Denver Broncos 2015 NFL Draft: Grades and Recap

Nov 1, 2014; Columbia, MO, USA; Kentucky Wildcats running back Stanley Williams (18) is tackled by Missouri Tigers defensive lineman Shane Ray (56) during the second half at Faurot Field. Missouri won 20-10. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

The Denver Broncos have had one of their least ‘exciting’ offseasons in 2015 based on what we’ve seen from John Elway in the past, but that all changed in the 2015 NFL Draft.

Lacking a true ‘splash’ move in free agency, it was up  to Elway to find an impact player in the NFL Draft, and he did just that. The Broncos moved up five spots in the first round with the Detroit Lions, where they had apparently had a deal in place well before the night began, and the Broncos moved up to snag Missouri pass rusher Shane Ray.

This draft, as much as it always is about taking the best player available, was also about making sure the Broncos had picked up some guys that could help protect Peyton Manning as well.

Let’s take a look at how the Broncos did that, and what this draft means for them moving forward.

Next: Day Two Picks