2011 NFL Mock Draft: Denver Broncos Second Take: Broncos Upgrade Front Line

The Denver Broncos have consistently been one of the league’s worst defenses since the end of the 2006 campaign when inside linebacker Al Wilson got injured. For a brief period of time there, the Broncos actually had a very dominant defense from 2005-2006, and Wilson was a big reason why.

When Wilson hurt his spine, the Broncos’ defense seemed to go way downhill. Even a 2007 draft class that included three defensive line prospects was not enough to help the Broncos, as none of the three players became regular starters. From 2008-2010, the Broncos pretty much just gave up on drafting defensive linemen. In 2008, they picked up Carlton Powell who never saw the field, and in 2009 they selected Robert Ayers whose next down as a defensive end will be his first.

In 2010, it was much of the same. The Broncos picked up a guy in Jammie Kirlew in the seventh round, one who was slated to play linebacker as well. He didn’t make it out of training camp.

As you can imagine, the Broncos’ 2011 draft class will likely have an emphasis on the defensive line, and that became even more evident when they cut two 2010 starters in Justin Bannan and Jamal Williams. Not only that, but prospective free agent Marcus Thomas indicated he would also test the free agent market rather than sign the tender the Broncos offered him.

The only defensive lineman returning from last year who played in 2010 is Kevin “Big Vick” Vickerson, a 28 year old rotational guy who had a solid season with Denver.

The Broncos will have a completely re-tooled defensive line, and expected to make the transition from linebacker to putting their hand in the ground are the following players:

• Elvis Dumervil
• Robert Ayers
• Jason Hunter
• David Veikune

Obviously, the outside linebacker position–now defensive end–could become a big strength for the Broncos. Both Ayers and Veikune are much more natural fits as 4-3 defensive ends. Ayers will likely play strong-side defensive end and Veikune on the weak side rotating with Dumervil.

How will the Broncos then address the beef on the interior? With only Kevin Vickerson returning, I could see two, maybe three picks spent on that position. Here’s how I think the Broncos’ draft could unfold of the process began tomorrow:

1. First Round, 2nd overall:  Marcell Dareus, Defensive Tackle, Alabama

6’3″ 319

Exceptional quickness, and probably one of the quicker first-steps of any defensive tackle in the NFL Draft. He would step in and start for the Broncos immediately, and would finally give them a dominant space-eater who frees up the linebackers to make plays. Dareus is also a guy who can penetrate into the backfield and create plays on his own. He has shown dominance in big games, and has every tool you look for in a defensive tackle prospect. He’s not as flashy as Nick Fairley, but he seems like he could start for a decade in the NFL and be a consistent Pro Bowl performer.

2. Second Round, 36th overall:  Marvin Austin, Defensive Tackle, North Carolina

6’2″ 310

If the Broncos could come away with two of the draft’s top defensive tackles, I will be very pleased. Austin was at one point considered a top five tackle, but missing an entire year has pushed his stock out of the first round. That being said, he went from being a third round prospect in my mind to a 2nd round pick by showing extremely impressive athleticism and strength, and when I was scouting Robert Quinn, I kept on noticing Austin. He is a perfect complement on the interior to Marcell Dareus, and could be an absolute force in the NFL.

3.  Second Round, 46th overall (from Dolphins):  Ryan Williams, Running Back, Virginia Tech

5’9″ 212

The Broncos need to add another back to compliment Knowshon Moreno, who has been unable to consistently stay healthy for the Broncos. This team is going back to a zone blocking scheme, an offense that suits Williams’ talents perfectly. A lot of people think the Broncos will reach for a safety or linebacker at this point in the draft, and that would be foolish. The Broncos lack talent more than they lack linebackers or safeties, so they should take the best player available who also fits a position of need.

Williams would fit right in with Moreno in the backfield, and would be a nice asset to this team’s offensive attack.

4.  Third Round, 67th overall:  Allen Bailey, Defensive End, Miami

6’3″ 285

One of the things that John Fox and the regime in Carolina always seemed to do without fail was find a mid-round defensive end that slipped through the cracks. Guys like Everette Brown and Charles Johnson were both players who fell through the cracks, and Bailey fits the bill here.

Bailey is going to need good coaching at the next level in order to reach his full potential, and he would get that in Denver. He would likely rotate with Robert Ayers at the strong-side defensive end position, and he could also kick inside in passing downs. This is just a value pick and one to add some depth for Denver. On paper, it would give them a four or five man rotation with Bailey, Ayers, Dumervil, Hunter, and possibly Veikune.

**Kyle Orton traded to Minnesota for a 2012 2nd round pick, 2011 4th round pick (trade obviously contingent upon new CBA)**

5. Fourth Round (from Minnesota):  Deunta Williams, Safety, North Carolina

6’2″ 205

Williams has some injury concerns, but first to second round talent. If he falls to the mid rounds as is expected, he could be a real steal. The Broncos would initially use him as a special teams player, but he has the ability to develop into an eventual starter. In this projected trade, the Broncos also get a solid future asset in a second round pick from Minnesota in 2012.

6. Sixth Round (from New England): Charles Clay, FB/H-B/TE, Tulsa

6’3″ 240

Clay is a guy who is good at a lot of things, but not really great at anything. He did pretty much everything for Tulsa, and he reminds me of a Peyton Hillis type of player. He has the potential as a reciever, h-back, or even as a power running back. He’s the type of guy you just love to have on your team because he can do so many things.

7.  Seventh Round:  DeMarcus Van Dyke, Cornerback, Miami

6’1″ 185

If the Raiders don’t take this guy before the Broncos do, he could be a nice bargain in the seventh round. With his size and speed, he has great potential as a special teams player early, and could develop into a contributor in nickel and dime packages.

Draft Recap

1. Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama
2. Marvin Austin, DT, North Carolina
3. Ryan Williams, RB, Virginia Tech
4. Allen Bailey, DE, Miami
5. Deunta Williams, S, North Carolina
6. Charles Clay, FB/TE, Tulsa
7. Demarcus Van Dyke, CB, Miami