Here we go again with a look at what the defending Super Bowl champs might do. They have 10 Picks right now, which is a good thing because the team has lost a lot of the key players from that championship team. They are most unsettled at QB with the defection of MANNING & OSWEILER. Even though I see GM ELWAY taking a QB it may not be right away. They may be going after a repeat in 2016 by counting on a VFA like MARK SANCHEZ to lead them. That might seem risky, if not foolhardy to many, but JOHN ELWAY has been doing things his way as GM and overall they sure seem to be working out for him.
Round 1, Pick 31 KENNY SMITH/DL/UCLA 6’3/314
You wouldn’t think a college DT would be the first guy taken here, but WADE PHILLIPS, DC, was nigh on a miracle worker last season molding a Defense that carried the team to its championship. This former wrestler is a very good athlete and I could see him doing just fine at DE in their 3-4 front. He plays faster than his 5.08/40-time and is “strong like bull”. He would also look good in a 2-man front in passing down situations. 75 tackles and 6 sacks in 2015 is pretty impressive for a guy on the Nose most of the time. Also a team captain. POsted some very impressive numbers at the Combine. PP#36
Round 2, Pick 63 CHRIS HACKENBERG/QB/PENN STATE 6’4/223
One of the most perplexing prospects in this Draft. It will take a couple of seasons to refine his game, but their run first style of play should suit his talents and psyche nicely. KUBIAK & ELWAY will no doubt work on his gun-shy pocket presence, which is a mess after 100 sacks during his college career. The arm and FBI are there, but time is likely to be needed before he takes over any starting QB job. I like this gamble on upside. PP#63
Round 3, Pick 95 TYVIS POWELL/S/OHIO STATE 6’3/211
If you’ve been following my team mocks you know I have lots of teams after this guy. Take his size, his stats and his athleticism and you should understand why by now. He fills a team need for immediate depth help. Hey BRONCOS fans remember a guy named DENNIS SMITH? Nuff said. PP#95
Round 3, Pick 98 CHARONE PEAKE/WR/CLEMSON 6’2/209
PEAKE never flashed the huge numbers of guys like WAKINS & HOPKINS at Clemson, but he is a very athletic receiver with 4.42 speed. He’s a skilled “hands catcher” with 34″ arms to reach out and extend for the catch. He can catch in a crowd or turn the pattern up and get open deep. Has nice body control and ball skills. He might make a better pro than a collegian and eventually be he team’s No. 2 wideout. PP#95
Round 4, Pick 136 CALEB BENENOCH/OT/UCLA 6’6/311
A large, talented lump of clay with worlds of potential, not unlike a Rookie named CLADY some years ago. But he will take some time to mold into a starting RT most likely. His 34 1/8″ arms are highly coveted by OL coaches. He’s long but also presents a nice wide base. Has played some OG in a pinch while a BRUIN. Has solid potential and was a very impressive physical specimen at the Combine. Needs to improve his functional strength, especially hand punch. PP#132
Round 5, Pick 144 DOMINIQUE ALEXANDER/LB/OKLAHOMA 6’0/232
A highly productive college football player who reminds me a bit of KWON ALEXANDER coming out of LSU last year. I think his athleticism and feel for finding the ball will make up for a few size/speed limitations. Should be an instant star on Special Teams, but I don’t think it will take WADE a long time to find playing time for him from scrimmage. PP#144
Round 5, Pick 157 DANIEL LASCO/RB/CAL 6’0/209
A very solid all-around back whose biggest issue has been staying healthy. Has good hands and is an excellent blocker in pass pro. Those two things will help him see the field early. He has good burst when he sees a hole and was very productive at the Shrine venue in January. Should be a nice fit or a team that likes to run by committee. PP#165
Round 6, Pick 219 JASON FANAIKA/ER/LB/UTAH 6’2/271
I consider this to be a gift for WADE PHILLIPS for all his hard work in 2015. FANAIKA is an edge rusher, with good size when you consider he can drop into coverage. WADE should be able to find multiple roles for him and be able to move him all over the defensive formations. His 4.88/40-time should tell you he has a chance to fill multiple defensive roles. Showed flashes as a rusher at the Senior Bowl. PP#214
Round 7, Pick 228 EVAN BOEHM/OC/MISSOURI 6’2/302
A team captain who has also spent a season at OG early in his college career. He has physical limitations when you watch him out in the open field, but in that box in the center of the OL he is very effective. Has nice size hands (10 1/4″) and decent arm length inside (32 1/2″) to go with some functional strength. Was a wrestling champ and track & field guy back in HS. Needs some work on long snap accuracy, but really looks the part of a back-up Interior OL. PP#231
Round 7, Pick 235 BEAU SANDLAND/TE/MONTANA STATE 6’5/253
Let’s call him a late bloomer who has raised his stock to draftable as a senior. He went to the NFLPA Game and acquitted himself well. His 4.73/40-time is decent for a guy over 250 lbs. and he has large hands (10 1/8″) and good arm length (34 1/4″). He has a chance to contribute as a 3rd stringer, especially in the red zone, where he can catch and block well. PP#235
Round 7, Pick 253 TREVOR DAVIS/WR/RS/CAL 6’1/188
He is clearly a project but you cannot ignore a guy who runs a 4.40/40 and has 10″ hands, not to mention some scary ability as a Kick Returner. If he can add some muscle weight to his frame he could develop into a No. 3/4 WR with time. Special Teams will be his ticket initially of course. PP#256
Some nice variety and interesting skills sets for a team that needs more depth and a few developmental projects to work with. THis group gives them some help right away and maybe for the future.
PIGSKIN
