Broncos' Draft

So there isn't much time to get your responses, but I was wondering what you want the Broncos to do in the draft tomorrow? What needs should they fill? Should they trade up? Trade down? If you are reading this after the draft, share your thoughts on how the draft went.

I think the Broncos will have a tough time matching the first few rounds of last year's draft. They traded up to obtain the future of the franchise, QB Jay Cutler, traded a second round pick to obtain Javon Walker, and also drafted potential stars in TE Tony Scheffler, WR Brandon Marshall, and DE Elvis Dumervil. Not too shabby.

The last few years, I expected the Broncos to draft a defensive end in the first round, as the Broncos pass rush has been one of their biggest weaknesses. Those folks who blamed Darrent Williams for the Colts loss last year were completely mistaken. It was our complete inability to put an ounce of pressure on Manning. If you give any NFL quarterback long enough, he will find an open receiver. You can't expect the defensive backs to maintain coverage forever. I think this is one of the most glaring needs for the Broncos.

However, with the loss of Al Wilson, the Broncos now also have a need at linebacker. I expect they will move DJ Williams over to middle linebacker, but I don't know who they will have take his spot. Ian Gold was drafted by the Broncos in the second round of the 2000 draft, so maybe they can hit gold twice (sorry) in the second round. Shanahan's biggest draft successes have been linebackers (Mobley, Wilson, Williams, and Gold).

They also have needs on the offensive line and safety positions. Former starters Cooper Carlisle (free agency to Oakland) and George Foster (trade to Detroit) are no longer on the team. The safety position suffered injuries to Nick Ferguson and Sam Brandon last year, which really hurt us down the stretch, and John Lynch isn't getting any younger.

Hopefully, the Broncos can draft a player who can make an immediate impact at one of the positions I mentioned above. I think they have a good team returning and with the anticipated improvement of Cutler, I think they can make a long run in the playoffs.