NFL Draft: What Should the Denver Broncos Do If Marcell Dareus Goes No. 1?

Ryan LesterApr 6, 2011

Marcell Dareus to the Broncos just makes sense. They ranked 31st in the league against the run last year giving up 154.6 rushing yards per game. Denver allowed a league-high 26 rushing touchdowns.

They also were tied for second worse for their average of allowing 4.7 yards per carry. Because they were unable to get a solid pass rush, ranking dead last with just 23 sacks, they were also vulnerable to the pass. The Broncos gave up 236.3 passing yards per game, which ranked 25th in the league. They tied for 24th with 26 passing touchdowns allowed. Denver allowed more total yards and total points than any other team in the league.

It’s no wonder they have the No. 2 pick in the draft and a new, defensive-minded head coach. Elvis Dumervil’s return from a torn chest muscle should help their defense. He had 17 sacks in 2009 and he should immediately help their pass rush. Adding a force, like Dareus, who stands at 6’4″, 318 pounds, with good quickness would help them stuff the run. Teams could also be forced to double-team him, which would help their pass rush. If the Broncos are able to get to the quarterback faster, the corners don’t have to hold their coverage as long. It’s really a trickle down effect.

But what if he’s gone? Carolina has major issues on defense, as well. Granted their offense is in more dire need of a makeover, but what if they deem both Cam Newton and Blaine Gabbert not worth the risk of the No. 1 pick? What if they don’t want to go with a cornerback or a receiver with the top pick? What if they steals Marcell Dareus from right under Denver’s nose?

Trading down would make sense. There are a number of teams that would be interested in adding a potential franchise quarterback. Dallas would love to get their hands on Patrick Peterson, just in case both Prince Amukamara and himself are selected before it’s their time to take the podium. The Niners would be a nice team to deal with if they wanted to take Newton or Gabbert. You could then take consolation prize Nick Fairley.

If they don’t trade out of the two spot, I think they have to go with Patrick Peterson. With Tim Tebow, it doesn’t make sense to draft Newton. You already have a physical specimen at quarterback. If John Elway believes Gabbert is a franchise quarterback, perhaps he goes in that direction. That doesn’t help you next year, and there is no telling if Gabbert will be any better than Orton is. A.J. Green or Julio Jones are options, but you already have Brandon Lloyd, Eddie Royal, Demaryius Thomas, Jabar Gaffney and Eric Decker. Wide Receiver just isn’t an area of need.

That brings us to Peterson. Champ Bailey will turn 33 this summer. How nice would it be to pass the torch to Peterson. He could learn from one of the greatest corners in league history while improving their porous pass defense.

What would you do if you were calling the shots for Denver and Marcell Dareus went No. 1 overall?

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