Denver Broncos 2012 NFL Draft Preview

Preview provided by Kim Constantinesco. Head to Predominantly Orange for more on the Denver Broncos.

What are the team needs for the Denver Broncos heading into the draft?

Sitting at the top of the wish list for the Broncos is defensive tackle. The Broncos lost defensive tackles Brodrick Bunkley (to the New Orleans Saints) and Ryan McBean. The team has longtime veteran Ty Warren coming back from injury, but he’s up there in age. Along with Warren, that leaves Kevin Vickerson and Justin Bannan to fill out the position. Expect the Broncos to select a defensive tackle with the 25th overall pick.

Running back is also a need for the team. At 30 years old, Willis McGahee can’t handle 18-20 carries per game, and Knowshon Moreno hasn’t been able to still healthy. Picking up a back early in the draft would be great to compliment McGahee and turn Moreno into a third-down back.

The Broncos need to look at quarterbacks as well. Yes, Manning is “Plan A” and Caleb Hanie is “Plan B” but what about “Plan F” for Future? Bringing in a guy with quality footwork who is a film junkie will benefit greatly under Manning’s wing.

Who are some prospects you’d like to see end up with the Broncos?

The top defensive tackle in my book (who is likely to still be available at No. 25) is Devon Still out of Penn State. The guy had some setbacks early on in his college career, first tearing his MCL and then breaking his ankle, but he rounded out his college career nicely, and had 54 tackles (17 for a loss) and 4.5 sacks during his senior year.

Running back Doug Martin out of Boise State is another guy worth taking a look at. He had 1300 yards and 16 touchdowns, and he’s also a nice receiving threat for Manning to have out of the backfield.

Quarterback wise, Brock Osweiler from Arizona State and Kirk Cousins out of Michigan State will be around in the second or even third round and both bring a lot to the table.

What would represent a successful draft in your opinion?

A successful Broncos draft would mean selecting a top-notch defensive tackle and running back in the first two rounds of the draft. Those are the team’s biggest needs, and ultimately they are building blocks for the future. The New England Patriots and the New York Giants have been so successful over the last decade because of their strategy in the draft. The Super Bowl is played in February, but everything begins the April before.

Give us a bold prediction for your team.

The Broncos select a running back in the first round of the draft rather than a tackle. If Doug Martin is available, the team may put defensive tackle on hold until the second round. Talent is deep at that position anyway.