There is so much clutter, so much talk and so much BS flying you would think it was the Presidential race. Nope, just the NFL draft. The future of young players, GMs, coaches and fandom hangs in the balance with the picks that will be made tomorrow through the weekend. As the talking heads discuss who will be picked by teams there are two trains of thought…need vs best available. Which of these two thoughts does a team address when bringing in new players? The Broncos have made it clear which philosophy they favor. If you look at their 1st round picks for the past four years the Broncos understand the nature of football and choose the best available player.
2012-Von Miller
If I need to explain why this was a good pick then you need to stop reading sports columns. It didn’t matter if Lawrence Taylor and Derrick Thomas were your starters at OLB, you would still select Von Miller.
2013-Sylvester Williams
The Broncos picked the big defensive tackle with the 28th overall pick. At the time the roster had Shaun Phillips, Kevin Vickerson and Terrance Knighton on the roster. The team had other holes needing filled (including QB) but went with a player at a premium position for them. Sly filled in well in 2015-2016 and is in line to be the main replacement for Malik Jackson. When done correctly, depth built through the draft can quickly become starters.
2014-Bradley Roby
Defensive back is a position of need if it is not needed at the time. The Broncos showed they agreed with this philosophy when they drafted Bradley Roby despite signing Aqib Talib and having Chris Harris on the roster. Looking ahead, this pick will prove prophetic as well. Aqib’s salary cap number could become too much for the Broncos to swallow in 2017. Roby should be ready for a bigger role and would allow the Broncos to negotiate with leverage or let him walk.
2015-Shane Ray
Shaq Barrett, Von Miller, Demarcus Ware and Antonio Smith were all pass rushers returning to the Broncos for the 2015-2016. The Broncos thought so highly of Ray they traded up to get him. Now Demarcus Ware is more part time than ever and Von Miller is in contract negotiations. Another pick based on best player that worked out for the future
2016-???
There are rumors abound. Offensive line, Safety, Corner, Linebacker and D-line are the needs. There are QBs that will be available but does the Broncos brass see them as the best available player? Is Robert Nkemdiche too good to pass up? He would be the best available if he’s there. Shane Ray and Von Miller had question marks when they were drafted. Is the offensive line class deep enough to address it in later rounds? We shall see tonight. I get the feeling an “odd” choice could be in store. Odd until two years goes by and the pick looks very smart.
