Denver Broncos 2012 NFL Draft Q&A With Kim Constantinesco of Predominantly Orange
The Denver Broncos made the biggest plash of free agency in 2012, possibly the biggest acquisition of all-time when they signed former Indianapolis Colts legend Peyton Manning. They still have some holes to fill, and the draft is where it will get done. We are conducting Q&As all around the FanSided network, and on the docket today is Denver Broncos blogger and editor of Predominantly Orange, Kim Constantinesco. Since I’m a Broncos guy, I’ll be adding editor’s notes where I feel necessary.
1. What are your team’s top three needs heading to the draft?
Defensive tackle, running back, and safety. Undoubtedly, the Broncos’ biggest need is at defensive tackle. The team has Ty Warren and Kevin Vickerson, but a top-25 talent is needed for depth. Then the team will look to fill their need at running back and at safety. Willis McGahee can’t handle a heavy load anymore and the dual back system is a great way to keep a defense on its heels. Brian Dawkins’ return is questionable and the other safeties that the Broncos have are aren’t exactly fitting the bill.
(Editor’s note: I do not think safety is a need at all. The Broncos had better not use a high pick on a position where they spent two last year. They drafted my top 2 safeties in the 2011 class, so I really hope they give them time to develop. Denver’s also added Mike Adams, the safety from the Cleveland Browns. There’s also those rumors about Champ Bailey moving to safety someday. I don’t know. Me personally, I think the need is filled… -SB)
2. What is your team’s biggest offseason acquisition, and how will it affect draft strategy?
Peyton Manning changes the offense entirely from last year to this year. He will have his fingerprints on the play book well before OTA’s begin, and he will be the nucleus of the team. This allows the Broncos to focus more on the defensive side of the ball which have holes at defensive tackle, cornerback, and potentially at safety. It’s clear that by signing Manning, the Broncos are in a ‘win now’ approach as each year gets significantly more important for them to capitalize on Manning’s tremendous skill set.
3. Who would you mock to your team in the 1st round right now, realistically?
DT Devon Still from Penn State. The guy impresses on and off the field. On the field, he has great size (6’4″, 303 pounds), and last year he had 55 tackles (17 for a loss), and 4.5 sacks. He deals with adversity well as evident by simply being a member of Penn State’s team during the scandal. He also missed a slew of games early in his career due to a knee injury and a fractured ankle. He bounces back and emits a great deal of maturity.
(How about some flare, Kim?! Give us Stephen Hill! 😉 -SB)
4. Which player from your team’s class of 2010 is going to break out in 2012?
WR Demaryius Thomas is a guy that a lot of people forget the Broncos drafted before Tim Tebow in 2010. He struggled with injuries early on, but being paired with Manning couldn’t be better for him. Thomas had some break-out games in 2011, but you could tell he was young and inexperienced. Manning is going to take his game to a whole new level very quickly. Plus for Manning, he’s never had a receiver as big as Thomas (6’3″, 235 pounds) to target.
5. Who is your team’s best draft pick since 2002?
That’s such a hard question, but for me it boils down to Elvis Dumervil, Ryan Clady, or Von Miller. Based on where the Broncos drafted him, I have to say Dumervil. What a steal in the 4th round of the 2006 draft.
6. Which division rival of your team are you most worried about in 2012?
Had the Chiefs not been so beat up last year, they could have taken the division. This year, they get Jamaal Charles and Tony Moeaki back on offense as well as Eric Berry on defense. Matt Cassel is a solid quarterback and the team has Brady Quinn to back him up. The Chiefs are talented at the core. They just need the right system in place and a little luck on their side with injuries.
7. Which position could your team draft that would surprise everyone, but not your fan base?
Even though the Broncos signed Manning in the off season, and then followed that up by signing backup Caleb Hanie, don’t be surprised if the Broncos select a quarterback by round 4. They have a ‘win now’ mentality, but they also understand that the draft is a time to build for the future. Picking up a solid QB in this draft to study under Manning could potentially set them up for success way down the road.
(Would definitely add WR to this list. -SB)