How Did the Denver Broncos Do in the 2014 NFL Draft?
The Denver Broncos were super active in free agency landing key players that were obviously weak links for them in 2013, especially noticed in the lopsided butt whipping in the Super Bowl. The huge signings of T.J. Ward, Aqib Talib and DeMarcus Ware will instantly transform a weak defense into an extremely strong one. They lost WR Eric Decker to the New York Jet but signed free agent Pittsburgh Steelers Emmanuel Sanders and resigned Andre Caldwell. No doubt GM John Elway is holding the sigh, "Super Bowl or bust." The Denver Broncos finished 13-3 and knowing Peyton Manning and Elway, they are aiming for a perfect 16-0 record. "Damn the torpedoes and full steam ahead," should be the Denver Broncos motto for the 2014 season.
2014 NFL DRAFT PICK RECAP AND ANALYSIS
Bradley Roby CB, Ohio State Round 1 Pick # 31
The Denver Broncos had no choice but to pop on this highly rated, questionable maturity CB. I had Denver taking Xavier Su'a-Filo OG in the first round in my 2014 NFL Mock draft. This think they would have if Roby didn't slip so far down and become a bargain draft pick. Roby is gonna be an additional player to support secondary newcomers, T.J. Ward and Aqib Talib. Great depth pick by John Elway.
Cody Latimer WR, Indiana Round 2 Pick # 24
Elway had to move some draft picks around the league to get this player. Some say he overreached and paid too much, I don't agree. A big bodied wide receiver that has great hands is exactly the possession receiver that Peyton Manning loves to work with and the pick shows that influence.Grade A.
Michael Schofield RT, Michigan Round 3 Pick # 31
This guarantees that Orlando Franklin will be moved to left guard which should give Peyton Manning additional protection from injury. It will also take the pressure of holding a TE on the strong side to block and let the backs float into the flats for a check down pass rather than either having to pull block duty. Excellent Pick and shows why GM Elway is as good as they come evaluating talent.Grade A.
Lamin Barrow LB, Louisiana State Round 5 Pick # 16
A nickel defender and a special teams play maker will be what is expected from this small sized Outside linebacker. Denver needed an impact player on special teams and found him Grade B.
Matthew Paradis C, Boise State Round 6 Pick # 31
Tough player who I expect will just get better and eventually become a right guard rather than a Center. Needs to put on 15 pounds of muscle minimum and needs some coaching on technique. 6th round project player that should be a starter in the next two years. Grade B+
Corey Nelson LB, Oklahoma Round 7 Pick # 27
Another special teams draft. Plays bigger than his size with speed. Could eventually be transitioned to a free safety position but most likely will career as a special teams specialist. Grade B+
Analysis and overall draft grade
Elway was a player that liked to be a creator as a QB. Rolling around and diving into the end zone were his trademarks that made him a Hall of Fame QB. As a GM, he is more controlled, making cerebral moves that most Player/GMs won't have the sense to even consider. Elway traded some picks to get to WR Cody Latimer and that's huge. He also traded out of his 4th round pick because he didn't see anyone on his board that made sense. Most league GMs should have to watch John Elway command draft day as he is becoming the benchmark for excellence in the front office.
Draft Grade: A+
Elway shows up most GMs on draft day by staying to the board of who is the best player left in the draft and not being so need dependent. So far he has commanded the off season free agency and the draft like a maestro directing the symphony. Man was born to be a leader.
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