Watching the Mocks: 5.0
Contribution of original piece to Gray Caldwell
Editor, DenverBroncos.com / Team Media
Follow Gray on Twitter
Our weekly look around the Internet at predictions for the Broncos' selection at No. 31 in the 2014 NFL Draft.
ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- Let's take an updated look at who the draft prognosticators across the Internet believe the Broncos will select with the No. 31 pick in the 2014 NFL Draft. The text below each prediction is what the writer had to say about the pick.
DenverBroncos.com Independent analyst Andrew Mason: +Ohio State Buckeyes LB Ryan Shazier
There's a bit of a burst of good fortune that Shazier lands here; he can step in, play every down and fill what some perceive as a void.
ESPN's Todd McShay: Minnesota DT Ra'Shede Hageman
Hageman would provide the Broncos with good depth along the defensive line early on, and he has the physical tools to develop into a very good NFL defensive tackle. He has an elite combination of size (6-5, 310 pounds), speed, and initial burst and power, although there are some flaws in his technique and finishing ability. He's also previously dealt with some anger issues as a result of his challenging upbringing, but having a veteran leader like DeMarcus Ware around would help with Hageman's development.
Second-round pick: Clemson WR Martavis Bryant
Bryant could struggle a bit with the mental aspect of the game early on in his career, but he is a burner who can really stretch the field vertically.
Sports Illustrated's Don Banks: UCLA G Xavier Su'a-Filo
The Broncos offensive line got exposed by Seattle's defensive front in the Super Bowl. All the great work Denver has done this offseason to get locked and loaded and chase a ring again would go to waste if Peyton Manning didn't have time, or the good health, to work the pass pocket. Su'a-Filo is ready to start from Day 1, and he's versatile enough to play at either guard or tackle. Stanford's David Yankey is the other top-rated interior offensive lineman of which to keep track.
Our weekly look around the Internet at predictions for the Broncos' selection at No. 31 in the 2014 NFL Draft.
ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- Let's take an updated look at who the draft prognosticators across the Internet believe the Broncos will select with the No. 31 pick in the 2014 NFL Draft. The text below each prediction is what the writer had to say about the pick.
DenverBroncos.com Independent analyst Andrew Mason: +Ohio State Buckeyes LB Ryan Shazier
There's a bit of a burst of good fortune that Shazier lands here; he can step in, play every down and fill what some perceive as a void.
ESPN's Todd McShay: Minnesota DT Ra'Shede Hageman
Hageman would provide the Broncos with good depth along the defensive line early on, and he has the physical tools to develop into a very good NFL defensive tackle. He has an elite combination of size (6-5, 310 pounds), speed, and initial burst and power, although there are some flaws in his technique and finishing ability. He's also previously dealt with some anger issues as a result of his challenging upbringing, but having a veteran leader like DeMarcus Ware around would help with Hageman's development.
Bryant could struggle a bit with the mental aspect of the game early on in his career, but he is a burner who can really stretch the field vertically.
The Broncos offensive line got exposed by Seattle's defensive front in the Super Bowl. All the great work Denver has done this offseason to get locked and loaded and chase a ring again would go to waste if Peyton Manning didn't have time, or the good health, to work the pass pocket. Su'a-Filo is ready to start from Day 1, and he's versatile enough to play at either guard or tackle. Stanford's David Yankey is the other top-rated interior offensive lineman of which to keep track.
Keep an eye on Nevada guard Joel Bitonio with this pick, but Shazier's athleticism would be tough to pass up.
NFL.com's Mike Huguenin: Su'a-Filo
A CB or WR would be tempting, but Su'a-Filo is best true guard in draft and would end any concerns about position.
NFL.com's Chase Goodbread: Missouri DE Kony Ealy
CBS Sports' Rob Rang: TCU CB Jason Verrett
The Broncos paid top dollar for Aqib Talib but with the talented cornerback having never played a full season in his seven-year NFL career, Denver would be wise to add fortification to the position in the draft. Verrett may lack size but what the 5-09, 189-pound Verrett lacks in bulk, he more than makes up with grit and athleticism.
Replacing Eric Decker with a similarly reliable route-runner and hands-catcher like Adams shouldn't be this easy.
The Broncos battled numerous injuries to their pass rushers last season and despite signing DeMarcus Ware, Denver needs to continue and develop depth to their front-seven. Ford has the get-off quickness and motor to put dents in the backfield of opposing offenses.
With Eric Decker no longer in Denver, the Broncos could add some young talent to the wide receiver position.
CBS Sports' Will Brinson: Su'a-Filo
Plenty of other concerns for the Broncos, including a wideout and a cornerback, but they learned first hand during the Super Bowl how important protecting Peyton Manning up the middle truly is. Filo will replace the departed Zane Beadles.
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