2011 NFL Draft

The Denver Broncos have the second pick in tonight's NFL draft, which is the highest draft pick the Broncos have ever had.  Fortunately, the Broncos no longer have Josh McDaniels at the helm, and they shouldn't screw up this pick.  As I wrote last year, I wanted the Broncos to take C Maurkice Pouncey or G Mike Iupati.  Both players had solid rookie seasons and Pouncey even was selected to the Pro Bowl as a member of the AFC champion Steelers.

Having the second pick gives the Broncos and new GM John Elway a chance to get one of the top talents in the draft.  The players that I have liked all along since the offseason started are CB Patrick Peterson, LB Von Miller, and DT Marcell Dareus.  All of these players have huge athleticism and could make an immediate impact on the Broncos' weak defense.  I like Peterson the most, but the Broncos need serious help on the front seven.  Miller may be better suited for a 3-4 defense, but he could be tenacious pass rusher as a SAM linebacker.  Lastly, Dareus may be the safest of the picks as he could shore up the interior of the line and be a real run stuffer. 

This year's draft, I don't expect to be shocked by any of the moves the Broncos make.  While it wouldn't surprise me to see the Broncos trade down in the draft if they have any offers, I do not expect them to make any head scratching moves like selecting a running back in the first round, trading a future first rounder for a second round corner back, or throwing all your chips in Tim Tebows corner, as we saw under the McDaniels regime.  The Broncos are in solid hands now.