Something Different Mock

[THE MAMMOTH]

I don’t have a lot of time next week, so here’s a mock that hopefully happens on Thursday!

In this mock I'd like to address a particular facet of how EXF seem to want to run the team: a pass-oriented core of players both offensively and defensively. In this type of team, positions highly emphasized are quarterback (checked off list), wide receiver (almost-checked), offensive tackle (checked), multiple pass rushers (checked), and defensive back (almost-checked). Furthermore in this type of team, positions such as running back and defensive tackle are not as highly emphasized. This is one of the reasons why I think EXF haven't tried to break the bank on any defensive tackle in free agency. Also while Jack Del Rio's defense had huge defensive tackles in its prime, I don't think that the defense that he will build here will be so predicated on run-stuffing, but rather pass rushing. The following mock addresses these core values:

2012 NFL Draft

The Broncos board does not go as planned, and Stephon Gilmore, Dre Kirkpatrick, Michael Brockers, and Mark Barron are all off the board before the Broncos pick. Instead of reaching for another defensive tackle or corner, the Broncos trade down to round two deciding that Jerel Worthy would be a reach at 25.

TRADE - The St. Louis Rams trade their two second round picks (33 and 39) to the Denver Broncos for first (25) and second (57) round draft picks. The Rams decided to pass on Justin Blackmon and take Fletcher Cox with the 6th overall pick, however, they decide they need that true number one wide receiver and trade back into round one to take Stephon Hill.

TRADE - LB DJ Williams traded to the Eagles for CB Asante Samuel.



The Broncos missed out on Gilmore and Kirkpatrick, and even with Tracy Porter make a move to drastically improve the defense. This trade will be beneficial to both sides: the Eagles get that linebacker they sorely need to succeed in their Wide-9 scheme next to DeMeco Ryans, and the Broncos get the depth at corner that they value so highly. The Broncos front office has grown tired of DJ's off the field issues, and his upcoming suspension for PEDs only adds to his seemingly growing list of trouble. Asante Samuel has been linked to this team recently, and he can come in and be a ball-hawk on the outside, something which Fox and Del Rio covet. On third downs, he and Tracy Porter can line up outside while Champ and Chris Harris man the inside slot positions. Adding Samuel brings much needed turnovers to this defense, which was something our defense was sorely missing last year.

Second Round
Pick 33 - Lavonte David, Linebacker, Nebraska (6-1, 233)



The Broncos grab an instinctual and productive linebacker to replace DJ. Despite moving from MIKE to WILL linebacker last season, David produced 133 tackles, 5.5 sacks, and two interceptions and was the leader of the Huskers defense for the past two seasons. If he was an inch or two taller and twenty pounds heavier, David would have been a first rounder this year. While some may question replacing a brute like DJ for a quick and agile David, look no further than Thomas Davis, who Fox coached from an undersized college safety to one of the best WILL linebackers in the league when healthy.

Pick 39 - Kendall Reyes, Defensive Tackle, Connecticut (6-4, 299)



Reyes provides the Broncos with the pass rush up the gut, which they severely lacked last season. However, even with his pass rushing prowess, Reyes is a decent player against the run as well. Reyes had 46 tackles, 13.5 tackles for a loss, and 4.5 sacks last year for the Huskies. In Reyes, the Broncos get the quick inside penetrator who can take some of the pressure off of Von and Dumervil.

Third Round
Pick 87 - Chris Givens, Wide Receiver, Wake Forest (5-11, 198)



The wide receiver corps as of now is decent, however, it is lacking in depth with only Andre Caldwell and Brandon Stokely (who’s probably too old to make the team) of note behind Thomas and Decker. Givens has recently been likened to Pittsburgh’s Mike Wallace for his great route running and straight-line speed. Givens entered the draft as a junior, but he still was one of the most consistent receivers in the FBS last year with 83 receptions for 1330 yards and nine TDs. Gives the offense the flexibility to line Decker in the slot and still have an outside threat opposite of Demaryius.

Fourth Round
Pick 108 - Jared Crick, Defensive Tackle/Defensive End, Nebraska (6-4, 279)



Crick can provide the defense with an interior pass rush from defensive tackle, but he also gives Del Rio the flexibility to shift to end on rushing downs. He would have been a likely first or second round pick had he not tore his pectoral during the season. However, he had 9.5 sacks both his sophomore and junior seasons and his tenacity in every play is incredible. Crick could team up with Ayers on the inside on passing downs at defensive tackle.

Pick 120 - Chris Rainey, Running Back/Wide Receiver/Return Specialist, Florida (5-8, 180)



Rainey could give the offense the spark that was lacking all of last season. While I think Knowshon will do well with Manning, Rainey could spell McGahee and Knowshon on third downs and also provide a little depth at wide receiver, which he was relatively successful at during the Senior Bowl. Rainey would also provide the Broncos with a special teams ace, who not only can return kickoffs and punts effectively, but also blocked six punts during his college career.

Fifth Round
Pick 137 - Tom Compton, Offensive Tackle/Offensive Guard, South Dakota (6-6, 314)



Compton was a leader for the Coyotes this season and would not only provide the Broncos depth at right tackle, but guard as well. Possesses NFL caliber frame and is an explosive and nasty run blocker.

Sixth Round
Pick 188 - Brian Hendricks, Linebacker, Wyoming (6-1, 228)



Hendricks was wildly productive outside and middle linebacker for the Cowboys throughout his collegiate career. He was also a two-time state champion wrestler in high school, who loves to tackle and would provide solid depth at all linebacker positions.


Well, what do you guys think?

[jsthomp2007]

I like it! But, with no Robert Turbin in any mock, I would see as just mediocre.
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Ninja stealth muggers in the Bellagio has left me in a state of congitive disonance...

[Mile High]

I would disagree with liking this mock.

1. Assuming that both D.J. and Asante are weak charactered players, I way rather choose D.J. over Asante. D.J. at least plays a position that we are weaker at.

2. No way Fletcher Cox goes 6 overall.

3. David - Good player but Woodyard is fine, borderline good in pass coverage and wil fit well.

You end strong, I love Reyes and Givens and Rainey and what not. I just don't know about that trade.
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Jamison. mad props on this amazing Sig!!!

[germ-x]

I like this mock and like the idea. It is a pretty deep LB class and I think Denver could find a starting WLB (if they wanted to of course) in the first 2 rounds.

I also like the draft, I would have no problems with it....especially drafting Hendricks I would be freakin pumped if that happened and it would probably be my favorite Bronco moment. To go along with what you posted about him wrestling, he was a D1 wrestling prospect as well and could have went just about anywhere in that sport, including Oklahoma St, which is one of the premier programs...he lost 1 match in his HS career his freshman year in the state semi's at 189 and then missed his sophomore year season due to injury.

[Winder23]

I like the draft, but there is no way Crick is around in the fourth round. His tape of his sophomore and junior seasons shows an incredible player. The injuries slowed him last year, but he is a baller.
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GO BRONCOS!

[ToastedOats]

It is a different draft, that I'll give ya.

I know Hendricks personally as I am from the Burlington area, he is a great kid, but he is not going to get drafted. He gets washed out too many times even against sub-par competition.

The problem with the trade for Asante is simple - he wants too much money.

Germ, throwing out some Hendricks memories....I know his family well and his dad is a spitting image of Brian. Like I said, great family, I just do not think his game transfers well to the NFL.

[Zukhyubern]

I really like this actually, including the trade. Of course it's a tad unrealistic but who knows...

I really like David and would be more than happy to have him replace DJ. I don't like the Givens pick however... I'd rather see a C or a RB there. And Turbin would be the perfect pick in round 4

[germ-x]

[elliot878]

I like everything about this mock. Like the trade, like the players you drafted. Only two things I think make it a tad unrealistic, Rams taking Cox, and Crick lasting to the end of the 4th. But whose to say those things can't happen - crazier things have happened in the draft. Nice job.
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^Jamison. ^!!!!

[Russell2Bailey]

I like the pickup of David if we ditched DJ Williams. Woodyard is not a capable full-time Linebacker. Even on the Weakside, he's a detriment against the run.
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[JerseysFinest27]

I play around with this in my head a couple weeks ago. Trading DJ and drafting David. With LBer a huge need for PHI, I wouldnt be surprised if they do that trade. Samuel will have to take a paycut though.

Lavonte David is a stud, so I love the pick. HOWEVER, I think he'll sneak up into the bottom of the 1st.

[Donut]

[AnAngryAmerican]

I'd be irate if we traded DJ for Samuel.
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big_palooka:

Broncos CSU Rams Rockies Tiger Woods

[germ-x]

[Mile High]